Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP, a Ringwood-based firm, has been honoured with a gold award for its outstanding support to the armed forces community.

The award, part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, was conferred upon the firm through the Armed Forces Covenant, and represents the highest badge of honour for civilian organisations.

In April and June of 2024, the firm rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at backing the military community.

These included arrangements for a talk from the Royal Navy's presentation team, a firm-wide bake sale, a rounders competition, and a Lunch & Learn event featuring speakers from the Army Benevolent Fund, which saw the firm raise over £500.

Ellis Jones also offers work experience opportunities to local cadet units, sponsors kit and equipment, and provides an extra ten days of paid leave each year for staff engaged in reserve and cadet activities.

This prestigious award commends Ellis Jones — which employs nearly 200 people across offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage, Wimborne, Broadstone, London, and its headquarters in Ringwood — who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the armed forces.

The firm has several employees associated with the regular forces, reserves, and cadet forces, ensuring fair treatment for those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families.

The Gold Award is categorised into three tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Ellis Jones, having previously held both Bronze and Silver, now receives the Gold Award.

They extend discounted services to the armed forces' personnel, veterans, and openly encourage applications from these groups under recruitment and career development policies.

The award ceremony is slated to take place at Longleat House in Wiltshire on November 21.

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ managing partner, said: "At Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP, we are deeply honoured to receive the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award.

"Our unwavering support for the defence community stems from a profound respect for the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism demonstrated by service personnel and their families.

"We believe it is our duty to create an inclusive workplace that values the unique skills and experiences they bring.

"By providing tailored support, and fostering an environment where veterans, reservists and military families can thrive, we aim to give back to those who have given so much.

"This recognition reinforces our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who serve our country, and we will continue to champion initiatives that support their integration and well-being within our community."

Senior associate solicitor Conor Maher, Ellis Jones’ Armed Forces champion and himself a commissioned officer in the Army Cadet Force with the rank of captain, said: "We at Ellis Jones recognise the huge benefit that the defence community brings both to the civilian workplace and to their communities.

"We are committed to working with regular service personnel, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans, military spouses, partners and the wider defence community to bring about positive change."