Western Approaches Museum makes history with MOD Gold Award and Tranmere Rovers partnership

Western Approaches Museum in Liverpool has achieved two historic milestones.

Western Approaches is the first UK museum to receive the prestigious Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, and the first to sponsor a national league football club, Tranmere Rovers.

Western Approaches HQ was formerly a top-secret command centre for the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War and now preserves the vital history of Allied naval operations, showcasing the strategic efforts that helped turn the tide of the war.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.

The Gold Award honours the museum and its parent company Big Heritage for its extensive support for veterans and active Armed Forces members – assisting ex-service personnel and other charities that support them, collaborating closely with the Royal Navy to welcome serving crew members to the city and providing funding to pay for Battle of the Atlantic veterans from across the UK to visit the site.

Reflecting on the museum’s remarkable achievement, Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, said:

“Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace when they leave service. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.

“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”

Western Approaches Staff member Lauren in Wrens Uniform holding a Tranmere Shirt in the Operations Room. Credit: Western Approaches

In addition to this national recognition, the museum has recently announced a unique partnership with Tranmere Rovers Football Club in Birkenhead, becoming the first museum in the UK to sponsor a professional football team. This collaboration coincides with the club’s 140th anniversary year and aims to promote the museum and broaden local awareness ahead of a new Battle of the Atlantic museum opening in the town in Spring 2026.

As part of the partnership, signage promoting Western Approaches is now visible inside and outside Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park stadium. The two organisations have already collaborated on a cultural engagement programme with children from the Hive Youth Zone, and several exciting new fan-led heritage initiatives are being planned.

Dean Paton, CEO of Big Heritage said:

“A tremendous amount of work happens quietly behind the scenes at Western Approaches to support the Armed Forces community, especially veterans. Receiving this Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence is an incredible honour that validates the dedication of our fantastic staff.

“While we don’t seek recognition, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the impact of our efforts is being felt by those who serve or have served.

“At the same time, our partnership with Tranmere Rovers highlights our commitment to finding new and innovative ways to engage with the community. These two historic firsts – being recognised for our support of veterans and becoming the first museum to sponsor a national league football club – reflect how we consistently push boundaries and challenge what it means to be a museum.

“Whether it’s honouring our Armed Forces or creating meaningful local connections, we are always looking to lead the way into the future while staying true to our mission of connecting people to the past.”