Human Quotient Group is honoured to have been named Small Employer of the Year at the 2025 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards, held in Canberra on 24 November. Additionally, the veteran family owned social enterprise was a proud finalist in the Best Veteran Employment Initiative category.

Awards a significant part of the Government’s Veteran Employment Program

These Awards celebrate the contributions of veterans, Defence partners and the employers that walk alongside them. With nominations increasing significantly this year, the recognition reflects a growing national commitment to veteran family wellbeing and meaningful employment.

This year the awards were centered around the theme, ‘Celebrating our growing community,’ which acknowledges not only the achievements of veterans, partners and employers, but also the collective impact created when the veteran employment community works together with intention and care.

The awards celebrate the skills and experience plus the values of service and excellence that veterans and families bring to workplaces and their local communities.

As the Prime Minister, The Hon Anthony Albanese, noted: “These awards are a powerful act of recognition of how those attributes are being brought to bear across the country and I congratulate all the winners and nominees.”

Championing capability, connection and community

The acknowledgement from Veteran Employment Program highlights a core part of Human Quotient Group’s work: creating structures, programs and cultures where Defence and veteran families feel seen, supported and set up for success. The nomination recognised:

• thoughtful onboarding and people processes designed to support and retain veterans and Defence partners
• practical, evidence-informed programs for Defence and veteran partners navigating unemployment or underemployment
• a strong, demonstrated commitment to championing veteran family wellbeing and advocating for systemic change.

Co-Founders Claire Harris and Ron Kovalcik, together with Capability Specialist Peter Nagle, represented the organisation at the ceremony.

According to Claire Harris, the award is deeply meaningful because it speaks to the heart of Human Quotient Group’s purpose.

“We created this business with the goal of making a difference in the lives of people in the veteran community and women,” she said.

“For our team of veterans and partners, we set out to provide a positive workplace and to be part of an entity championing meaningful employment for the broader veteran family community.

“While small business can be a rollercoaster sometimes, it’s a joy to be able to do what we do. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey of Human Quotient Group. From mentors and clients to partners and enthusiastic cheer squads.”

Ron Kovalcik weighed in on how the Awards reflect the collective effort of a community committed to improving outcomes.

“Thank you to everyone that made the award night possible and to all those other finalists and winners and non-finalists who bring their A game every day to do good for the veteran family community. We want to hear more about your goals and are keen to collaborate in supporting this community.”

Celebrating growth, committing to more

The national Awards come at a time of growing momentum. Nearly 500 organisations have now joined the Veteran Employment Commitment, reaffirming that veteran and partner talent is not only valued but essential to thriving workplaces and communities.

For Human Quotient Group, receiving this award is a tremendous honour and a meaningful recognition of the work we do, while also inspiring us to continue striving toward even greater impact for veterans and Defence and veteran partners.

Check out our photo gallery from the awards