Armed Forces community
Walsall Council Strikes Gold with Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Award
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Walsall Council has officially been awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The award recognises the council’s outstanding, long-term commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including reservists, veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
This prestigious Award comes after the Council successfully delivered its first official Armed Forces Day in Walsall on June 28 2026, attracting over 6,500 visitors to the borough.
“ Securing the Gold Award is a momentous achievement for Walsall, and it reflects our unwavering determination to stand by those who serve our nation. This recognition is testament to the hard work of our teams who have woven military support directly into the fabric of our council policies and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in achieving this Award.
Our Armed Forces community makes invaluable contributions to our society, and we are proud to offer them a workplace and a borough where they are truly valued, supported, and respected. We will continue to champion this cause and lead by example across the region. “
The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who actively support those who serve, veteran communities, and their families. To achieve this landmark status, Walsall Council met a series of rigorous criteria, including:
- Providing at least 10 days of additional paid leave each year for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to complete essential training.
- Implementing workplace policies including launching the Armed Forces Staff Network.
- Recognised the Armed Forces community as a local protected characteristic in 2024.
- Advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant and mentoring local businesses through the ERS scheme, successfully guiding three local businesses from Bronze to Silver status this year.
- Actively promoting the Covenant, championing defence support, and encouraging other regional organisations to pledge their support.
“ As an ex-serviceman myself, I am incredibly proud that Walsall Council has been recognised with the prestigious Gold Award. This is not just a badge; it represents our deep, active commitment to those who put their lives on the line for our country.
By offering paid leave, supportive workplace policies, and proactively advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant, we are ensuring our heroes and the families who stand beside them have the tangible backing they deserve right here in our borough. We hope this inspires other employers across the borough to step forward and join us in giving our unwavering support to our Armed Forces community. “
This achievement marks a significant step up from the Silver Award the council secured in July 2024, highlighting its continuous drive to integrate military support into the heart of the borough. For more information: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/council-earns-silver-award-its-support-armed-forces-community
Walsall Council first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013, renewed its commitments with updated pledges in late 2023, and further solidified this dedication by welcoming local organisations to sign the Covenant in March 2026.
Additionally, the Council regularly collaborates with local charities, schools, and business partners to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community have no difficulties accessing local services or seeking employment.
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Notes to Editors
About Walsall Council’s Armed Forces Support
Walsall Council is dedicated to ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. Through local initiatives, policy changes, and community events, the council works to eliminate disadvantage and provide robust support networks for the military community across the borough.
About the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)
The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
For the full list of employers who won the Gold ERS Award, visit the Ministry of Defence website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/162-employers-across-the-uk-recognised-for-going-above-and-beyond-for-the-armed-forces-community
For more information on the DERS Recognition Scheme, visit: Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK
