Armed Forces community
Walsall Council presented with Gold Award for armed forces support
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Walsall Council has been presented with a Gold Award under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, recognising its long-term commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
The council was one of 10 organisations from across the West Midlands recognised at a ceremony at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly, London, on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
The award, announced earlier this year in July, is the highest level of recognition under the scheme for employers supporting the armed forces community.
Councillor Pete Sutton, Armed Forces Champion at Walsall Council, and Irene Ramdehal, Armed Forces Lead, collected the award on the council’s behalf.
“ This is a proud moment for Walsall Council and recognises our commitment to turning support for the armed forces community into practical action through our policies and partnerships.
“Those who serve, veterans and their families make an invaluable contribution to our borough. We want them to feel valued, supported and respected, both in the workplace and in the wider community. This Gold Award is an important milestone. We will continue to strengthen our support as an employer and work with partners to make a difference across the borough. “
To achieve Gold status, Walsall Council met a series of rigorous criteria demonstrating its support for the armed forces community.
The council provides at least 10 days of additional paid leave each year for reservists and Cadet Force adult volunteers to complete essential training, alongside supportive workplace policies and an Armed Forces Staff Network. In 2024, it also recognised the armed forces community as a local protected characteristic.
Beyond its own workforce, the council promotes the Armed Forces Covenant and encourages other organisations across the region to pledge their support. Through the Employer Recognition Scheme, it has mentored three local businesses from Bronze to Silver status this year.
Support has also expanded with the launch of an Armed Forces Hub at Lichfield Street Hub Library in September 2026. Delivered in partnership with military charity Stepway CIO, the hub offers serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families guidance and access to specialist support.
