Pembrokeshire County Council awarded gold for outstanding support of Armed Forces community

Pembrokeshire County Council awarded gold for outstanding support of Armed Forces community

Pembrokeshire County Council is proud to have been awarded the UK Government’s highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces Community.

The Council has achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, underlining the Authority’s commitment to support those who keep our nation safe, their families and veterans.

The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

To achieve Gold Award standards, nominees must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and proactively demonstrated Armed Forces-friendly credentials in their recruiting and selection processes which accommodate the needs of the Armed Forces community, while continuously promoting this advocacy within networks and industry and supporting the Armed Forces Cadet organisations.

In PCC this includes a guaranteed interview scheme for veterans / their spouses, setting up an Armed Forces working group, advertising recruitment opportunities with specialist military agencies and providing paid days off for reservist duties.

Cllr Simon Hancock, the Council’s Member Champion for Armed Forces, said the Gold status was a natural result of the Council implementing the measures to become an employer of choice of the large Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire.

He added: “I am very proud of the Council being awarded Gold status and for wholeheartedly embracing the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

“I thank officers for the work and commitment that is required for the achievement of this award and also the wider commitment to our armed services.

“Pembrokeshire has a rich military history and a warm relationship with the Armed Forces and I’m delighted that the Council is doing its part to ensure that relationship continues for many years to come.”

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. 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.”

Pembrokeshire County Council was one of 10 Welsh employers to secure the Gold award in 2024.

Covenant re-signed to underline commitment to Armed Forces community

Following the announcement of the Gold award, Pembrokeshire County Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to the men and women who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces.

By renewing this pledge, the Council continues to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire - whether regulars, reserves, veterans, or their families - are treated with fairness and respect.

Council Chief Executive Will Bramble said: “The Covenant underscores our dedication to supporting those who protect our nation, so they are not disadvantaged in accessing public services such as housing, healthcare, and education.

“This renewed commitment strengthens collaboration between the Council, local organisations, and the Army Forces Community, fostering a network of support for our Armed Forces personnel.

“This is especially important as we have 14 Signal Regiment on our doorstep. It also signals to the Armed Forces Community that they are valued and supported in their transition to civilian life, ensuring they receive the same opportunities and care as anyone else.”

Joining the Council at the signing ceremony on Tuesday September 24 were representatives of the Armed Forces, Defence Relationship Management, Bluestone Resort, Silbers CIC, the VC Gallery, Families Foundation and Haverfordwest High VC School.