Staffordshire organisations recognised for supporting armed forces community

Staffordshire County Council have been officially presented with their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, along with 13 other organisations from across the West Midlands.

Joining the county council, the Federation of Small Businesses received the Silver Award in July this year and South Staffordshire Council received the Bronze Award.

The awards are presented to organisations who pledge, demonstrate, and advocate support to its armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The county council is now encouraging other Staffordshire organisations to show their commitment to the armed forces community, whilst also providing support to enable them to achieve the award.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “Supporting our armed forces communities and recognising the huge contribution they make to Staffordshire is a priority for the county council.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award which recognises the work we do to support reservists, serving or former members of the armed forces working for the council.

“Having re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2023, we are fully committed to supporting all those involved and connected with our armed forces.  Our main focus now is to encourage other organisations large and small to sign the covenant and pledge their support.”

Colonel Richard Maybery, Chief Executive at West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, commented: “It was such a pleasure to be at the National Sports Centre, which encompasses the iconic Battle Back Centre; a place which embodies the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant. 

“A truly fitting place in which to mark the selfless commitment and huge enthusiasm of our Gold Award winners.  All of them are exemplars in going above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community.

“I’d like to publicly thank all the winners once again on behalf of defence, and to say how much as an association, we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with them.”

Further information on how organisations can support the armed forces community is available on the Armed Forces Covenant website.