DENBIGHSHIRE County Council has been honoured with a prestigious Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a Ceremony held in Cardiff on December 1.

Representing the highest badge of honour, this award is given to those that employ and support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

To win an award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must show they have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces as well showing that they provide ten extra paid days leave for reservists.

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

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The award was presented to County Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council at the event, which was presided over by Rear Admiral Jude Terry OBE.

Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: “To be presented with this award is such an honour and I am pleased that our firm commitment to support the armed forces as a council has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence.

“It is important to create an inclusive and supportive environment where our hard-working members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families feel safe and supported.

“To be named as one of 12 Welsh employers amongst 156 national organisations is a truly an honour.”

Councillor Julie Matthews, Cabinet Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities, and who is also the Armed Forces Champion, said: “We have strong links with the Armed Forces communities and a proud tradition of supporting them through our Armed Forces Covenant which we signed originally in 2013 and again in 2019.

“I am delighted that our commitment to supporting the armed forces community has been recognised.”