Monmouthshire County Council has reaffirmed its strong and longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community by retaining Gold Award status in the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Retaining the Gold Award represents far more than an accreditation. It is a clear statement of the organisation’s values and its continued dedication to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is the Ministry of Defence’s flagship programme that recognises employers who go above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community. The scheme includes three tiers: Bronze, Silver and Gold, with Gold status representing the highest level of recognition.

Gold Award holders are required to demonstrate proactive advocacy for Defence, embed forces‑friendly policies across recruitment and HR practices, support reservist mobilisation and training, and actively champion Defence issues within their sector. Organisations that achieve and retain Gold status are recognised as exemplars of best practice and leadership.

By retaining Gold status, MCC confirms that its commitment to the Armed Forces community is not symbolic, but embedded in its organisational culture, policies and day‑to‑day practices.

Gold Award organisations also play a vital outward‑facing role, leading by example and encouraging others to adopt Defence‑friendly practices. This includes advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant, sharing best practice, and encouraging other employers to engage with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Peter Strong, said: “Retaining our Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is a source of real pride for the organisation. It demonstrates that our support for the Armed Forces community is not just a promise, but something embedded in our policies, our culture and the way we work every day. As an employer, we recognise the immense value that serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families bring, and we remain fully committed to ensuring they are supported, respected and able to thrive within our workforce.”

Find out more about MCC’s commitment to the Armed Forces here: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/armed-forces/