Doncaster Council receives golden thanks

Mayor Jones at the presentation of the silver award last year on November 11, with Andrew Coombe, FCA, Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire

The council is one of 22 employers nationally to receive a Gold Award in this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon has announced.

The scheme is designed to recognise and thank employers who are supporting armed forces personnel and their families.

Congratulating the winners, Mr Fallon, said: “Every year the level of support from companies across Britain for the armed forces continues to grow. This commitment is making a real difference to everyone who serves and their families – whether giving Reservists more time to train or supporting veterans or spouses, they embody what the Armed Forces Covenant is about”.

To qualify for a gold award, employers must not only pledge their support but become advocates, encouraging others to do likewise.

Doncaster Council armed forces champion, Coun Paul Wray, said: “Doncaster Council and its partners are incredibly proud of our armed forces community including veterans and their families, who make sacrifices on our behalf to ensure our continued freedom.

“Mayor, Ros Jones, made a commitment to do all she can to help our armed forces and veterans and created the role of Armed Forces Champion. This good work has meant we won silver last year and this year we have received the prestigious gold award.”

The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2014 by the Prime Minister to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Defence Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, Service Leavers, Wounded Injured and Sick, Cadets, and spouses.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise between the nation, government and the armed forces to treat serving personnel, veterans and their families with fairness and respect.