Gold standard: Stoke-on-Trent City Council achieves Ministry of Defence gold recognition

Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award Published: Tuesday, 18th July 2023

Stoke-on-Trent City Council have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community as they announce as this year’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holders.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is the highest award available and recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.

In order to win the Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, the city council has:

  • Ten extra paid days leave for Reservists
  • Supportive HR policies for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
  • Supportive HR policies for spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces
  • Promoted the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Councillor Desiree Elliott, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing and Armed Forces Champion said: “As Armed Forces Champion and a Navy veteran, support for the Armed Forces is incredibly important to me and I’m really pleased that we have received this Gold award.

“We are extremely proud of our city’s wonderful Armed Services Personnel who have made so many sacrifices on our behalf. I hope that this award provides an example to other organisations across Stoke-on-Trent to officially pledge their support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:“I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”

Anyone wanting to get involved or learn more about the support available for the Armed Forces can contact the city council on covenant@stoke.gov.uk or go to https://www.stoke.gov.uk/afc