NORTH Somerset Council has achieved the prestigious Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for 2024.

This recognition, the highest achievable through the scheme, highlights the council’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

The Gold Award is presented to organisations that go above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community, ensuring that their contributions and sacrifices are respected and valued in the workplace.

North Somerset Council’s attainment of this award reflects its dedication to being a fully inclusive employer, promoting fairness, and offering tailored support to veterans, reservists, and their families.

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, the council's representative on the South West Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, expressed her pride in this achievement: “Receiving the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is a significant moment for North Somerset Council.

“We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces can thrive.

“This award is a testament to the efforts of everyone at the council who has worked to ensure that our policies and practices truly reflect our dedication to the Armed Forces community.

"We are proud to stand alongside our service personnel and their families, who continue to make remarkable contributions to our communities.”

This accolade builds on the council’s long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which was first signed in 2013 and reaffirmed last year with additional pledges.

The council has introduced a range of initiatives aimed at supporting military personnel and their families, including flexible employment policies, bespoke support packages, and the active promotion of reservist opportunities.

For more information about the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme and North Somerset Council’s ongoing work to support the Armed Forces community, please visit https://n-somerset.gov.uk/council-democracy/priorities-strategies/armed-forces-support.