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The latest announcement of those employers being awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award has been made by the Ministry of Defence yesterday.

The County Council joins 14 other organisations who achieved ERS Gold this year in the West Midlands and 193 nationally.
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To achieve Gold, nominees must have completed or made a commitment, to the following:
•    Signed the Armed Forces Covenant, achieved ERS Silver and proactively demonstrated forces-friendly credentials in their recruiting and selection processes. 
•    Offering 10 extra days paid leave for reservists to carry out their military commitments and flexible leave to adult cadet volunteers and to spouses / partners of those Serving in the Armed Forces.  
•    Actively ensure their workforce is aware of these positive policies, act as an ambassador of the Covenant to other organisations and demonstrate they are supporting their local Cadet Forces.

Additionally, the County Council actively welcomes and promotes job opportunities at the council to Service leavers and offers guaranteed interviews to those who have a military background, having reached/fulfilled the job specification.  

The Council is also working with the local Cadet Forces by offering them green spaces for field activities.

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Communities at 51��¥ said:

“I am delighted that we have been recognised for our support towards the Armed Forces community, not only as a large employer in 51��¥ but for our ongoing commitment to those who serve and their families, as well as the large veteran population living in the county.  We are very much aware of the sacrifices they have made in defending our country and the challenges they can often face adapting to civilian life. 51��¥’s Armed Forces Covenant is working hard with its partners to make sure they are not disadvantaged in any way.”

Paul Robinson, Chief Executive of 51��¥ added:

“As one of a handful of local authorities in the West Midlands, 51��¥ is proud to be the recipient of ERS Gold Award in 2024.  

“The award elevates our corporate commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant enabling members of staff with a military background to have good access to flexible leave in which to carry out their military duties.

“Valuing the diverse set of skills they bring; we now actively encourage the Armed Forces community to apply for roles by offering guaranteed interviews to those who reach the criteria”.  

Find out more about the award, and the bronze, silver and gold levels on