Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) presented to Inverclyde Council chief executive, Louise Long, and Councillor Graeme Brooks, the council’s Armed Forces champion, by Duncan Evans, regional employee engagement director from the Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA).

Inverclyde Council has struck gold in recognition of its support of the Armed Forces.

The local authority has been presented with the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a second time.

It was first awarded to the council in 2017 and lasts for five years.

The local authority has now had its gold status revalidated following a review by an assessment panel.

The award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

It was presented to Inverclyde Council chief executive, Louise Long, and Councillor Graeme Brooks, the council’s Armed Forces champion, by Duncan Evans, regional employee engagement director from the Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA).

Councillor Brooks said: “I’m honoured to receive this prestigious accolade alongside the chief executive on behalf of the council.

“As a council and across Inverclyde in general, we are incredibly supportive of our Armed Forces, from serving personnel to veterans, as well as their families.

“Inverclyde has a proud, historic connection with the military through the likes of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and its key role during World War Two, the Battle of Achi Baba, famous monuments like the Free French Memorial, and annual Remembrance events.

“We are proud to support our Armed Forces, past and present, and honour the sacrifices they have made and those of their families protecting our country at home and abroad.”

Inverclyde Council is among a small number of employers to hold the prestigious accolade.

Mr Evans said: “The Gold Award involves a huge commitment and demonstrates the support provided by Inverclyde Council to Reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteers.” 

In a letter confirming the award, Major General Marc Overton, assistant chief of defence staff (reservists and cadets), said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, I am writing, as chair of the assessment panel, to congratulate you on you recent Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award revalidation, and to thank you again for all you are doing to support our service personnel, veterans and their families.

“Your help is very much appreciated and will, I hope, continue and grow in the future.

“Achieving Gold Award is a significant achievement in its own right. It signifies the provision of a very high level of support across the Defence People agenda. However, a successful revalidation demonstrates that you have continued to deliver that support over a five-year period and that you are committed to doing so into the future.”

For more information about help and support for Armed Forces veterans, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/veterans