Council celebrates re-validation of Gold Award under Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
We're proud to announce the successful re-validation of our Gold Award status under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) — a prestigious accolade that recognises exceptional support for the Armed Forces community. The award has been extended until 2030, marking another major milestone in our long-standing commitment to supporting those who served.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers across the UK to support defence personnel and inspire others to follow suit. Organisations achieving Gold status must demonstrate not only their pledge of support, but also the active promotion of armed forces-friendly policies, robust recruitment practices for veterans and service leavers, and advocacy for the Armed Forces Covenant. Gold is the highest tier of recognition and reflects exceptional commitment and leadership within an employer's sector.
We have long been a champion for the Armed Forces community, and were among the first organisations in the North East to have our Gold Award re-validated, initially in 2020, and now again through to 2030 — a significant feat given that fewer than 70 employers in the North of England currently hold this prestigious status.
Councillor Stuart Green, Gateshead Council's Armed Forces Champion, said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have our Gold Award status revalidated. This achievement reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to supporting our veterans and their families. It demonstrates that Gateshead remains a place where those who have served are valued, respected, and supported. We hope our example will continue to inspire other organisations to champion the Armed Forces community."
The Council's support for the armed forces community goes beyond this award. We have been a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2012, and have actively expanded services such as the Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS), which provides tailored support on housing, employment, benefits, wellbeing and more — helping former and current service members transition and thrive in civilian life.
For more information on how we support the Armed Forces community, visit our Support for our Armed Forces Community webpage.
Image: Al Carns - Minster for the Armed Forces meets Councillors and members of the AFOS team.
We're proud to announce the successful re-validation of our Gold Award status under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) — a prestigious accolade that recognises exceptional support for the Armed Forces community. The award has been extended until 2030, marking another major milestone in our long-standing commitment to supporting those who served.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers across the UK to support defence personnel and inspire others to follow suit. Organisations achieving Gold status must demonstrate not only their pledge of support, but also the active promotion of armed forces-friendly policies, robust recruitment practices for veterans and service leavers, and advocacy for the Armed Forces Covenant. Gold is the highest tier of recognition and reflects exceptional commitment and leadership within an employer's sector.
We have long been a champion for the Armed Forces community, and were among the first organisations in the North East to have our Gold Award re-validated, initially in 2020, and now again through to 2030 — a significant feat given that fewer than 70 employers in the North of England currently hold this prestigious status.
Councillor Stuart Green, Gateshead Council's Armed Forces Champion, said:
"We are absolutely delighted to have our Gold Award status revalidated. This achievement reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to supporting our veterans and their families. It demonstrates that Gateshead remains a place where those who have served are valued, respected, and supported. We hope our example will continue to inspire other organisations to champion the Armed Forces community."
The Council's support for the armed forces community goes beyond this award. We have been a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2012, and have actively expanded services such as the Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS), which provides tailored support on housing, employment, benefits, wellbeing and more — helping former and current service members transition and thrive in civilian life.
For more information on how we support the Armed Forces community, visit our Support for our Armed Forces Community webpage.
Image: Al Carns - Minster for the Armed Forces meets Councillors and members of the AFOS team.
