Westmorland and Furness Council has been honoured with the highest accolade available for organisations that demonstrate outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
The council successfully achieved the revalidation of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme's (ERS) Gold Award. This prestigious award is the highest badge of honour for employers who demonstrate outstanding support for veterans, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and military families.
It recognises employers that demonstrate exemplary advocacy for the defence community, including through flexible working arrangements and supportive employment policies.
The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations. Westmorland and Furness Council's revalidation runs from January 2026 to December 2031.
An official certificate recognising the achievement was presented to the council at its annual meeting at Kendal Town Hall by Kerryanne Wilde, representing the MoD.
The award citation reads: "Westmorland and Furness Council has set a gold standard in its unwavering dedication to the Armed Forces Community within Cumbria.
"Demonstrating exceptional leadership and foresight, the council has meticulously rewritten its policies and processes to ensure that the unique needs of serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and their families are at the very heart of local governance.
"This comprehensive overhaul not only reflects a deep respect for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces but also ensures that support is both relevant and accessible in a modern context."
The council has introduced a guaranteed interview scheme for Armed Forces personnel and veterans who meet the essential criteria for its vacancies. It also offers additional paid leave for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to attend annual training camps and fulfil defence-related commitments.
It is also trialling with partners a pilot scheme which has improved access to specialist healthcare for Armed Forces personnel and families. And council-wide staff training ensures greater understanding of Armed Forces needs across services.
Lina Jones, Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer and Lead Officer for the Armed Forces, said:
"We are proud to receive this acknowledgement of all the work we are doing to ensure those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces are treated with fairness and respect, both in the workplace and in our communities."
"Since the council came into operation in 2023, we have sought to meaningfully champion and, with partners, improve the pathways of support for those who have served, those who continue to serve, and their families. This award recognises our continued commitment to be a leading employer advocate for our Armed Forces' veterans, reservists and cadets and our active support for them through our policies and practices."
The council is also a proud signatory of the Armed Forces covenant which requires that the unique nature of Armed Forces service is recognised and ensures that there is no disadvantage as a result of service, for example in accessing services.
It has established the Westmorland and Furness Armed Forces Board, which brings together a wide range of partner agencies to work on issues such as improved pathways for housing and homelessness support.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
