Gold Award for Council's armed forces work
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has received national recognition for their work to support the Armed Forces Community.
![Councils armed forces memorial parade Image of Councils armed forces memorial parade](https://stockton.gov.uk/image/2672/Councils-armed-forces-memorial-parade/standard.jpg?m=1646044665123)
SThe Council has been awarded the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Gold Award as part of the MOD's Employer Recognition Scheme.
The award is the highest honour given to employers who support serving members of the armed forces, as well as veterans and their families.
Gold Award winners must have a number of provisions in place, such as signing their own Armed Forces Covenant and having dedicated HR policies for veterans and Reservists.
The Council first signed an Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 and then updated versions in 2018 and 2020.
Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and also the Borough's Armed Forces Champion, said: "It's a real honour to receive the Gold Award and it's great to have our commitment to the Armed Forces Community recognised in this way.
"Here at the Council we are very proud of our long-standing relationship with the armed forces. We work with a range of partners to ensure none of our residents are disadvantaged as a result of their or a family member's military service.
"Many people from across the Borough have served in the armed forces or continue to do so and they deserve the upmost respect.
"We are determined to continue to improve the support we provide and I'd encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to visit our website."