POWYS County Council has been awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award 2026 for its outstanding support towards the Armed Forces. It is one of only eight employers in Wales, and 162 across the UK, to receive it.
Representing the highest badge of honour, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is awarded to those that employ and support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
The other seven Welsh employers are:
- OLLYWOOD
- Valley Veterans
- Helix Operations
- Platts Group
- Powys Teaching Health Board
- R & M WILLIAMS
- KLA UK Corporation
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP said: “For a veteran starting a new chapter, or a Reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference.
“These 162 organisations have gone out of their way to make veterans, Reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported. I’m incredibly proud to recognise them today, and I hope their example inspires many more.”
To achieve Gold Award status, employers must demonstrate that they:
- provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists each year
- have supportive HR policies for reservists, service families, veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
- actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage others to support defence
- demonstrate long-term, proactive commitment that exceeds the scheme’s baseline requirements
Gold Award holders play an important role in encouraging other organisations to strengthen their support for the Armed Forces community, helping to build a more inclusive workforce while supporting Defence’s people agenda and strengthening the nation’s resilience.
Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “We are incredibly proud that Powys County Council has been awarded the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
“It reflects our longstanding commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families within our workforce and communities.
“As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we recognise the valuable skills, experience and dedication that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace.
“We remain committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive, and we are honoured to receive this national recognition of our efforts.”
Now in its twelfth year, the ERS Gold Award continues to celebrate employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding forces-friendly policies, advocating for defence and creating inclusive workplaces where veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers can thrive.
This year’s recipients represent organisations of every size and from a broad range of industries, including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, education, construction, transport, professional services, retail, emergency services and local government. Together, they demonstrate the growing commitment of UK employers to recognising the skills, experience and values that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace.
To find out more about the ERS and how your organisation could support Defence personnel in the workplace through the Armed Forces Covenant contact:
- Craig Middle, Defence Relationship Manager (DRM) for South Wales, [email protected] Cardiff Office Mob: 07970 493086
- Tony Fish, Defence Relationship Manager (DRM) for North Wales, [email protected] Mold Office. Mob: 07508 193902
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and how your business can benefit from supporting the Armed Forces Community click here.
