Carmarthenshire County Council among top Welsh employers to receive Armed Forces Gold Award

2 days ago

Carmarthenshire County Council has been recognised as one of twelve Welsh employers to receive the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a ceremony held in Cardiff.
The prestigious award recognises outstanding support given to the Armed Forces Community, including serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The ceremony took place at HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff Bay on 25 September, 2025.

The event featured a drinks reception and musical performances from Cerys Rees, regimental harpist of The Royal Welsh, and the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh. Sian Lloyd acted as compère, with opening remarks from James Evans MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, and Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, Chair of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales. The keynote address was delivered by Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Naval Regional Commander Wales, Western England and the Channel Islands.

The Gold Award was presented to the following Welsh organisations:

  • Basel Cottage Holidays
  • Carmarthenshire County Council
  • Ceredigion County Council
  • Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
  • Edwin C. Farrall (Transport) Ltd
  • Gatewen Training Services Limited
  • Rydal Penrhos School
  • South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
  • SudoCyber Limited
  • The Mentor Ring Limited
  • West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
  • Wurkplace Limited

The awards were jointly presented by Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade and Head of the Army in Wales, and Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE, Air Officer Wales.

The Ministry of Defence administers the Employer Recognition Scheme, which formally acknowledges organisations that employ and support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, including veterans and their families. This year, 202 organisations across the UK received the Gold Award.

To achieve the Gold Award, employers must:

  • Provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists
  • Implement HR policies to support veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
  • Advocate for Defence across their networks and sectors
  • Demonstrate sustained commitment beyond the minimum requirements

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Darren Price, said:

“We’re proud to receive the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. It shows our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
We value the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
This award reflects our promise to provide real support through policies, extra leave and by raising awareness, making sure those who serve are respected and supported both within the council and across our community.”

If organisations would like to find out more about showing support for our Armed Forces Community or about signing the Armed Forces Covenant, further information can be found here: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/show-your-support/sign-the-covenant/