Oldham Council has been presented with the prestigious Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme on Monday 22 September.
Councillor Ken Rustidge, Oldham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, attended the official ceremony on behalf of the Council.
The Gold Award is the highest level of recognition an organisation can achieve for its support of the Armed Forces community.
Oldham Council has been recognised for the practical steps it takes to support veterans, reservists, cadet force volunteers and military families.
These include:
- Guaranteed job interviews for those meeting essential criteria.
- Extra paid leave for reservists to attend training camps.
- Dedicated volunteering days for adult cadet force volunteers.
Cllr Rustidge said: “It is an honour to represent Oldham at the Gold Award ceremony. This achievement is a credit to the whole Council and our partners who work hard to ensure service personnel, past and present, are supported in employment and in the community. We will keep building on this success.”
This Gold Award builds on the Council’s ongoing efforts, including its partnership with Oldham Community Leisure which provides discounted access to wellbeing centres for veterans, helping them stay physically active and connected.
Oldham Council continues to encourage other local employers to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and join the growing network of organisations supporting those who serve. More information is available at www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.
