Powys has been formally presented with a prestigious Ministry of Defence award recognising its outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.

The council received its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award at a special ceremony held at HMS Cambria in Cardiff Bay on 24 September. It was one of eight Welsh employers honoured at the event and one of 162 organisations across the UK to receive the Gold Award this year.

The award is the highest level within the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme. It recognises organisations that employ and support serving members of the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans and military families.

To achieve Gold Award status, employers must demonstrate a sustained commitment that goes well beyond the scheme's minimum requirements. This includes providing at least ten days' additional paid leave for reservists, implementing supportive employment policies and advocating for the Armed Forces across their networks and sectors.

What the Deputy Leader had to say:

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council's Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: "Receiving this prestigious Gold Award is an enormous honour for Powys County Council and a powerful recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community.

"Powys has a proud and longstanding connection with the Armed Forces. We want serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families to know that their contribution is valued and that they will be welcomed and supported within both our workforce and our communities.

"This award reflects the work taking place across the council to put the commitments we have made through the Armed Forces Covenant into practice. We will continue working with our partners and communities to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly, supported effectively and able to thrive here in Powys."

The award was presented jointly by Rear Admiral Andy Perks MBE, Director Submarines; Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Naval Regional Commander for Wales, Western England and the Channel Islands; 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 other recipients:

Powys County Council was recognised alongside seven other Welsh organisations: OLLYWOOD Ltd, Valley Veterans, Helix Operations Ltd, Platts Group, Powys Teaching Health Board, R & M WILLIAMS and KLA UK Corporation Limited.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, together with their families, should be treated fairly.