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The prestigious award recognises employers who have

actively demonstrated support for the Armed Forces community by implementing policies to help them.

To achieve the Silver award, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community is not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies.

They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards the defence community and understand issues for reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers, and

spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

2023 marks the tenth year of the award scheme and it is ten years since NPT Council signed the Community Covenant (having recently  re-signed the updated Armed Forces Covenant).

Major General Marc Overton, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) said: “I’d like to thank and congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards.  A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefits to the Armed Forces Community.

“The winners should all be proud of their life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our reservists, veterans, and their families.”

Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support defence personnel and encourage others to do the same. The scheme has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for defence and the Armed Forces community.

Cllr Wyndham Griffiths, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “I’m delighted we can announce we are one of 17 employers to be Silver ERS 2023 award winners for Wales.

“The brave men and women of the armed forces deserve all the support we can give them, as do their dedicated families. This scheme has now been in place for 10 years and shows we are doing our best to help the Armed Forces community locally.”

Cllr Chris James, also a Neath Port Talbot Council Armed Forces Champion, added: “It's good news our council’s commitment to the Armed Forces community has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence. The council understands the huge sacrifices made by service personnel and their families to keep our country safe and it is only right we do what we can to support them both during and after their time in uniform.”