Trafford Council is proud of its work supporting members of the Armed Forces and their families and was delighted to be given the highest possible award.

Trafford Council representatives attended a star-studded ceremony in London to be presented with the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award for its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The Covenant Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and given outstanding support to the brave servicemen and women who have served their country.

The Council is one of a handful of authorities nationwide to receive the Gold Award, which focuses on helping members of the defence community access government and commercial services.

The Council gives support in a number of areas including education and family well-being, providing homes and jobs, accessing healthcare, education and financial assistance.

Trafford has a positive culture towards employing former servicemen and women, as well as serving Reserves. All serving reserves have an extra 10 days’ paid leave each year to enable them to meet their armed Forces commitment, which is 15 days’ of continuous training and six training weekends.

Diane Eaton, Corporate Director for Adult Services, Cllr Judith Lloyd, and Armed Forces Lead Sue Wright received the award on behalf of the council.  

 Cllr Lloyd, Trafford Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It was a wonderful event. I am so proud about winning this award which shows that we are fully behind Armed Forces staff, veterans and their families. They put their lives on the line for us – and we should, and do, help them as much as we can in their everyday lives.”

Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employer across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and ever one.”