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Barnsley Council is proud to announce that we’ve kept our Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), showing our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the local Armed Forces community. 

We first achieved ‘Gold’ status in 2020, and keeping this award proves that Barnsley Council continues to go above and beyond to support those who serve, those who have served and those who will serve in the future. 

The Gold Award is the highest level of recognition for organisations that actively support the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers and their families. 

To keep this award, organisations must show strong support for reservists, help veterans find jobs and encourage other employers to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Barnsley Council offers extra paid leave for reservists, promotes job opportunities for service leavers and makes sure our staff understand and support these commitments. 

This achievement reflects our promise to make sure members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and not disadvantaged compared to other citizens. 

From housing and healthcare to education and employment, Barnsley Council remains committed to providing the support and opportunities they deserve. 

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “I’m delighted that Barnsley Council has kept its Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. 

“This is a fantastic achievement and shows our continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. We are proud to support those who serve, those who have served and those who will serve in the future. 

“Our Armed Forces community plays a vital role in our society, and we will keep working to make sure they receive the recognition, respect and support they deserve.” 

Learn more about how we’re supporting our Armed Forces community by visiting barnsley.gov.uk/ArmedForces.