Colchester City Council was proud to receive its revalidated Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a formal presentation held yesterday in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Town Hall.
The Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledges businesses and organisations that have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and defence by going above and beyond their covenant pledges. This allows the Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and honour those organisations for their support.
The prestigious certificate was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex to Pam Donnelly, Chief Executive of Colchester City Council, in recognition of the Council’s continued dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The presentation was attended by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex; Sir Bob Russell, High Steward of Colchester; members of the Armed Forces – including Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Kristina Carrington, Regional Employer Engagement Officer, and Paul Gilham, Communications Manager of the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association; Councillor David King; Councillor Jocelyn Law; Mr Philip Tolhurst; and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion and officers.
This revalidation follows the council’s original ERS Gold Award in 2019, reaffirming its outstanding commitment to veterans, service personnel and their families. From employment support to community engagement, Colchester continues to go above and beyond its Armed Forces Covenant pledges.
Pam Donnelly, Chief Executive of Colchester City Council, said: “We’re proud to receive the Gold Award again. It shows how much Colchester City Council supports the Armed Forces community. We care about helping service members, veterans, and their families, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to support them. Whether it’s through jobs or working with local groups, the council remains committed to standing by those who serve and making sure they feel respected and supported.”
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “This award recognises we deliver on our promise to honour the service of our armed forces, and to do what we can to help them, our veterans, and their families. Colchester City Council is proud to support the Armed Forces and make sure those who serve feel respected and looked after.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, added: “The Garrison enjoys a close and productive working relationship with Colchester City Council, which is responsive to the needs of the town’s military community. I congratulate the council on the renewal of its Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – Regular and Reserve military personnel, their families, veterans, and cadet organisations have all benefitted from the council’s work to earn and maintain this prestigious status.”
