Sign in Subscribe
Armed forces

St Helens Borough Council Honoured with Gold Employer Recognition Award

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

St Helens Borough Council marked the Victory in Europe (VE) Day 80 commemorations with a special celebration event at St Helens Town Hall, which saw the council presented with a prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Award from the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The council's commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community was acknowledged, and a highlight of the day was the attendance of 103-year-old Second World War veteran Gerald Anders.

The council's signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2024 led to the achievement of the Gold Employer Award, the highest level of recognition under the MOD's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Councillor Lynn Clarke, Armed Forces Champion for St Helens Borough Council, expressed pride in receiving the award, stating its commitment to supporting and advocating for the employment of reservists, veterans, and military families.

The council's commitment to the Armed Forces community was echoed by Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, who reflected on the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom and peace during World War II. The council's VE Day 80 commemorations will continue into the weekend with family-friendly community events taking place across the borough.

Key Takeaways:

  • St Helens Borough Council received the Gold Employer Recognition Award from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for demonstrating exceptional support for reservists, veterans, and military families.
  • The council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2024, leading to the achievement of the Gold Employer Award.
  • The council's commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community was acknowledged during the VE Day 80 commemorations.
  • Councillor Lynn Clarke stated the council's pride in receiving the Gold Employer Award and its commitment to supporting and advocating for the employment of reservists, veterans, and military families.
  • Councillor Anthony Burns reflected on the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom and peace during World War II and encouraged younger generations to learn from the experiences of their grandparents and great-grandparents.
  • The council's VE Day 80 commemorations will continue into the weekend with family-friendly community events taking place across the borough.

Statistics:

  • The Ministry of Defence's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognized St Helens Borough Council with the Gold Employer Recognition Award.
  • The council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2024.
  • 103-year-old Second World War veteran Gerald Anders attended the event.
  • The council's VE Day 80 commemorations will continue into the weekend with events taking place on Saturday (Rainford and Parr street parties, Best of British VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebration in Earlestown Town Centre) and Sunday (VE Day Picnic in the Park in Bankes Park, Billinge).

Sources:

  • St Helens Borough Council news release (8 May 2025)
  • Ministry of Defence (MOD)
  • St Helens Borough Council (www.sthelens.gov.uk/armedforces)

Read more