Force recognised with Gold Armed Forces Friendly Employer Award

Durham Constabulary has been recognised with Gold Status as an Armed Forces Friendly Employer through the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme.

Announced on Wednesday (July 15), the Gold Award is the highest level of recognition for organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families.

The achievement reflects the force's ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which recognises the contribution of the Armed Forces community and ensures that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of their military service.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon McAdam said: "We are incredibly proud to receive this award from the Ministry of Defence. It is fantastic news to receive a Gold Award, which recognises our ongoing commitment to supporting former and serving Armed Forces personnel.

"The sacrifices that those in the Armed Forces, and their families, have made and continue to make are highly commendable.

"It is vital that we continue to recognise the transferable skills Armed Forces veterans bring to the policing family.

"We will continue to do all we can to ensure the Armed Forces community are treated with fairness and respect in society and in the workplace."

To achieve Gold Status, organisations must have supportive policies for service leavers, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and the spouses and partners of serving personnel.

They must also actively promote the benefits of supporting the Armed Forces community by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.

The award recognises the force's continued commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and supporting those who have served, or continue to serve, in the Armed Forces.

A formal awards ceremony celebrating this year's Gold Award recipients will take place in November.