West Kent Local News
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council awarded Gold for Armed Forces support
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has received the Gold Award under the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme, recognising its long-term commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community.
The Gold Award is the highest level of recognition available to organisations that actively support serving military personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. It follows the council's Silver Award in 2025 and reflects its continued efforts to strengthen Armed Forces-friendly policies across the organisation.
The award forms part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises employers that go beyond the commitments set out in the Armed Forces Covenant. As a signatory to the covenant, the council has pledged to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of their service.
To achieve Gold status, organisations must demonstrate sustained support through employment practices, workplace policies and by encouraging other employers to adopt similar commitments.
Councillor Dave Davis, the council's Armed Forces Champion, described the award as an important milestone and said it reflects the council's growing commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.
The council says its support includes promoting employment opportunities for veterans and reservists, helping military families access housing and local services, working alongside community organisations, and taking part in Armed Forces events throughout the year.
It also works with organisations such as the Royal British Legion Industries to help connect veterans and their families with specialist advice and support. As an employer, the council offers flexible policies to help reservists balance their civilian careers with military commitments while recognising the valuable skills that former service personnel bring to the workplace.
The Gold Award highlights the council's ongoing commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces community receives practical support both as residents and employees.
