Stockport Council scoops award for work with Armed Forces community

Stockport Council has been recognised with an award that in recognition of the council’s support for the Armed Forces community.

The council was proud to receive the prestigious Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for its support of veterans, reservists, and the wider Armed Forces community. The Gold Award recognises the Council’s proactive efforts to recruit and integrate former military personnel into its workforce, as well as its continued work to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant within the borough.

Cllr Frankie Singleton and Vicki Bates, Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Governance, accepted the award at a formal ceremony in Liverpool on Thursday, 7 November.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“The MoD Gold Award further highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community in Stockport. We remain dedicated to ensuring our local veterans, reservists, and their families receive the support they need, and our priorities for 2025 include continuing to work with the community to ensure better access to healthcare for ex-Armed Forces personnel across the borough. We look forward to continuing this important work in the future.”

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns said:

“Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces. I would like to thank the organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”

In addition to the MoD recognition, Stockport Council also triumphed at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Workforce Awards. Vicki Bates was named the winner of the Head of Service category for her transformational leadership and dedication to staff development and wellbeing. Judges praised her as a caring and compassionate leader who truly embodies the values of Stockport Council. They highlighted her exceptional ability to use the team around her to develop and retain staff, with a particular emphasis on her passion for the wellbeing of her team. It was this focus on staff wellbeing and her ability to weave it into her work and the council’s culture that ultimately set her apart and led to her win.

Vicki Bates said:

“I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition at the LGC Awards. This is not just my win, but a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the amazing team I work with every day. I believe that the wellbeing of my colleagues is integral to the work we do, and I am grateful to be part of an organisation that shares these values.”

Cllr Mark Hunter, added:

“These awards are a testament to the outstanding work being carried out across the council. We are incredibly proud of Vicki’s achievement and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.“