This prestigious Award comes after the Council successfully delivered its first official Armed Forces Day in Walsall on June 28 2026, attracting over 6,500 visitors to the borough.

“ Securing the Gold Award is a momentous achievement for Walsall, and it reflects our unwavering determination to stand by those who serve our nation. This recognition is testament to the hard work of our teams who have woven military support directly into the fabric of our council policies and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in achieving this Award.

Our Armed Forces community makes invaluable contributions to our society, and we are proud to offer them a workplace and a borough where they are truly valued, supported, and respected. We will continue to champion this cause and lead by example across the region. “

Councillor Elaine Williams, Leader of Walsall Council

The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who actively support those who serve, veteran communities, and their families. To achieve this landmark status, Walsall Council met a series of rigorous criteria, including:

• Providing at least 10 days of additional paid leave each year for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to complete essential training.
• Implementing workplace policies including launching the Armed Forces Staff Network.
• Recognised the Armed Forces community as a local protected characteristic in 2024.
• Advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant and mentoring local businesses through the ERS scheme, successfully guiding three local businesses from Bronze to Silver status this year.
• Actively promoting the Covenant, championing defence support, and encouraging other regional organisations to pledge their support.

“ As an ex-serviceman myself, I am incredibly proud that Walsall Council has been recognised with the prestigious Gold Award. This is not just a badge; it represents our deep, active commitment to those who put their lives on the line for our country.

By offering paid leave, supportive workplace policies, and proactively advocating for the Armed Forces Covenant, we are ensuring our heroes and the families who stand beside them have the tangible backing they deserve right here in our borough. We hope this inspires other employers across the borough to step forward and join us in giving our unwavering support to our Armed Forces community. “

Councillor Pete Sutton, Walsall Council's Armed Forces Champion

This achievement marks a significant step up from the Silver Award the council secured in July 2024, highlighting its continuous drive to integrate military support into the heart of the borough. For more information: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/council-earns-silver-award-its-support-armed-forces-community 

Walsall Council first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013, renewed its commitments with updated pledges in late 2023, and further solidified this dedication by welcoming local organisations to sign the Covenant in March 2026. 

Additionally, the Council regularly collaborates with local charities, schools, and business partners to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community have no difficulties accessing local services or seeking employment.