The local authority responsible for services across the region has been awarded the Gold Armed Forces Covenant Award in recognition of its work supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and cadet force adult volunteers and their families.
What the award means for the Borders
The accolade represents the highest level of employer recognition under the Armed Forces Covenant framework and marks an upgrade from the Silver status the council had held since 2021. It acknowledges steps taken to ensure members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged in recruitment, employment or access to local services.
Councillor John Greenwell, the council's Armed Forces and veterans champion, welcomed the news. He said the Gold Award reflects the council's ongoing commitments and the value placed on the skills service leavers and reservists bring to the organisation.
“We’re delighted to receive the Gold Award, which recognises our ongoing commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community and their families. We value the skills and experience they bring to our organisation and remain committed to ensuring they are supported throughout their careers with the council, while continuing to champion the Armed Forces Covenant across the region.”
The council also highlighted practical support measures in place locally, including provisions for reservists to undertake necessary training and support during mobilisation periods.
- Gold Award – highest employer recognition for Armed Forces support
- Silver to Gold – upgrade reflecting sustained progress since 2021
- Support measures – recruitment safeguards, employment support, reservist training and mobilisation assistance
Local impact and next steps
For residents across the Borders the award is both symbolic and practical: it signals to veterans, serving personnel and their families that the council is taking active steps to integrate military communities into local public life and the workforce. It may also help the council attract candidates with military experience, who often bring skills suited to public service roles.
Maintaining the standards that underpin the Gold award will require ongoing monitoring and activity. The honour is not a one-off celebration but a benchmark that invites continued engagement with the Armed Forces Covenant and with organisations representing veterans and reservists in the region.
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Silver |
| 2026 | Gold |
The council will be expected to report on how the measures it has adopted continue to prevent disadvantage to the Armed Forces community in recruitment and employment across the Borders. Residents and veterans seeking more information about council support can contact Scottish Borders Council through the usual local authority channels.
