We have received the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This is the highest national award for organisations that support the Armed Forces community.

The council is one of 162 employers across the UK to receive the award in 2026. Recipients include organisations from local government, healthcare, education, transport and other sectors.

The Gold Award recognises employers that provide exceptional and sustained support for Reservists, veterans, military families, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Gold Award holders must offer at least 10 days of extra paid leave each year for Reservists. They must also have the highest standard of supportive employment policies and actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant.

Councillor Mark Spacagna, Torbay Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:

"We are proud to receive the MOD Employment Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This reflects our strong and lasting commitment to the Armed Forces Community, both within Torbay Council and across Torbay.”

“We remain dedicated to upholding our Armed Forces Covenant pledges and supporting those who serve, have served, and their families.”

We re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in March 2023. This asserted its promise to support local serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The council was awarded the scheme’s Silver Award in October 2025.

Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, said:

“For a veteran starting a new chapter, or a Reservist balancing two demanding roles, having an employer in your corner makes an enormous difference.”

If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community and would like to find out more about how the Covenant can help you, or are interested in how you can get involved, go to the national Armed Forces Covenant website.

For information about support for the Armed Forces community in Torbay, visit the Torbay Council Armed Forces Community webpages.