Gillian Welch, Ashfield District Council’s Armed Forces Covenant lead officer, was presented with the Employee Forces Hero accolade at Nottinghamshire County Council’s inaugural Boots and Beret Awards.

The awards recognised the contribution veterans, reservists, and Cadet adult volunteer instructors make to business, both as employees and business owners.

Gillian’s work has helped the council to hold the Gold Award for the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme since October 2021.

Gold Awards are given to businesses that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families.

Theresa Hodgkinson, council chief executive; council chairman Coun Dale Grounds; the leader of the council, Coun Jason Zadrozny; Coun Samantha Deakin; and Coun Andy Gascoyne, Armed Forces champion, attended the awards ceremony at Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Theresa said “We are so proud of Gillian and her work with the Armed Forces community. Since securing the Gold Employer Award in 2021, Gillian has continued her hard work, advocating with other organisations in the district, and supporting veterans and their families.”

Jason added: “We implemented a war memorial restoration plan and rolling cleaning programme, formally approved an Employing Reservists Policy, and we provide concessionary rates for veterans and serving personnel at all of our leisure centres.”