Nottinghamshire Police has been recognised with a prestigious award by the Ministry of Defence for its support of the Armed Forces.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said receiving the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) 2023 Gold Award was a proud moment.

To achieve gold award standards, nominees must proactively demonstrate Forces-friendly credentials in recruiting and selection processes.

They also actively ensure their workforce is aware of positive policies towards those in the Forces and are advocates in support of those issues to partner organisations, suppliers, and customers.

Gold award employers also actively encourage a positive environment for reservists and demonstrate support for such staff to carry out activities required in the role, with at least 10 days’ additional fully paid leave for training.

The chief constable was accompanied by Pc Steven Van Der Bank and PCSO Steven Timperley, of Nottinghamshire Police Armed Forces Network, to receive the award at the Prince William of Gloucestershire Barracks, Grantham.

Kate added: “It is a magnificent achievement. I’m thrilled the endeavours of officers and staff across the Nottinghamshire force have been recognised.

“It demonstrates how members of the Armed Forces community in Nottinghamshire, whether employed by us or in the communities we serve, receive the best possible service we can offer.”

There are 120 veterans serving with Nottinghamshire Police, which recently launched with the University of Derby the country’s first scheme to provide a direct employment pathway for those in their military resettlement period to join the police service.