Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for NKDC
North Kesteven District Council is among 162 employers across the UK to be recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for going above and beyond for the Armed Forces Community.
The ERS Gold Award is the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for organisations that demonstrate outstanding support for the armed forces community. In North Kesteven alone, there are 3,730 Military personnel (UK Regular Forces).
NKDC received the Silver award in 2025 and a year later has gone through a rigorous application process to succeed with their application to Gold status. This ERS Gold Award continues to celebrate employers that go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments by embedding forces-friendly policies, advocating for defence and creating inclusive workplaces. NKDC have demonstrated that they do the following:
provide at least 10 days' additional paid leave for Reservists each year
have supportive HR policies for reservists, service families, veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage others to support defence
demonstrate long-term, proactive commitment that exceeds the scheme's baseline requirements
The council says it is proud to be among the organisations from a wide range of sectors acknowledged for championing Reservists, veterans, military families and the Cadet movement.
The award also reinforces the vital role employers like NKDC play in strengthening the UK’s resilience, skills and national security. In addition, the Council also hosts Lincolnshire’s dedicated Armed Forces Covenant Officer Paul Drury from its Sleaford HQ.
Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, who himself is a veteran of 13 years’ service with the RAF, said: “With many veteran and service family colleagues within our workforce, I am very proud of how the Council continues to go above and beyond for the local Armed Forces Community.
“As a council we understand the needs of services families that make up a large proportion of our population. Through that understanding we are better able to fulfil our responsibilities towards our Service community through the Armed Forces Covenant.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey 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.
“These 162 organisations have gone out of their way to make veterans, Reservists and military families feel genuinely welcome and supported. I'm incredibly proud to recognise them today, and I hope their example inspires many more."
As a Gold Award holder, NKDC will now play an important role in encouraging other organisations to strengthen their support for the Armed Forces Community, helping to build a more inclusive workforce while supporting Defence's people agenda and strengthening the nation's resilience.