Boots and Beret Award win for Council

Gillian Welch, Ashfield District Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officer, won the Employee Forces Hero Award at Nottinghamshire County Council’s inaugural Boots and Beret Awards on Thursday 24 August.

The awards recognise the contribution veterans, reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteer Instructors give to the world of business, both as employees and business owners.

Gillian’s hard work has meant that the Council has held the Gold Award for the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme since October 2021. Representing the highest possible badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

Theresa Hodgkinson, Council Chief Executive; Chairman of the Council, Cllr Dale Grounds; Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr Jason Zadrozny; Cllr Samantha Deakin; and Cllr Andy Gascoyne, Armed Forces Champion, attended the awards ceremony at Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Theresa Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Ashfield District Council, 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. This award is well deserved recognition of her dedication to Ashfield’s armed forces community”.

Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said:

“The Council is committed to retaining our Gold Employer Award and supporting our armed forces, veterans, and their families. 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”.