Lancashire County Council Retains Gold Award for Outstanding Armed Forces Support

Lancashire County Council Retains Gold Award for Outstanding Armed Forces Support

Lancashire County Council (LCC) has proudly retained the Ministry of Defence’s Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. This is the highest honour given to organisations that champion and stand firmly beside the armed forces community.

The award was formally presented at Full Council on 12 March 2026, where Councillor Gary Kniveton, Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, received the framed certificate. It now hangs proudly in the Leader’s office at County Hall as a symbol of Lancashire’s unwavering commitment.

First awarded in 2020, the Gold Award recognises employers who go above and beyond to support serving personnel, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, veterans and their families.

^{“This isn’t just an award; it’s a promise to those who’ve served,” said County Councillor Gary Kniveton. “Lancashire has a proud military tradition and we’re committed to honouring it with real, practical support.”}

A Decade of Dedication

LCC paid tribute to Senior Officer Kieran Curran, whose leadership and passion have driven the council’s involvement in the scheme since 2013. His work has helped embed a culture of respect, opportunity and genuine care for the armed forces community across the organisation.

Investing in Veterans and their Future

Retaining the Gold Award marks not an endpoint but a renewed drive to expand and strengthen support across Lancashire. LCC is investing in new capacity and fresh initiatives designed to help veterans and their families thrive.

Cllr Kniveton added: “We’re putting real resources behind this work. Our ambition is simple: Lancashire should be the best place in the UK for veterans to live and build their futures.”

Boosting Recruitment and Supporting Local Groups

LCC is developing new pathways to recruit more veterans and service leavers into the organisation. Alongside this, the Council is working with major Lancashire employers such as BAE Systems to launch a community grant scheme supporting charities and grassroots groups that deliver vital services to the armed forces community. Special thanks were given to County Councillor David Dwyer for his support in shaping this work.

A New Home for the Lancashire Infantry Museum

With Fulwood Barracks facing closure, LCC is exploring plans to relocate the Lancashire Infantry Museum to the Museum of Lancashire in Preston. The move would:

• Showcase local defence organisations
• Inspire young people to pursue STEM subjects
• Support defence industry apprenticeships
• Attract highly skilled service leavers into local roles

This would create a vibrant, future‑focused hub for heritage, education and opportunity.

Building One of the UK’s Leading Veterans’ Hubs

LCC has applied to become the region’s Valour‑approved centre, strengthening collaboration between veterans’ organisations. If successful, these services, alongside the newly appointed Armed Forces Covenant Hub Manager, will be based at the Museum of Lancashire, creating one of the most comprehensive veterans’ support hubs in the country.

Looking Ahead

LCC has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting those who serve and those who have served.

As Cllr Kniveton said:

^{“Our armed forces community deserves the very best. Lancashire will continue to lead the way.”}

Lancashire County Council remains determined to make the county a place where veterans and their families can live, work and thrive with pride.