The Welsh Veterans Awards 2022

Both Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and one of its Armed Forces Reservist employees have been shortlisted at the Welsh Veterans Awards 2022.

The Welsh Veterans Awards, which take place at the Village Hotel in Cardiff, on Thursday, June 30, rewards Armed Forces veterans in business, fitness, sport and the wider community. The annual awards, held in association with the ABF Soldiers’ Charity, also recognise those Reservists doing great things and the companies and employers that support the Armed Forces community.

Valley Veterans Chief Executive Paul Bromwell, a former Welsh Guardsman and Falklands veteran, has also been shortlisted in The Community Awards category for his voluntary work with the Armed Forces community.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is shortlisted in the Employer of the Year category for its continued support and work with its Armed Forces community, Past and Present, and their families.

The Council, one of the first local authorities in Wales to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, has a proud record of valuing its armed services, past and present, and its commitment to the Covenant significantly progresses the Council’s objectives to support its Armed Forces community.

The Council also has a strong network of Reservist employees, led by its Reservists’ Champion Karen Spencer, who is shortlisted in the Reservist of the Year category, recognising those people who are juggling a military career alongside their civilian role.

Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “The Council is delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at the Welsh Veterans Awards 2022, a true testament to its support and commitment to its Armed Forces community.

“Reservist Karen Spencer is always on hand to offer advice and support to our Armed Forces team and her inside knowledge of what it is like to be a Reservist in Rhondda Cynon Taf helps us target support to our military and ex-military staff. 

“Karen is working closely with us on setting up our first Staff Reservists and Veterans Coffee Morning on June 22 and will be on hand to offer her support and guidance to those who need it. Karen is a true champion for Reservists in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“Our Council is proud to support its Armed Forces Veterans, Past and Present, and their families. We owe them all such a huge debt of gratitude.”

Karen Spencer, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Business, Training, Quality Assurance and Risk Management Officer, is also a Reservist with 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC. She actively promotes the vital role of Reservists and many of the skills she has developed over time are utilised both in her daily workplace and in military life.

Karen has been an Armed Forces Reservist for more than 10 years and is the Council’s advocate and champion for Reservists and has provided excellent support and guidance to the Council’s Armed Forces team over the years, including supporting and promoting Reserves Day, taking part in ‘Wear Your Uniform To Work Day,’ representing her department on the Council’s Armed Forces staff network and assisting with the organisation of Council’s first-ever Staff Reservists and Veterans Coffee Morning.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has also set up an Armed Forces Staff Network, consisting of employees from across Council services, has introduced an Armed Forces Guaranteed Interview process and has a successful Veteran’s Advice Service, which has established and supports three Veterans groups across the County Borough.

Other categories at the Welsh Veterans Awards 2022 include: Role Model of the Year; The Community Award; Contribution to the Welsh Fitness Industry and Society; Inspiration of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; Lifetime Achievement Award; Leavers to Leader Award; Volunteer of the Year; Health and Well-being Award and Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. The overall Veterans Awards Champion will be chosen from the winners of each of the above categories and receive a one-off commissioned handmade piece.

ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, is the Army’s national charity which supports for life military personal, past and present, at home or overseas, and their families.

Find out more about ABF The Soldier’s Charity 

Throughout Wales there are a number of highly successful Armed Forces Veterans that have made the transition from the Military to civilian life and the annual Welsh Veterans Awards rewards and recognises those who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields.