Worcestershire County Council has been recognised with an Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for their ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The award, which comes from the Ministry of Defence, recognises the support organisations give to the Armed Forces community across three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
The award scheme recognises those who show their support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge from the nation that those who serve or who have served and their families are treated fairly.
In order to be awarded a Silver award, workplaces must meet certain criteria, including employing at least one individual from the Armed Forces community and demonstrating support to Reservists.
Amongst their workforce Worcestershire County Council employs veterans, adult cadet volunteers, reservists and others who have a strong connection to the Armed Forces.
Paul Robinson, Chief Executive at Worcestershire County Council, said: “In 2020 we made a pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to support the Armed Forces Community as an organisation and forces-friendly employer. We value the skills they bring such as leadership, teamwork, strong work ethic and the positive contribution they can bring to our teams. We welcome applications from reservists, service-leavers, spouses and veterans who are looking to start a new career in civilian life.”
He added: As well as committing to the Armed Forces Covenant as an employer, Worcestershire County Council is proud to facilitate the county’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership that works to strengthen local delivery of the Covenant, and in particular, to support Worcestershire Armed Forces community who are experiencing problems either in transition or future years”.
Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities, Councillor Marcus Hart commented: “I too am delighted with this well-deserved award. As an organisation we take our commitment to the Armed Forces seriously.”
Richard Morris, Chair of Worcestershire’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, said: “We are committed to work collaboratively with our stakeholders, such as the NHS, the District Councils, our military charities and statutory services to support Worcestershire’s Armed Forces community. We recognise some of the challenges they may face, particularly when accessing public services. It is part of our pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged due to unique obligations and barriers that come with military life.”
Not content with Silver, Worcestershire County Council will now start working to achieve their Gold Award next year.
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