North East Lincolnshire Council has been awarded the Gold standard under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest national accolade for its support for Britain’s Armed Forces.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This is great for the Council, and for North East Lincolnshire. We are fully committed to supporting our nation’s Armed Forces community, and do everything we can to support those who serve as well as veterans and their families.
“We will continue our commitment and support other employers who are part of the Armed Forces community.”
The Employee Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are the highest badge of honour for employers who support those who serve, veterans and their families – typically by putting in place employment practices that support reservists to train and mobilise and veterans to transition to civilian life.
Employers have won awards for initiatives such as supporting ex-serving personnel transitioning out of the military, armed forces staff networks and flexibility for reservists and cadet force adult instructors.
The council already employs veterans and adult cadet force volunteers. As part of the Gold Award responsibilities, these employees are now able to access special arrangements to assist with their links, past and present, with the military. Potential new employees are also guaranteed an interview, subject to meeting the minimum criteria, if they are veterans.
Alex Baxter, Armed Forces Champion for North East Lincolnshire, said: “I’m delighted to see the local authority receive this as part of its ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The work that we do together to provide support for serving personnel, cadets, veterans, and their families is incredibly important, and grows in strength, year on year.”
The Award was received at a ceremony at Leeds Armouries last week.
To find out more about the Covenant and the work of the Armed Forces team, visit www.armedforcesnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk.
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