West Norfolk Council's award-winning support for the Armed Forces
West Norfolk Council has been recognised today for its support to the armed forces community by once again achieving the Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant employer recognition scheme.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Cllr Stuart Dark, MBE, borough council leader and Armed Forces Covenant Champion, said: “The re-validation of the award today highlights our continued commitment to defence personnel. Our organisation employs many ex-forces personnel who continue to make a valuable contribution to the community.
“The borough council recently introduced a guaranteed interview scheme for ex-armed forces personnel. It further shows our support and may help those who are recently out of service into civilian roles that are still effectively within the field of public service, something we believe may be attractive to ex forces personnel.
“Our organisation was praised by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk for hosting the first of our Armed Forces charities co-ordination meetings, which was chaired by the Mayor recently. The aim being to maximise cooperation and support for all in the armed forces family across West Norfolk. We’re blessed to have so many good forces charities operating in our borough.
“We will continue to work towards achieving the gold award in the future.”
The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 to recognise and reward UK employers for their support and commitment to this covenant. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces Community. This includes the Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, Cadets, military spouses or partners and their families.
The borough council is one of seven organisations based in Norfolk who have received the Silver Award revalidation.
