District Council wins Gold for support to Armed Forces Community
The Newark and Sherwood District Council has received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for the support it has provided to the Armed Forces community.
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to organisations that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
Among one of the 18 organisations in the East Midlands who have been awarded the highest badge of honour, Newark and Sherwood District Council is one of the only five in Nottinghamshire.
Keith Girling, the deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “The Armed Forces play a vital role in the district and we are forever grateful for the service they provide in protecting our country.
"I am delighted that we have been awarded gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which acknowledges those employers who support defence personnel, including reservists, veterans, wounded, injured and sick families and cadets. This really is a testament to our commitment to these wonderful service men and women.”
The Chief-Executive John Robinson has re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the District Council on November 15, 2021.
The resignation brought back the promise to encourage awareness, understanding and integration between the community and the Armed Forces.
John Robinson said: “We firmly remain committed to doing all we can to remember, and honour, the sacrifices made to secure and protect our freedom and we will continue to do what we can to support those in the Armed Forces both in our district and in our workforce, enabling them to have the care and backing when they need it most.
“I am thrilled that we have been accredited with such an honour.”
To win the award, organisations have to provide ten extra paid days leave for Reservists and supportive HR policies for Veterans, Reserves and Cadet Force Adult volunteers as well as for the spouses and partners of those in the Armed Forces.
The organisations must encourage others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses. These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.” said Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People.
The Employer Recognition Scheme was first introduced in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron.
The main aim of the award was to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the whole spectrum of Defence personnel.
The Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, Bruce Spencer, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many local companies have been recognised with this Gold Award.
“It has been a difficult couple of years for businesses, and despite that, these organisations have gone above and beyond to ensure our Armed Forces community is supported.
“They should be very proud of this significant achievement.”
