Newark and Sherwood District Council restates commitment to Armed Forces Covenant

A council has restated its promise to the Armed Forces to promote awareness, understanding and integration with the wider community.

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s chief executive John Robinson re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the council on Monday.

The covenant, last signed in 2017, is a voluntary pledge to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect.

Deputy leader and Armed Forces Champion Keith Girling and the Ministry of Defence’s regional engagement director Bruce Spencer were also in attendance at Castle House for the signing, along with a number of veterans employed by the council.

Mr Girling, 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.

“It’s seems right that we sign this a day after the country paused for silence during the Remembrance Sunday services as we remember, and honour, the sacrifices made to secure and protect our freedom.

“We’ll 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.”

The district council has made several commitments to the Armed Forces that has seen them achieve silver status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The council hopes it can achieve gold in the near future. The scheme acknowledges employers who support defence personnel, including reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick, families and cadets.

The council said it recognised the vital role of Britain’s reserve forces and valuable contribution that reservists make to the UK’s defence, communities and the civilian workplace.

It supports membership of the reserve forces for their employees and wherever possible are flexible in granting time off to employees enabling them to undertake reserve service training.

It also supports many of the armed forces and veteran’s breakfast clubs across Nottinghamshire, offering free food and conversation with local support network partners.

The council will be holding its own veterans’ breakfast just for veterans at Newark Town Hall on Tuesday, November 30, from 10am until midday.

To book a place email communityengagement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or call 01636 650000.