As I see it: Gold standard for Armed Forces Community
This month, it was with great pride to see Newark and Sherwood District Council awarded with the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for our outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community, writes Keith Girling, deputy leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and its armed forces champion.
Representing the highest badge of honour, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is awarded to organisations that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
After serving for 18 years as a Grenadier Guard, I understand how important it is to have the backing from an employer when returning to civilian life. There can be difficulties adjusting to a new way of living and there are always challenges to overcome at your first job outside the service.
The Armed Forces play a vital role in the district and we are forever grateful for the service they provide in protecting our country. By being rewarded with the Gold Award it 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.
We were able to achieve the gold award thanks to the district council re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2021. It’s 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.
By holding the gold award and with the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, it means we must provide ten extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and cadet force adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
We are also advocating the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging other authorities to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
It’s a proud feeling that Newark and Sherwood District Council is one of eighteen organisations in the East Midlands who have won this prestigious award and one of five in Nottinghamshire.
Hopefully many more authorities will follow our lead and support residents across the county who are part of the Armed Forces community.
