Silver accolade confirms UDC's ongoing commitment to Armed Forces
Uttlesford District Council has been awarded silver accreditation in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The scheme encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and aligns their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The silver award recognises the help that the council gives to the Armed Forces community, including upskilling staff on how to support military families, and supporting staff who give up their spare time for Reserve and Cadet Instructor activities.
In addition to being an advocate for the Armed Forces, the council celebrates the positive measures it has in place, such as providing additional paid leave so that employees can attend training camps and phased returns to work following deployment.
Cllr Rod Jones, the council's Armed Forces Champion who sits on the Essex Civilian Military Partnership Board, served in the Armed Forces for almost 25 years. Cllr Jones said: "As a veteran, I have seen first-hand how support from organisations like the council can make a difference to the lives of service personnel and their families.
"I am extremely grateful to staff at the council for the hard work and time spent in achieving the silver award, and I know the Veteran community is grateful for the council's continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant."
Further information about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme.
More information about the Essex Armed Forces Community Covenant can be found at: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/Armed-Forces-Community-Covenant.
25 July 2022