The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has named Hull City Council as a Gold Award winner in its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The ERS recognises UK employers which demonstrate and advocate support for the armed forces community, and have values aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant itself is a pledge to ensure fair treatment for those who have served in the forces and their families.
The Gold Award is the highest recognition available and reflects the range and scope of work undertaken at the council. This has included:
- Setting up and chairing the City’s Armed Forces Forum made up of over 70 organisations that provide clear routes into services and support for our armed forces community
- Working with businesses to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage them to offer employment packages for service leavers.
- Developing and providing training packages including mental health awareness
- Offering additional leave entitlement to volunteer members of non-regular forces staff who attend training
- Hosting conferences and Lifeworks events within the city – Lifeworks offers tailored employability and careers support to veterans.
Cllr Terry Keal, the Armed Forces Champion at Hull City Council, said: “We recognise the sacrifices made and pressures that our armed forces community can face when adapting to civilian life.
“The award demonstrates our continued commitment to working together with our armed forces partners to prevent disadvantage and provide quality services for our local armed forces community”.
“Receiving the award is not a sign that we’ve done enough, but that we must keep going and keep reaching more people”.
Tracy Harsley, Armed Forces Lead at Hull City Council said: “We’re delighted to have received this ERS Gold Award from our colleagues in the MoD. It’s a reflection of how much work continues to be undertaken to support local veterans, those still serving and their families.
“This support not only benefits those receiving it – there are wider implications for local businesses and communities which are enriched by people who are empowered to be active, engaged employees, friends and neighbours”.
Find out more about the award, and the bronze, silver and gold levels here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
