South Gloucestershire Council has recently received the bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The Employer Recognition Scheme is designed to acknowledge employers that provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community and Defence by going above and beyond their Covenant pledges. The scheme supports the council in scrutinising its own practice against nationally recognised best practice, and presents challenges continuously improve and develop. It also helps the council demonstrate to the public – especially the Armed Forces Community – its commitment to excellence in employment practices.
The council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Alison Evans, said “I am delighted that we have achieved this recognition. Through our work with partners, including SAFFA and AssistPlus, we aim to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives. Being a Forces friendly employer is part of our commitment and I would encourage businesses of all shapes and sizes to consider the proven business benefits of hiring veterans.”
South Gloucestershire Council is an active member of Forces Connect South West, and took a lead role in developing the Health and Wellbeing element of South-West wide Strategy to ensure proactive delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant across the region. This is an important contribution as mental health and wellbeing is one of the key reasons why armed forces veterans approach services for support.
To learn more about our support for the Armed Forces Community, visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/support-for-armed-forces/
