Malvern Hills District Council has received a Bronze Award for its commitment to support the armed forces community.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), from the Ministry of Defence, recognises commitment and support from UK employers for defence personnel.
The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.
In order to be eligible for the award employers must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The council became a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant in July 2024.
The Covenant is a pledge to show acknowledgement and understanding of those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
The council is now working towards the silver and gold awards. These include a list of criteria the council will need to meet such as, to proactively demonstrate their forces-friendly credentials as part of their recruiting and selection processes, to actively ensure that their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues, and more.
Cllr Natalie McVey, Armed Forces Champion at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “As an employer, the council is proud to show its commitment and support to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families. We would like to encourage other employers to take the pledge, help make a difference and inspire others to do the same”.
There are a number of events being held across the Malvern Hills District next week for Remembrance Day to honour armed forces members who lost their lives as a result of conflict.
Find out more information about the Covenant and the Remembrance events by visiting Remembrance Day services across the Malvern Hills 2024 - Malvern Hills District Council.
Pictured: Cllr Natalie McVey, Armed Forces Champion, with the award. She is wearing a red poppy to commemorate armed forces, a white poppy for peace, and a purple poppy for the animals who died in war.
Date published: 31 October 2024.