East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its work with the Armed Forces community.
The council has been granted the Silver Award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for a further five years.
Cllr David Elvidge, the council’s Veterans Champion, said;
“As Veterans Champion, I am extremely pleased that we have been successful in our application to revalidate our silver award.”
“Recognition of the contributions made by our Armed Forces personnel be they veterans, reservists, or cadets is something that we would encourage all employers to do and long may we continue to benefit from their work at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. 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 align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
ERYC has undertaken a wide range of work as part of its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Focusing on both its role as an employer but also as an advocate, working with other partner organisations to improve the support available in the East Riding.
As an employer, the council has a supportive Time Off for Public Duties Policy, which includes 10 days paid leave for reservist employees to fulfil training obligations, so that they do not have to use their annual leave entitlement.
Council job vacancies are advertised on the Career Transition Partnership website, and information on the Armed Forces Covenant and support available is included in the council’s corporate induction for new employees.
Other examples include having nominated staff who act as Armed Forces Champions for their service areas, and promoting an enhanced understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces community through training sessions for council staff.
