New Forest District Council (NFDC) has been awarded silver from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising its ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The ERS celebrates UK employers who demonstrate exceptional support to those who serve, or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. The award scheme works in stages from bronze, silver, and gold award levels, reflecting a journey of continued development and dedication.
Following the council’s bronze award last year, this latest recognition marks another significant step in progression towards gold.
Cllr Jill Cleary, Leader of the Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved silver in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This award is a testament to our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, and military families across our district. Our progress from bronze to silver shows that we are moving in the right direction, and we are firmly focused on achieving gold in the future.”
Cllr Alvin Reid, Armed Forces Champion, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for New Forest District Council. We value the skills and experience that members of the Armed Forces bring to the workplace and remain dedicated to being a supportive and inclusive employer.”
By achieving silver, New Forest District Council has been acknowledged for its proactive engagement with the Armed Forces community. This includes guaranteed job interviews for veterans who meet the essential requirements of a role, up to two weeks extra annual leave for serving reservists to attend their annual training, and most council roles offer flexible working to attend military commitments.
All veterans employed by the council are invited and given time to attend and represent at events, including Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Day, and VE Day. The community development team has completed work across the district, including outreach projects in Marchwood, Calshot, and Fawley.
More information about the council’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, and how it continues to work towards being an employer of choice, is available at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3776/Supporting-the-armed-forces-community
