County council recognised for its support to local armed forces communities

Staffordshire County Council leader Alan White holding the award

County council recognised for its support to local armed forces communities

Staffordshire County Council has been recognised for the support it provides to the armed forces community and now wants other organisations to follow suit.

The county council was awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition (DERS) silver award at an event held at the National Memorial Arboretum in September.

The award recognises employers who support service personnel and the armed forces community and makes sure they are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes. 

Staffordshire was commended on the support given to reservists working for the council including, allowing them adequate and paid time off for training exercises and development.

Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Alan White said:

“As a former member of the armed forces and long-standing supporter of the services, I’m delighted that the council has achieved this recognition.

“Staffordshire has a strong connection with the armed forces, with large bases in Stafford and Lichfield, along with many veterans, reservists, cadets and armed forces families across the county.

“We signed the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2012 and since then we’ve been working hard to make sure that our armed forces get the support and access to services they need.  Our role now is to build on this work while promoting the covenant to other Staffordshire organisations to pledge their support.

“It’s important that we recognise the valuable skills former service personnel and their families can bring to Staffordshire to enable them to enjoy full and rewarding careers and lives with their families after their service.”

Staffordshire County Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in May 2012 and continues to support its armed forces communities.  The covenant sets out how the county council is recognising, supporting and helping integrate its armed forces as a valued part of Staffordshire’s communities. 

Further details on the Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant and how businesses and organisations can sign up are available at The Armed Forces Covenant - Staffordshire County Council.