Shropshire Council scoops gold award for Armed Forces support
Monday 9 October 2017 saw representatives of Shropshire Council attend the Employer Recognition Awards Ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in London to receive the highly prestigious Gold Award Certificate for their support of the Armed Forces in Shropshire.
Of the 32 recipients, Shropshire Council was one of just six councils in the country to receive the Gold Award.
The award was presented by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales to Sean McCarthy (Armed Forces Covenant Co-Ordinator for Shropshire Council), Karen Calder (Shropshire Councillor responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant) and Kim Leach (Squadron Leader at RAF Shawbury).
Left-to-right: His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, Sean McCarthy (Shropshire Council), Councillor Karen Calder (Shropshire Council), Squadron Leader Kim Leach (RAF Shawbury), Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
“This year’s Gold award winners should be extremely proud of the work they are doing to live up to the Armed Forces Covenant pledge and to promote the pledge to others.
“I’m delighted to recognise employers who make it crystal clear that regardless of size, location, or sector, employing people with military skills is good for business. I hope others follow their example, thereby delivering a better deal for veterans and armed forces families.”
Shropshire Council is now among the Armed Forces Covenant’s 80 elite employers, courtesy of leading by example in its support of Armed Forces personnel, reservists and veterans.
Clive Wright, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said:
“As one of Shropshire’s largest employers, we have a duty to support regular and reserve units as well as the veterans who are trying to find their way in civilian life.
“From the hugely successful Armed Forces Matchdays, to the community projects such as the MUGA in Tern Hill along with buy in from a number of organisations who have joined the partnership, the Armed Forces Covenant has achieved a great deal in broadening the opportunities for military personnel and bridging the gap with civilian communities.
“The Gold Award is thoroughly deserved and testament to all of the fantastic work being done. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we lead the way and inspire others to support those who have selflessly served our country.”
Karen Calder, Shropshire Councillor responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant, added:
“It’s a fantastic achievement, not just for Shropshire Council, but the partners and all the people involved in making Shropshire a great place for Armed Forces personnel, reservists and veterans to not just live, but the thrive and be a part of civilian life.
“It was a privilege to receive the Gold Award on Shropshire’s behalf.”
To date more than 1,900 companies across the UK have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant – 418 of these are local authorities.
Further information
The Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise between the nation, government and the Armed Forces to treat our serving personnel, veterans and their families with fairness and respect. Corporates, charities and local authorities can sign the Armed Forces Covenant and make their own promise to support the Forces in ways of their choosing.
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)
The ERS was launched in 2014 by the Prime Minister to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Defence Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, Service Leavers, Wounded Injured and Sick, Cadets, and spouses.
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. The awards are valid for three years, when they are reviewed.
For a full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze winners click here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme)
