Suffolk County Council has achieved the Bronze Award through the Ministry of Defence's Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The award recognises the council’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and upholding the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces community includes serving personnel, reservists, veterans, service leavers, military spouses and partners, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Through our commitment, we aim to ensure these individuals are treated fairly, supported in balancing their service and civilian responsibilities and are not disadvantaged in accessing employment opportunities.
As part of this commitment, Suffolk County Council:
- Provides up to two weeks paid leave each year for employees who are reservists to attend their annual training commitments.
- Supports employees who volunteer with cadet organisations and contribute to the wider Armed Forces community.
- Takes steps to ensure members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged through our recruitment and selection processes
As part of its commitment to ensuring members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged in recruitment, SCC is introducing a new interview scheme.
Applicants who identify as members of the Armed Forces community and who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be offered an interview.
A new application question will enable candidates to tell us whether they are part of the Armed Forces community and would like to be considered under the scheme.
The Bronze Award is an important milestone and the council is already exploring the next steps towards achieving Silver status.
Councillor Tristan Gale, Armed Forces champion for Suffolk County Council, said: “Achieving Bronze is an important milestone and I am pleased that we are already considering how we go for Silver status. I look forward to building on this progress and strengthening our support even further.
“This recognition shows we are taking meaningful, practical steps to ensure serving personnel, reservists, veterans, service leavers, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers are treated fairly and supported in balancing their service with civilian life.
“I am particularly pleased that we are introducing a new interview scheme for eligible applicants from the Armed Forces community, a simple but important change that will help open doors, recognise the immense value these individuals bring, and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive.”
