Chesterfield Borough Council has received a Silver Award for its support of the Armed Forces.
The council was given the award through the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which encourages employers to implement human resources policies that support members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community while inspiring others to do the same.
Dr Huw Bowen, the council’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have received this award. As a council we recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the Armed Forces.
“We also benefit greatly as an employer from the unique skills, experiences and attributes that members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community bring to our workplace, our teams and in improving service delivery for our communities.
“The employer recognition scheme has helped focus our efforts to improve opportunities and support for council staff that wish to follow this path.”
Chesterfield Borough Council employs veterans, serving reservists and family members of Armed Forces personnel.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s fantastic that we have received recognition for the work we do to support the Armed Forces community, and crucial that we recognise and support the work of the Armed Forces personnel that the council employs, as well as those who live in our community.
“We will continue to support this community whenever possible and ensure the many sacrifices that they and their families have made for us are recognised.”
We have a number of policies, procedures and practices that aim to support members of the Armed Forces community employed by the council and also the wider Armed Forces community living in Chesterfield, these include:
- Changed leave policies to support staff to carry out their duties including up to ten days per year for reservist duties
- Access to employee assistance and occupational health schemes to support employees’ physical and mental health.
- A generous career break policy which can be used to support mobilisation.
- A clear support plan for members of the Armed Forces returning from mobilisation and a clear cross-council understanding of their rights.
- Chesterfield’s Armed Forces cadet units are given pride of place at our key annual ceremonies including Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Mayor’s annual parade.
- We are partners in the Veterans Hub (Chesterfield) led by the Department for Work and Pensions, which includes regular events at the Town Hall.
- The council is a registered employer with both the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
Chesterfield Borough Council received a Bronze Award for its participation in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme in 2019.
