Dorset Council has received the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
With over 80 Armed Forces personnel past and present, or family members, employed by Dorset Council, the award recognises the commitment the council is making to support its employees.
Achieving the Silver Award is part of Dorset Council’s pledge through the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy and society.
The council signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019 with BCP Council and partners, including the NHS and Dorset Police.
Cllr David Walsh, Armed Forces Champion for Dorset Council, said: “We’re proud to receive the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. Through our commitment to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant locally, this commendation demonstrates our support for over 80 Armed Forces colleagues including Reservists, Veterans and their families, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
“Their skills and experience help Dorset Council deliver services to residents, and this has been more important than ever over the past 18 months as we faced new and fast-changing challenges through the pandemic
“Moving forward, the council will work closely with these colleagues to help us develop an environment that harnesses the expertise they bring to us and builds on what we can do for them.”
In its day-to-day operations, the council has a range of policies that support the former Armed Forces personnel and the Reservists it employs. These include:
- Up to ten working days, or two weeks, paid leave each year for reserve forces training.
- Support for employees who are a partner or spouse of a Reservist who is called up, including flexible working or a career break.
- For Reservists who are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme who are called up for Reservist service, their pension continues to build for the duration the period they are called up.
A Reservist who works for Dorset Council said: “I appreciate the flexibility that my employer offers. Management are very keen to be as supportive as they can in terms of flexible working arrangements etc.
“The 10 days annual leave is of particular benefit as it lets me save my holiday for my family, which is very important to allow me to balance my home life with work and reserve service”.
Dorset Council is looking to make further improvements for people who are transitioning from the Armed Forces by offering more career support. It is also developing opportunities to share information and provide mutual support with colleagues in the council and further afield.
The award will be presented at a ceremony on 12 October 2021 and the council is working towards the Gold Award.
Mental wellbeing event
Through the Armed Forces Covenant, Dorset Council is supporting this year’s ‘On Track’ event which takes place at the Tank Museum, Bovington on 7 October 2021 in support of World Mental Health Day.
The event will provide techniques and useful contacts to help build mental resilience, with talks, exhibitors and workshops. There will be a daytime event tailored towards members of the military and emergency services and an evening event for members of the public. The event can be attended in person or online.
Tickets cost £1 each for military, veterans and emergency services. £5 each for regular tickets. Find out more and how to book.
Keep up-to-date with the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant on Facebook or find out more about it at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/armed-forces-covenant
