Work with forces is 'life-changing'
Rutland County Council has marched itself towards an award as a result of the “life-changing” work it does to support the Armed Forces Community.
The authority has won a silver Defence Recognition Scheme (ERS) award for its close work with the four army regiments based in the county - 1st Military Working Dogs Regiment and 2 Medical Regiment at St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham, and 2 The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and 7 Regiment the Royal Logistics Corps at Kendrew Barracks in Cottesmore.
It also recognises the county council’s support to forces families and veterans.
Coun Oliver Hemsley (Con), leader of Rutland County Council, said: “As a small county with a large armed forces community we pride ourselves on the support that we offer to local service personnel and their families.
“The armed forces do an incredible job in difficult and often dangerous circumstances.
“This is fully appreciated by our staff and local communities, who are rightly proud of the men and women who protect our country.
“To receive a silver award as part of the employer recognition scheme is a huge honour and shows just how committed we are at every level of the council when it comes to supporting the armed forces community.”
The awards encourage both public and private sector employers to support the armed forces by handing out bronze, silver and gold awards to workplaces who pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.
Rutland County Council won its Silver ERS Award for having signed the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring members of the forces community are not disadvantaged in recruiting and selection processes, employing at least one reservist and promoting positive polices towards defence people issues.
The authority recently recruited a dedicated Armed Forces Officer to work with and support the Armed Forces community in Rutland and neighbouring areas.
Tobias Ellwood MP, minister for defence personnel and veterans, said: “I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of this year’s employer recognition scheme silver awards.”
