Silver award for North Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to supporting Armed Forces community

13 October 2022

North Northamptonshire Council has received the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for its outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community this year.

The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Awards recognise organisations which have actively demonstrated their support for the Armed Forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace. 

This includes commitments such as paid time off for reservists and cadet force adult volunteers and ensuring HR policies are inclusive of veterans and military spouses.  

Under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, employers support defence personnel and encourage others to do the same.

The scheme has three levels, bronze, silver and gold. To achieve silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies.

They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues.  

I’m really proud that we have made the commitment to go tap into the skills and experience those from the armed forces can offer our communities.

Not only do we have a duty to support those who volunteer to serve, we also need to make sure they have clear routes back into civilian employment where the rest of us can benefit from that rich experience.Cllr Matt Binley the council’s Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling Up and Armed Forces Covenant champion

As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have a duty and commitment to support ex and current service personnel in any way we can.

We not only appreciate our Armed Forces’ service to the country but also the important role they play in our communities throughout North Northamptonshire.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

We are delighted that so many local businesses have been recognised with this Silver Award. Despite the pressures of the last few years, these companies have taken the time to ensure our Armed Forces community is supported.

It is gratifying to see that, whatever the size of the business, there is a place for the Armed Forces Covenant, and they recognise the benefits of working with Defence. They should be really proud of this significant achievement.Kirstie Lawrence, the Ministry of Defence’s Deputy Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands