Southend on Sea City Council awarded Bronze Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award

The award, received in April 2024, recognises our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including veterans and ex-service personnel, reservists, and their families, through inclusive hiring practices and wider support initiatives.

Since receiving the award, we have been working behind the scenes to further our support for Armed Forces personnel and plan the next steps as we work towards achieving Silver and Gold status in the future. This announcement coincides with the rollout of new initiatives and strengthened policies aimed at ensuring our continued dedication to the Armed Forces community.

The ERS acknowledges employers who pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for the defence and Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. As a Bronze Award recipient, Southend-on-Sea City Council has committed to promoting an Armed Forces-friendly environment, ensuring that our recruitment and workplace policies are welcoming to veterans and ex-service personnel, reservists, and their families.

Cllr Lydia Hyde, chair of the Armed Forces Working Party at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "Receiving the Bronze Award demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, and we remain focused that they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. We look forward to continuing our work, with the aim of achieving Silver and Gold awards in the coming years."

Colin Ansell, chief executive of Southend-on-Sea City Council, added: "We are honoured to have earned the Bronze Award and are dedicated to building on this achievement. Our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community is reflected in our policies and actions, and we will continue to develop our initiatives to ensure members of the Armed Forces can thrive here in Southend."

In March 2024, Southend-on-Sea City Council further strengthened its commitment to the Armed Forces by signing the Southend Armed Forces Covenant. This covenant ensures that no member of the Armed Forces community is disadvantaged when accessing vital public services, including healthcare, education, and housing, as mandated by the Armed Forces Act 2021.

For more information, visit: Southend Armed Forces Covenant.

Published: 14th October 2024