The revalidated Gold Award has been presented yesterday (Tuesday 3 December) to City of York Council for the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme for its work to support past and serving members of the armed forces.
This prestigious medal acknowledges the depth and breadth of the Council’s ongoing work since it signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2011. The covenant states that no one who has ever served in the armed forces or their families should be disadvantaged because of their service. It encourages local communities to support the armed forces and to promote activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life.
The Council’s work is directed by a comprehensive action plan which includes support for staff who are reservists or cadet force volunteers, and for veterans and their spouses who apply for job interviews. It supports the needs of children of armed forces personnel as well as training for Council staff to raise awareness of the needs of the armed forces’ community while encouraging more organisations to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. Weekly drop-in sessions are also held every Tuesday from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Spurriergate Centre, St. Michael's Church, Spurriergate, York YO1 9QR.
In June, the city held a week of events including the Armed Forces Day Football Fest and a Reserves Day, followed by the Armed Forces Business Conference in October to encourage businesses and organisations to sign up to the covenant and employ more ex-service personnel.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “I’m tremendously proud of our city’s long and treasured connection to the armed forces community. Given its sacrifices, we must give those who have served or are reservists, equal access to opportunities and services in our city.
“This revalidation of our Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme affirms our ongoing work and commitment to supporting this valued community.”
Pauline King, Regional Employer Engagement Director of the Yorkshire and Humber Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “Initially granted in 2019, we are delighted to confirm the five-year revalidation of City of York Council’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.
“As one of 88 organisations nationally to have secured a 2024 gold revalidation, this acknowledges their long-term commitment and support for defence personnel, the local armed forces community, military partnering and ongoing support to implement forces-friendly initiatives.”
More about the Community Covenant is at www.york.gov.uk/ArmedForcesCovenant
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