Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded ‘Gold’ in the 2023 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The scheme, is designed to recognise private sector support, although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised. Organised by the Ministry of Defence this is the highest level of award offered by the scheme. The scheme encourages employers to support defence and the armed forces, inspiring others to do the same.
With Bronze, Silver and Gold awards employer organisations have to pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, as well as align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives. The covenant focusses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
Buckinghamshire Council have been able to provide extra support to local armed forces families as an employer by:
- Offering extra leave for reservists to attend training
- Providing a supportive work environment for employees who are members of the armed forces community, including facilitating a staff network
- Guaranteeing job interviews for ex-armed forces personnel and service reservists where they meet the essential criteria for a role
