Coventry City Council has been recognised by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its work to support the Armed Forces.
The national body works to encourage employers to support the Armed Forces and their personnel and inspire others through their work.
As part of that work, it runs the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) to recognise employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
It is the second recruitment award for the Council in just days, following news the Council had earned the title of Disability Confident Leader.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme has Gold, Silver and Bronze levels and Coventry City Council has now received the Silver Award.
The award is open to all companies and businesses, as well as public organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, and NHS trusts.
To earn the Silver Award, employers must have pledged to support the Armed Forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community, and they must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
They have to promote being Armed Forces-friendly and be open to employing reservists, veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
They have to proactively demonstrate that service personnel and the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruiting and selection processes; and ensure that the workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues.
They must also show support to training by providing at least five days’ additional unpaid/paid leave and demonstrate support to the Cadet movement.
Cllr Linda Bigham, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Coventry has always been linked with the Armed Forces and will always be very proud of that association.
“Many from the city have worn the uniforms with courage and pride, and our work as a city of peace and reconciliation would not be possible without the support of the Armed Forces who risk so much to help people in danger around the world.
“We owe all those who serve today and have served in the past a huge debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, but we can promise that we will support them and their families and do all we can to help them.
“That includes welcoming them into our workforce and ensuring they know we care and we are there for them. That is why we are delighted to receive the Silver Award, and we hope it will inspire others to follow our example and offer that extra support to those who deserve it so much.”
The Award comes days after the city joined the country in marking Armed Forces Day.
The day, which is always remembered in the city, took place on Saturday 29 June, and saw Coventry residents join a service and attend a parade to help the city say thank-you to those who serve and their families, our veterans and cadets.
The Council has been a long-time supporter of the Armed Forces and is proud to be signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Covenant is a promise to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or 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.
Read more about the Covenant on the Council website.