Council receives gold award for work to support Armed Forces community

Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award 2022

Sheffield City Council has been given a Gold Award as a business that employs and supports those who serve, veterans and their families.

The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour in the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme. To be eligible, employers must sign the Armed Forces Covenant - a promise that those who serve or who have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

The Council’s work to support the Armed Forces community includes:

• Compiling the Sheffield Armed Forces Directory to signpost members of the Armed Forces community to support available to them
• Actively promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraging regional partners and organisations to sign
• Providing 10 days paid leave to reservist employees and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to attend training
• Providing supportive HR policies for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces

Cllr Terry Fox, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This award highlights our commitment to our Armed Forces community and the value of their contribution to our workforce and city.

“The council has policies in place to prevent disadvantage for members of the Armed Forces community, as well as directing them to support given by local organisations and charities.

“We’re proud of our Armed Forces community and grateful for everything they do for the people of Sheffield and the nation. We’ll continue to do all that we can to develop and enhance the support given to them.”

Cllr Tony Downing, Armed Forces Champion at Sheffield City Council, added: “It is an honour that the work we do to support Sheffield’s Armed Forces community has been recognised by the MoD.

“Those in the Armed Forces community make huge sacrifices to protect our nation, and we’re committed to making sure they are treated with fairness and respect.

“We hold four monthly meetings of the Sheffield Community Covenant Partnership board, where our focus is to enhance and join-up the services, organisations and resources that are available for members of the Armed Forces community in Sheffield.

“We will continue to support our Armed Forces community and encourage local businesses and partners to commit to do the same by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.”