Durham County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting service personnel past and present during Armed Forces Week.
The local authority has a long record of positive engagement with, and support for, the Armed Forces and has pledged to strengthen these connections in the years to come.
The local authority is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.
It is also a Gold Level award holder of the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises employers who demonstrate positive attitudes and policies towards veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.
This week, council employees, including veterans, reservists and adult cadet force volunteers, gathered at County Hall for a ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week (Sunday 22 June to Saturday 28 June).
They were hosted by Cllr Robbie Rodiss, chairman of Durham County Council, who has chosen the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs of County Durham as the subject of his Chairman’s Appeal this year.
Cllr Andrew Harrison, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, and Major Chris Lawton MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, also attended.
Cllr Rodiss said: “Armed Forces Week provides an opportunity for us all to show our support for the Armed Forces community and to thank them for the vital role they play in maintaining peace and keeping us safe.
“At Durham County Council, we are committed to doing as much as we can to support all those who serve, or have served, in the military.
“Our Armed Forces Outreach Service can help with everything from housing and benefits to health and wellbeing, family support and financial advice.”
The council’s Employee Recognition Scheme recognises the positive role it plays in supporting the Armed Forces community, including:
• Providing reservists with at least ten extra paid days’ leave for annual training and to support mobilisation process.
• Offering adult cadet force volunteers supportive HR policies and additional ten days’ paid leave to attend annual training.
• Ensuring fair recruitment and selection processes for veterans, including a Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
• Advocating for military spouses and partners’ employment and career development.
The council also works closely with the Career Transition Partnership, Forces Transition Group and other resettlement support groups to connect with people who wish to pursue a career in the public sector and to promote the opportunities and support on offer.
Current employees can join the authority’s Armed Forces Staff Network, which provides a safe and confidential space to discuss and influence issues affecting members of the Armed Forces community.
Aimed at all service personnel, reservists, veterans and their families across County Durham, the council’s Armed Forces Outreach Service provides a wide range of support.
This includes help to overcome the barriers to securing a home, navigate the benefits system, secure employment or access training, maintain health and wellbeing, manage finances, and family support.
• Pictured above: Cllr Robbie Rodiss, Chairman of Durham County Council, and Cllr Andrew Husband, Leader of Durham County Council (centre), pictured with Cllr Darren Grimes, Deputy Leader of the council, Cllr Andrew Harrison, the local authority’s Armed Forces Champion, and members of the Armed Forces community.