East Cambridgeshire District Council has strengthened its support for members of the Armed Forces by achieving the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award.
As part of the scheme, the council implements measures to support members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, service spouses and partners when they apply for roles within the organisation.
Transitioning from military service to civilian employment is widely recognised as a significant challenge for service personnel, as is developing and maintaining a career for service spouses and partners. By achieving ERS Bronze, the council acknowledges the unique skills and experiences that members of the Armed Forces community bring and is committed to valuing these contributions during recruitment.
Cllr Martin Goodearl, district councillor for Littleport and the council’s Armed Forces Covenant champion, said: “I was proud to be part of the ceremony in September 2024 when we signed the Armed Forces Covenant, re-affirming the council’s original 2011 commitment.
“As a former member of the Armed Forces I understand the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. Knowing that there are employers who recognise and value the transferable skills and experience of the Armed Forces community is truly invaluable.”
The council’s pledge under the Armed Forces Covenant extends to recruitment practices, ensuring it remains Armed Forces-friendly and open to employing reservists, service leavers and veterans (including those who are wounded, injured or sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
The council is working towards having a presence on both the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) platform for service leavers and Forces Families Jobs (FFJ), a free tri-service online platform for family members of currently serving UK military personnel, offering employment, training, and volunteering opportunities.
Tommy Kelly, Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Coordinator, added: “Achieving the Bronze Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is a testament to the council’s ongoing dedication to the Armed Forces community.
“It’s especially meaningful that this recognition coincides with the first anniversary of the council signing the Covenant. I look forward to supporting the council to start to advance to ERS Silver next year”