North East Derbyshire District Council has been officially presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, for its outstanding support to the Armed Forces Community.
The scheme recognises organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate their support for the defence community, with three levels of awards available – bronze, silver and gold.
Cllr Martin Thacker MBE, Armed Forces Champion for North East Derbyshire District Council and Council Vice Chairman, accepted the scheme’s highest award at a meeting of Full Council on Monday 28 November, from Bruce Spencer – Regional Employer Engagement Director at The East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Cllr Thacker, said: “The Council is proud to have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support to the Armed Forces Community.
“It’s wonderful to hear that amongst almost seven million employers in the UK, just 638 have received a Gold Award and we’re one of them! So, this achievement is really something to celebrate.”
Council Leader, Cllr Alex Dale, Council Chair, Cllr Diana Ruff, and Steve Lee, Assistant Director Regeneration and Programmes, attended a special awards ceremony earlier in the month at the National Arboretum, Staffordshire, to collect the award on behalf of NEDDC.
Cllr Dale, said: “I’d like to thank Cllr Thacker for his unstinting work as Armed Forces Champion. We couldn’t have a better Armed Forces Champion in the Council if we tried. I also thank Steve Lee and his Team for all their work in the background.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”
To win an award, organisations must have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reservists, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
In 2019, NEDDC re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant for Derbyshire which pledges our commitment and support to the Armed Forces Community.