The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) asks employers to support the armed forces community in-line with Armed Forces Covenant values. The scheme gives Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for employers across the country that work to honour this pledge.
Building on its previous Bronze Award, achieved in 2023, the council has demonstrated that it has further developed its commitment to the armed forces community by making its recruitment processes easier for former armed forces personnel and their families to apply for jobs and by supporting those transitioning from the military into civilian life. This approach has enabled the council to achieve this ERS Scheme Silver Award, which was presented to Cllr Dunlop by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE CStJ QPM.
Of the award, Cllr John Dunlop said, “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the council. Members of the Armed Forces community have an incredibly valuable skillset, with the potential to bring unique experience to the council and its operations. This award emphasises our ambitions to better support members of that community as they balance and transition into civilian life, with their inclusion in our workforce greatly benefitting our organisation and the district.”
Colonel Leona Barr-Jones DL, Chief Executive of East Anglia RFCA said, "Huge congratulations to East Herts Council on achieving this well-deserved Silver Award. This recognition reflects the tangible, practical steps they've taken to support the Armed Forces Community, a commitment that makes a real difference to the lives of reservists, veterans cadet force adult volunteers and military families. At East Anglia RFCA, championing this kind of commitment is one of the key pillars of our work to connect defence with society, and we're incredibly proud to have supportive employers like East Herts Council in our region.”