Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) commitment to supporting serving and former Armed Forces personnel and their families has been given a golden endorsement for its work in communities across the area.
The authority has again been awarded the Gold Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which acknowledges the Council’s awareness of the variety of transferable skills reservists, veterans and current personnel can bring to the civilian workplace.
The award is the highest accolade given to employers who demonstrate forces-friendly credentials through a rigorous application process, including adjusting HR policies to allow flexibility for reservists and supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career.
The accreditation also recognises that RBC proactively demonstrates that service personnel or those in the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as a result of their service.
Earlier this year, RBC’s hugely popular Proms in the Park event scooped a Projects and Events Award at the Boots and Beret 2024 Awards, hosted by Nottinghamshire County Council, highlighting its further support for local Armed Forces.
The awards recognise local councils, individuals, and businesses who support the Armed Forces in Nottinghamshire.
Proms in the Park is a free, family-friendly event hosted on Armed Forces Day each year, attracting thousands of people to celebrate the forces’ efforts, accompanied by music, great food and drink, with representatives of local squadrons and units on hand to showcase what they do for our community.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Wellbeing, ICT & Member Development, Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, said: “We’re very honoured to again receive the Armed Forces Covenant ERS Gold Award, which demonstrates the strides we have made in ensuring our valued members of the Armed Forces are integrated into our organisation.
“It highlights the great work the respective teams have delivered and builds on the success of our Boots and Beret Award, which we received earlier this year for our free Proms in the Park event in West Bridgford. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year to recognise and celebrate our Armed Forces.
“With our Gold Award status, we will continue to do everything we can to support those with a military background and to explore further ways we can assist hard-to-reach veterans and families with the support they may require.
“Congratulations to everyone involved with this fantastic achievement.”
If you are a member of Armed Forces personnel or a veteran living in Rushcliffe and you need support, download a free support guide, email communitydevelopment@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 981 9911.
