News

Armed Forces Covenant milestones for Local Parish Councils

Selston Parish Council in Nottinghamshire has become the 60^th Parish Council to sign the pledge in the region, with Lincolnshire’s Louth Parish Council being the first in the East Midlands to receive their Silver Award from the Employer Award Recognition Scheme.

By signing the Covenant, Selston have also received their Bronze Award in the Scheme.

Both Parish Councils have committed that the Regulars, Reservists, Veterans and Military families living and working in their parishes will face no disadvantages in terms of services. They have also gained wider access to events and seminars and, through the East Midlands Employer Engagement Team, a dedicated signposting service for any matters related to the Armed Forces community.

In order to achieve the Silver Award, those signed up to the Covenant must proactively demonstrate their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community. Spearheaded by Greg Gilbert, Community Outreach Manager, Louth Parish Council has financially supported 1228 Louth Air Cadets, ensured priority counselling, and supported local Reservist recruitment, amongst other efforts.

Louth were presented their award by Major Pegg, Officer Commanding of 3rd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment.

The East Midlands Employer Engagement Team have described Louth’s accomplishment as “paving the ways for others as a fine exemplar”.

Louth Parish Council receiving their Silver Award from East Midlands Employer Engagement Team and Major Pegg.

Responding to Selston’s sign-up, Deputy Regional Employer Engagement Director Kirstie Lawrence said: “This is a proud moment for Selston Parish Council and for Defence. We are proud to welcome the Council to the long list of Parish, Town, City and District Councils that are pledging not just an acknowledgement of the Defence past but pledging to support Defence present within their respective communities.”

You can find out more information on the Armed Forces Covenant on their website.