Havant Borough Council has received the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for its outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.
To receive a gold award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for Veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
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.
Havant Borough Council has created a Stakeholder group which bring local charities, community groups, veteran groups, local businesses and serving personnel together to address key issues in the Armed Forces community.
The council also offers support to its employees who are linked to the Armed Forces community through a staff network group.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Havant Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “The Armed Forces play a vital role in the borough, and we are forever grateful for the service they provide in protecting our country.
"I am delighted that we have been awarded gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which acknowledges those employers who support defence personnel, including reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick families and cadets.
"Since receiving the silver award in September 2021 for this scheme we have been dedicated in our commitment to these wonderful service men and women.”
Havant Borough Council is one of 26 organisations in Hampshire South East region who have won this prestigious gold award.
Ministry of Defence’s South East Employer Engagement Director Andrew Roy Gibbs added: "I am delighted to see that Havant Borough Council have achieved this award. The council have been working hard to highlight their support to the Armed Forces Community and that they are a supportive ‘forces friendly’ employer."
In February 2021 during lockdown, the then Mayor of Havant re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the borough council alongside representatives from the Navy, Army and RAF during an online ceremony. The re-signing reinstates our promise to encourage awareness, understanding and integration between the Armed Forces community and the wider local community.