Council committed to supporting Armed Forces
A NORTH East council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting service personnel past and
present during Armed Forces Week.
Durham County Council has a long record of positive engagement with, and support for, the
Armed Forces and has pledged to strengthen these connections in the years to come.
The local authority is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise from the
nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. It is also a Gold
Level award holder of the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises
employers who demonstrate positive attitudes and policies towards veterans and serving members
of the Armed Forces.
This week, council employees, including veterans, reservists and adult cadet force volunteers,
gathered at County Hall for a ceremony to mark Armed Forces Week (Sunday 22 June to Saturday 28
June).
They were hosted by Cllr Robbie Rodiss, Chairman of Durham County Council, who has chosen the
Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs of County Durham as the subject of his Chairman’s
Appeal this year. Cllr Andrew Harrison, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, and Major Chris
Lawton MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, also attended.
Cllr Rodiss said: “Armed Forces Week provides an opportunity for us all to show our support for
the Armed Forces community and to thank them for the vital role they play in maintaining peace and
keeping us safe.
“At Durham County Council, we are committed to doing as much as we can to support all those
who serve, or have served, in the military. Our Armed Forces Outreach Service can help with
everything from housing and benefits to health and wellbeing, family support and financial advice.”
Cllr Harrison said: “Alongside the support we offer to the Armed Forces community, we also
recognise the many valuable skills servicemen and women possess and the positive contribution
they are making within our own workforce.
“This is why the Employee Recognition Scheme is so important. Not only does it assist veterans to
transition into civilian life and support those still serving, but it helps us to recruit people with a
range of skills and experiences and deliver the best possible services to the people of County
Durham.”
The council’s Employee Recognition Scheme recognises the positive role it plays in supporting the
Armed Forces community, including:
Providing reservists with at least ten extra paid days’ leave for annual training and to
support mobilisation process.
Offering adult cadet force volunteers supportive HR policies and additional ten days’ paid
leave to attend annual training.
Ensuring fair recruitment and selection processes for veterans, including a Guaranteed
Interview Scheme.
Advocating for military spouses and partners’ employment and career development.
The council also works closely with the Career Transition Partnership, Forces Transition Group and
other resettlement support groups to connect with people who wish to pursue a career in the public
sector and to promote the opportunities and support on offer. Current employees can join the
authority’s Armed Forces Staff Network, which provides a safe and confidential space to discuss and
influence issues affecting members of the Armed Forces community.
Aimed at all service personnel, reservists, veterans and their families across County Durham, the
council’s Armed Forces Outreach Service provides a wide range of support. This includes help to
overcome the barriers to securing a home, navigate the benefits system, secure employment or
access training, maintain health and wellbeing, manage finances, and family support.
To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/armedforces .
