BRIDGEND County Borough Council has been presented with silver level status for its ongoing efforts to support past and present members of the Armed Forces community.
Presented by the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme, the award means that the council is now one of 17 Welsh employers who have been recognised for their work by the Ministry of Defence.
The news follows recent events designed to mark Armed Forces Week such as the tenth anniversary ceremonial re-signing of Bridgend County Borough’s Armed Forces Covenant, the raising of the Armed Forces Flag outside the Civic Offices, and a town centre parade.
Councillor Martyn Jones, the council’s Armed Forces Champion and a former member of the Royal Regiment of Wales, said: “This is fantastic news and a great honour. When Bridgend County Borough Council first adopted the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013, it brought together a wide range of local organisations who pledged to support past and present members of the armed forces community.
“They did this by ensuring that local veterans, serving personnel and their families are able to access housing, education, health and wellbeing services, and can benefit from specialist support which is designed to help them acclimatise to civilian life.
“This includes the guarantee of a job interview for any former military personnel applying for a position with Bridgend County Borough Council – an ideal opportunity for demonstrating abilities, displaying transferable skills and developing valuable interview experience.
“The Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award further enforces the council’s longstanding commitment towards supporting members of the Armed Forces community, and I would like to thank the Ministry of Defence for recognising the efforts of the local authority and our partners.”
The council will formally receive certification for its new silver level status at the Defence ERS Silver Awards, which will take place at HMS Cambria in Cardiff later in the year.
Visit www.bridgend.gov.uk for more information on available council jobs and the guaranteed interview scheme or to find out how the Armed Forces Covenant can support members of the military community.
