Carlisle City Council will re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant next year.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
The Government-led initiative focuses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
Carlisle City Council signed the Cumbrian Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and wants to reconfirm its support.
It is inviting partner organisations and businesses to join them and also show their support by taking part in the signing event on March 7.
If you would like to join the city council and sign the Covenant, please contact policy@carlisle.gov.uk for further information and to express your interest.
This support is provided in a number of areas including:
- Education and family well-being.
- Having a home.
- Starting a new career.
- Access to healthcare.
- Financial assistance.
- Discounted services.
Carlisle City Council has achieved a silver award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their support to defence and the wider armed forces community.
Elizabeth Mallinson, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, and Armed Forces Champion said: “As a council, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces and want to strengthen our knowledge about the issues facing them and their communities.
“We’re proud of achieving the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver award and are already working towards achieving the Gold award in the future.
“There are many benefits to being a forces-friendly employer including the potential to recruit resourceful employees that have world class transferable training and accredited skills.
“You can benefit from enhanced recruitment and employee retention and employees who work effectively within teams. It can also develop your Corporate Social Responsibility and enhance your reputation as an inclusive employer.
“We encourage local organisations and businesses to join us by making a promise to support those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families.”
Examples of the support the city council has given to the armed forces include:
- Offering reservists two weeks paid leave.
- Registered with the Careers Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs to advertise jobs.
- Guaranteed interview for armed forces applicants who meet the essential criteria.
- Supporting the Carlisle and Eden Forces Link Project.
- Organising and supporting armed forces events in Carlisle.
The council plans to achieve the gold award of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
