Atten-tion! HBC granted silver award for its support of the Armed Forces

Posted: 5th August 2021

Councillors and officers from Havant Borough Council will be proud to receive an award for its support for the Armed Forces. 

The Ministry of Defence has honoured the council with a Silver Award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. 

The council, which re-signed its Armed Forces Covenant in February, has long-standing bonds with the local Armed Forces and has worked hard to make its working environment welcoming and attractive to current and former servicemen. 

Policies have been put in place to support reservists and members of the cadet forces, allowing them to fulfil their commitments while working at the council. 

Former servicemen and women and their spouses have a guaranteed interview when applying for HBC roles, providing they meet the job specification, and an employee assistance programme offers mental health first aid to veterans if required. 

The Mayor of Havant annually appoints four cadets to perform various duties at civic events throughout the year and the council also offers a local cadet unit, TS Active, use of a community building at peppercorn rent. 

Cllr Julie Thain-Smith, HBC’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Havant Borough Council is delighted to receive the Defence Employment Recognition Scheme Silver status, which further builds on our commitment to the Armed Forces Community following our re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year.  

“Many members of the Armed Forces Community live and work within Havant and we are committed to doing everything we can to support and appreciate the challenges they face, especially when seeking employment. Our endeavours as a council to recognise the remarkable contribution of regulars, reservists, veterans and their loved ones will continue.” 

Gary Morton, a veteran, currently working for Havant Borough Council, said: “As a former soldier it is heartening to have followed Havant Borough Council’s recognition of the work and sacrifices of our Armed Services.  

“The welcome I see extended by my employer to both younger service personnel and the older veterans at Armed Forces Day and Remembrance events gives a real sense of pride from both aspects of my career - the Guardsman/RMP and the local government officer.” 

The council will receive its award at a ceremony in Portsmouth, due to be held in September.