Silver Award renewed for the city’s support of the armed forces community

Tuesday, 17 August 2021 16:53

Birmingham City Council is one of 50 employers from across the West Midlands to receive recent recognition from the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to support the Armed Forces community.

Birmingham was one of nine regional employers who, under the MoD’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) had revalidated its Silver Award – originally awarded in 2016 - for continued commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The scheme celebrates and recognises UK employers who actively demonstrate and pledge their support to the Armed Forces community.

The Silver Award is received by those employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrated and communicated supportive behaviour.

Birmingham City Council is now working towards attaining the Gold Award, which is looking at proposals around assisting Cadets, Reservists and Armed Forces’ families even more widely.

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “We passionately believe in supporting the Armed Forces, Reservists, Cadets and the wider community – so I am really pleased our efforts to revalidate our Silver Award have been successful.

“In signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we acknowledge, understand and support those who have served or continue to do so as Reservists and their families, who should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, society and the workplace.

“Birmingham City Council is determined to be one of country’s leading inclusive employers and look forward to continuing to support them and other underrepresented groups in society.”

Cllr Mike Sharpe, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “This is a fantastic programme for us to be part of as one of the city’s biggest employers and it’s great that our continued efforts are being recognised.

“We are now working towards earning the Gold Award which will put the city council among the very best employers for those either returning to civilian life or supporting their Armed Forces commitments

“I, along with the rest of the council, am proud to support those people who have made sacrifices on behalf of the nation and will continue to offer support in both the workplace and wider community.”