Council strikes gold for supporting armed forces staff and communities

Midlothian Council has retained a prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence for its continued support of the Armed Forces Community.

Gold Award

The council was first awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award in 2019 for its work to promote the Armed Forces Covenant, and to help current and former service personnel and their families.

National pledge

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge made by the UK Government on behalf of the nation to make sure those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Special ceremony

Accepting the Gold Award at a special ceremony in Edinburgh’s City Chambers on Thursday evening, Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry said: “We are extremely proud of the contribution made by our Armed Forces and in return we help provide support on a range of issues – in particular housing, education and employment -  to serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families within our community and our workforce.

Supporting employees

“For example, as an employer, we offer flexible working to staff whose partners and spouses may be serving in the forces while Cadet Force Adult Volunteers also benefit from two additional days paid leave to carry out their duties.”

Above and beyond

Cllr Parry said that while the Armed Forces Covenant duty is recognised in Midlothian Council’s Service Plans and in the Single Midlothian Plan (the strategic partnership plan for Midlothian), the council goes “above and beyond this duty”.

Honoured

Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Pauline Winchester, pictured with Cllr Parry, agreed. She added: “We take every opportunity to support those in the armed forces and their families.

“I’m honoured to serve as Armed Forces Champion and to take an active role in many army groups, including veterans’ groups.

Strong ties with Glencorse 

“As a military child myself, this year I was also delighted to judge a competition for Month of the Military Child at Mauricewood Primary School, where many children of serving personnel based at the nearby Glencorse Barracks, attend. We have an established Armed Forces Network which staff can engage with during work time. Every year we organise remembrance and armed forces week celebrations throughout the authority area.

Cadets

“Annually we appoint two Lord Lieutenant Cadets to show our support to the cadet movement. They assist in civic receptions and other events. Cadets also benefit from discounted use of our sport and leisure facilities.

Joint appreciation

“Councillor Parry and I are, therefore, delighted to accept this honour on behalf of Midlothian Council.”