A COMMITMENT to support current and former military personnel and their families has earned East Sussex County Council national recognition.

The authority has been given a Gold Award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Support Scheme, the highest honour which recognises the positive role employers play in supporting the armed forces community.

Cllr Bowdler, county council Cabinet member and a veteran himself, said “I am so proud to have led the charge by ESCC to achieve the Gold Standard Award, which reflects our commitment to provide opportunities and support to members of the Armed Forces Community.

“It sits alongside the covenant, which is our pledge to those who have served, that they will not be disadvantaged.  My thanks go to my team of officers at County Hall for the massive effort they put in to make this happen.”

To achieve the accolade, the council had to provide 10 additional paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Earlier this year, the county council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant , a promise that those who have served in the armed forces are treated fairly and suffer no disadvantage.

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