We are proud to announce we have been awarded the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), marking a significant step forward in its commitment to the Armed Forces community.
The award recognises employers who go above and beyond in supporting the Armed Forces Covenant and who demonstrate consistent and proactive efforts to ensure that service personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families are not disadvantaged in recruitment and employment.
Cllr Lydia Hyde, Chair of the Armed Forces Working Party at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "Achieving the Silver Award is a proud moment for Southend. It reflects our genuine commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community in both word and deed. Whether through our employment practices, internal policies or visible support, we are determined to make Southend a welcoming and supportive place for all who serve, have served, and their families. We are proud to celebrate the vital contributions of the Armed Forces community and will continue to build on this work in the future."
Since receiving the Bronze Award in April 2024, the council has made substantial progress in strengthening its support, including:
- Guaranteed job interviews for to veterans who meet essential criteria
- Job vacancies shared on Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs websites
- Updated internal policies to better support Reservists and the Armed Forces community
- Promoting Armed Forces-friendly policies through staff induction, newsletters, and internal updates
- Proudly hosting Armed Forces Day and Remembrance events each year
The Silver Award builds on our signing of the Southend Armed Forces Covenant in March 2024 and the subsequent delivery of a comprehensive action plan to fulfil the pledges.
To find out more about our support for veterans and service personnel, please visit the Southend Armed Forces Covenant website.