Council picks up award for its support to forces community
Stirling Council has been recognised for its outstanding support to the armed forces community.
The authority has picked up a defence employer recognition scheme gold award from the Ministry of Defence.
It is the highest honour available to those who employ and support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
The council will be among 100 organisations to be presented with the accolade on November 12 at the National Army Museum in London.
Stirling Council’s armed forces champion, Councillor Bryan Flannagan, a former submarine Naval Officer, said: “This award highlights the council’s range of positive policies and support network for the armed forces community. I would like to thank all the council officers and everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.”
The authority’s finance and economy committee governs the local authority’s personnel strategy which, say the council, has been supportive of the employer recognition scheme since its launch in 2014.
In its commendation, the council was praised for organising an annual armed forces day, attracting thousands of visitors and hosting key employers and influencers; building close links with the 51st Infantry Brigade and Army Scotland HQ which were recently based in the city; providing generous leave and support for Reservists, and having a guaranteed interview scheme and work placements for services personnel.
Winners of the award have received recognition for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals leaving the armed forces for a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists.
Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the Career Transition Partnership to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.