Local councils champion Armed Forces Community

The council has been given a Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

The scheme recognises organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Gold Award is the highest accolade granted under the Employer Recognition Scheme, reserved for businesses with the strongest commitment to supporting the military community.

Cllr Florence Ellis, Chairman of South Norfolk Council, said:

"We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded a 2021 Defence Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award. This reflects our dedication, and ongoing commitment, to ensuring we recognise the selfless actions shown by our Armed forces community and their families. We take huge pride in offering our support to them, just as they supported our nation through their service."

Broadland District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Roger Foulger, said:

“Gaining Gold Status is a fantastic achievement and we are absolutely delighted that our work to support the defence and armed forces communities, both in our own organisation and in our communities, has been recognised. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure the fair treatment of those who are serving, veterans and their families, and we are proud to offer our support.”

Trevor Holden, Managing Director of Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council, said:

"As a retired serviceman myself it gives me great pride that we have gained Gold Status for both Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Norfolk Council. In both councils we are proud to have former service personnel as elected councillors and staff working across the Councils. We have a real determination to support our serving personnel and their families, past and present, living and working in the districts and hope that this award is a clear sign of our intention so to do."