Cabinet has approved the renewal of the Isle of Wight Council’s adoption of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) this week.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Leader of the council, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said:
“As someone who has family in the armed forces for a number of years, I was particularly honoured to bring this motion before Cabinet. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we are renewing and demonstrating the council’s commitment to support the Armed Forces Community.
“It also reaffirms the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families give to our Island and the UK.”
Renewing the pledge will make sure that council continues, through its flexible working policy, to:
- advertise employment vacancies through the Family Forces website;
- grant ten days special leave for Reservists and Adult Cadet Instructors;
- have in place a Guaranteed Interview Scheme – subject to having the required qualifications, and
- encourage and support staff considering joining the Reserves and maintain links with the local reserve unit.
The Isle of Wight Council originally signed the AFC in 2013 and is already signed up to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for which it holds the silver award and is intending to go for the gold award this year.
Councillor Ian Dore, the council’s Armed Forces Champion and himself a former soldier, said:
“I am heartened to see that the Isle of Wight Council has confirmed its commitment to be a forces-friendly employer. It’s as welcome as a freshly made brew, whilst dug in on a cold misty morning. That gets a ‘cheers marra’, from your oppo! So does this.
“The Covenant, through specific pledges to support and encourage former and present armed forces personnel; makes sure support and employment opportunities are available to that community. I salute the Cabinet for voting in its favour, as I’m sure the Islands Military Community will too.”
Details of help and support can be found on the council website.
And for the veterans in our community, especially the older ones, Cllr Dore and the Isle of Wight Council will ………….
“The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.” YES, TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS BUT SURELY THIS APPLIES TO SERVING AND EX MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES TREATING OTHERS WHO ARE NOT SERVING OR EX ARMED FORCES MEMBERS WITH RESPECT TOO??. SADLY THE LEADERS PARTNER WHO IS EX ARMED FORCES HAS NOT BEEN DOING THIS OF LATE HAVE YOU SIR?