Ards and North Down Borough Council has renewed its longstanding support for the Armed Forces community by formally signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Council first signed the Community Covenant 11 years ago, and the new signing builds on that commitment with a stronger focus on practical support for serving personnel, Reservists, veterans and military families.
The Covenant was signed at Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards by Council Chief Executive Susie McCullough and Colonel Simon Cassells. A key element of the Council’s renewed commitment is its approach to employment.
Working with Defence Relationship Management (DRM), the Council has developed commitments including clearer guidance for managers, Reservist employees and prospective employees, with support around time away from work for military training, mobilisation and reintegration following a period of mobilisation.
The Council will also promote opportunities for veterans, Reservists and military families through its employment activity, support Armed Forces engagement across the Borough and continue to maintain a Veterans Champion as a focal point for the Armed Forces community.
The Council’s Veterans Champion, Trevor Cummings, also spoke during the event. The Armed Forces Covenant enables employers and organisations to make voluntary commitments to support members of the Armed Forces community and help ensure they do not face disadvantage as a result of their service.
For employers, those commitments can include practical measures such as Reservist HR policies, flexibility for military training and mobilisation, support for veterans and military families, and recognition of the transferable skills that Reservists and Service leavers bring to civilian workplaces.
The latest signing builds on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s original Community Covenant commitment made 11 years ago and reflects the continued development of its support for the Armed Forces community.
Could your organisation make or strengthen its own commitment?
Defence Relationship Management can support organisations across Northern Ireland to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and develop practical, meaningful pledges suited to their organisation.
Get in touch with DRM to start the conversation, or find out more
about signing the Armed Forces Covenant at:
https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/show-your-support/sign-the-covenant/
