Oldham Council awarded Silver for support to Armed Forces

Robinson James, Wilson Jackie from Oldham Council with Mr Paul Griffiths, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester

Oldham Council is one of 12 organisations from across the North West of England who have received Silver Awards under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for their support to the Armed Forces community.

The awards were presented by Paul Griffiths, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, during a ceremony held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester on the evening of 23 November.

The ERS Silver Awards recognise organisations who demonstrate support for Service personnel, including employing members of the Armed Forces community, and show flexibility towards training and mobilisation commitments for Reservists. Silver Award winners also support the employment of Cadet Force Adult Instructors, former Service personnel and military spouses or partners.

Oldham Council supports the Armed Forces community in many ways, including:

• Formal policies to support staff who are members of the Armed Forces community;
• Coordinating actions from Armed Forces organisations in the borough;
• Hosting commemorative and celebration events;
• Promoting the Reserve Forces internally and to the public;
• Contributing to developing Greater Manchester Armed Forces actions;
• Engaging in Armed Forces-led staff development programmes;
• Providing tailored Armed Forces employment support;
• Administering an Armed Forces discount scheme among local businesses.

Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Jean Stretton, said: “The value and contribution that servicemen and women bring to our organisation is invaluable. They stand as an example to others through their commitment to public service. The transferable skills, training and experience they bring makes a critical contribution to Oldham Council’s successes.

“We hope this Silver Award serves as an example and inspires other organisations and businesses across the country. We will continue to demonstrate our approach and ensure staff from the Armed Forces community are supported throughout their time with us.”