South Tyneside Council's support to the armed forces receives gold award

The council has won a prestigious gold award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)

The awards are given by the Ministry of Defence to employers and organisations that demonstrate their support to military personnel. To qualify for a Gold Award, employers must not only pledge their support, but demonstrate their commitment to Defence personnel and become advocates, inspiring other organisations to follow their lead.

South Tyneside is one of small number of local authorities to achieve the Gold Award and one of 50 organisations and businesses to be announced today. The Council secured Silver in 2016.

Coun Ed Malcolm, Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, said: “To be recognised by the Ministry of Defence with the coveted gold award really is a tremendous achievement.

“These awards are a real badge of honour and are not given out lightly. This award highlights that our efforts go above and beyond when it comes to supporting serving and ex-service personnel and their families and ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect in the communities they live.

“However we are by no means complacent and remain dedicated to doing all we can to support our armed forces community and make a difference to their lives.

“Through campaigns, initiatives and events across the Borough we continue to help raise the profile of the vital role of the armed forces and recognise the huge sacrifices that they make. Our commitment is also demonstrated in the wealth of work we do in helping to make the transition of coming out of the forces and settling back to civilian life as smooth as possible. This could be anything from support with housing and healthcare to employment or benefits.”

South Tyneside Council signed the Armed Services Covenant pledge in December 2011 and since then has carried out a significant amount of work to live up to the commitment. This includes embedding covenant promises into the Council’s constitution and driving forward armed forces friendly policies and coordinated partnership initiatives.

Gary McLafferty, director of engagement at the Ministry of Defence, said: “My congratulations go to South Tyneside Council who have been awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award along with five other organisations within the North East.

“They have turned their willingness to make a difference to our Armed Forces into effective programmes of support. Their actions mean that our veterans, the wounded injured and sick, our Reservists and their families are not disadvantaged by their military service and have the same opportunities as everyone else.

“Their commitment is highly valued and is at the heart of all that can be achieved in every part of the country through the Armed Forces Covenant.”

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood added: “The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”

For information about support for the Armed Forces in South Tyneside visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/armedforces or call South Tyneside Council’s Customer Contact Centre, on (0191) 427 7000, where staff can signpost to the relevant organisation or team.