County council receives top award for supporting armed forces
Oxfordshire County Council has again been awarded gold in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) recognises its ongoing commitment to the armed forces community.
The ERS Gold Award is the highest honour for employers who demonstrate exceptional advocacy, flexible HR policies, and sustained support for defence.
First awarded to the council in 2020, this year’s revalidation highlights the authority’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and reservists, as well as adult cadet volunteers and the spouses and partners of armed forces personnel who work in the council.
Support includes upholding the Armed Forces Covenant, guaranteed interviews for service leavers, paid leave for reservists, flexible working arrangements, close collaboration with local bases, participation in employment fairs, and guidance for managers to ensure an inclusive workplace.
Cllr Liz Leffman, Armed Forces Champion and leader at Oxfordshire County Council said: “It was important for us to receive this revalidation to reflect our determination at the county council to support the armed forces communities who are such a constituent and welcome part of life in the county.
“This support is a permanent commitment that receives widespread support from everyone at the council and that will always be the case.”
More information can be found about the council’s armed forces employment offer Armed Forces employment offer | Oxfordshire County Council
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