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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Armed Forces Day is a chance for people and organisations across the country to show their support for the armed forces community – from serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets.

The armed forces flag is being raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by Councillor Alison Rooke, Chair of the Council, in Oxford Castle Yard.

The event involved a parade by personnel from RAF Brize Norton along with bugle fanfare and the raising of the armed forces flag, led by the chair of the council, the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and RAF Brize Norton Group Captain Claire O’Grady.

Military and civilian representatives were in attendance, including Oxfordshire County Council armed forces champions.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly – Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

Councillor Rooke said: “At today’s event I made a point in my speech of expressing our sincere thanks and admiration to all military personnel and their families here in Oxfordshire, and of course to those currently serving abroad.

“We acknowledged the achievements and sacrifices of those currently serving and those who have served. Armed Forces Day and associated events are very important moments in the year for us to give due recognition and support to the armed forces based locally.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s support to the county’s armed forces community includes:

• Hosting and supporting regular meetings of the Oxfordshire Civilian Military Partnership Board to provide a platform for partners to hear and address the needs of the armed forces community.
• Working with local health bodies to help improve access to health and dental services for armed forces families who may be disadvantaged by relocations as part of military service.
• Supporting the county’s over 3,000 service pupils across 187 schools with initiatives such as the voice of the child survey, publishing the council’s service pupil promise and sharing evidence and best practice with local and national partners.
• Working closely to support military moves, such as the ongoing move of 7 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps into the county, ensuring that schools, housing and other provisions are planned and made in advance 
• Appointment of military champions from among elected councillors to maintain good strategic relationships with the county’s main military bases and stations.

More information on the work the council does to support the armed forces is available on the council’s website. 

Information about events in your area can be found on the Armed Forces Day website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Armed Forces Day is a chance for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support for the armed forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets.

The armed forces flag is being raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by the Chair of the council, Councillor Felix Bloomfield, in Oxford Castle Yard.

The event involved a parade by RAF Benson personnel, which was accompanied by a Puma helicopter flypast as the Armed Forces Day flag was raised. Other representatives of the RAF, Army and Royal Navy from across Oxfordshire attended, including cadets from across the forces. The Lord Lieutenant, Deputy High Sherriff and county council members and officers were among the civilian guests in attendance.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly – Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

In his speech at the event Councillor Bloomfield said: “This is a time for us to show our appreciation for the achievements and the sacrifices made by all those who serve, or have served, in His Majesty’s armed forces. This is also a time for us to continue to do our utmost to support our armed forces community in their everyday lives.”

Reflecting on the new statutory duty for local authorities and others to have regard to the Armed Forces Covenant in how we plan and deliver our services, Cllr Bloomfield noted: “We are proud to be supportive of the Armed Forces Covenant, having been one of the first local authorities to sign it back in 2011, and we welcome how the duty strengthens our commitment.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s support to the county’s armed forces community includes:

• Hosting and supporting regular meetings of the Oxfordshire Civilian Military Partnership Board to provide a platform for partners to hear and address the needs of the armed forces community
• Working with local health bodies to help improve access to health and dental services for armed forces families who may be disadvantaged by relocations as part of military service
• Supporting the county’s 3,000+ service pupils across 187 schools with initiatives such as the Voice Of The Child survey, publishing the council’s Service Pupil Promise and sharing evidence and best practice with local and national partners
• Working closely to support military moves, such as the ongoing move of 7 Regt Royal Logistics Corps into the county, ensuring that schools, housing and other provisions are planned and made in advance 
• Appointment of Military Champions from among elected councillors to maintain good strategic relationships with the county’s main military bases and stations

More information on the work the council does to support the armed forces is available on the website https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/armed-forces-oxfordshire

Meanwhile more information is available about Armed Forces Day on the national website https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/ .

Armed Forces Day is a chance for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support for the armed forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets.

The armed forces flag is being raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by the Chair of the council, Councillor Susanna Pressel, in the yard in front of Oxford Castle.

The event involved a small parade by representatives of the armed forces community in Oxfordshire and a ceremony to raise the council’s armed forces flag. Senior military representatives from Oxfordshire attended, as did the High Sherriff and Lord Lieutenant.

The event was larger than had been possible in the previous two years, when the council’s observation of COVID-19 restrictions dictated a very small number of attendees.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly – Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

Councillor Pressel said: “This ceremony has taken place all over the country, but it has particular resonance in Oxfordshire, given that the military presence here is both strong and welcome. It was also wonderful to see this event return to its former glory with a full list of attendees, after the truncated ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

“Our commitment to supporting and working with our armed forces in the county remains as strong as ever. We are grateful for their hard work and professionalism and the value they add to communities, perhaps especially during the pandemic. It was a great pleasure to meet representatives from the armed forces and reflect the goodwill that Oxfordshire people have for them and their families.”

More information on work the council does to support the forces is available on the website https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/armed-forces-oxfordshire

Meanwhile more information is available about Armed Forces Day on the national website https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/ .

Armed Forces Day is a chance for people, communities and organisations across the country show their support for the armed forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

The celebrations begin today, when the armed forces flag is raised on buildings and landmarks around the country.

Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by the Chair of the council, Councillor John Howson, in the square in front of Oxford Castle.

The event involved a small parade by representatives of the armed forces community in Oxfordshire and a ceremony to raise the armed forces flag. Senior military representatives from Oxfordshire attended, as did the high sheriff and vice lord lieutenant.

As with all events the latest rules and guidance on COVID-19 were carefully observed.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly – Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

More information on work the council does to support the forces is available on its website.

Meanwhile more information is available about Armed Forces Day on the national website.

They were greeted by the Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Les Sibley, the Lord Liuetenant Tim Stevenson OBE and the High Sherriff Lady Amanda Ponsonby MBE.

This important annual event celebrates the important role the armed forces play in day to day life here in Oxfordshire and remembers the sacrifices made by previous generations. We captured the event on video  - watch it above!

Soldiers from 3 Regiment RLC based at Dalton Barracks will be leading the ceremony and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, John Harwood and High Sheriff, Jane Cranston will be taking the salute.

Present will be many senior military and civic representatives from across Oxfordshire along with councillors and staff from Oxfordshire County Council and the Chairman of the council, Cllr Zoe Patrick. The ceremony should last approximately 15 minutes.

Oxfordshire was one of 12 areas of the country in which FiMT undertook “deep dive” research to see how the Armed Forces Covenant in Oxfordshire is working.

Strengthening links

The report said: “Oxfordshire County Council goes further than having a single elected military champion. In order to strengthen the level of engagement between the council and the Armed Forces, each of the bases in Oxfordshire has a designated military champion.

“This has the effect of strengthening the links between the Armed Forces and the council. Units therefore do not need to call up the civilian integration officer to ask any questions and they are actively encouraged to contact the council themselves.

“Champions take it upon themselves to be the link between an individual base and the county. This requires that they develop and maintain relationships with relevant officers. It also means having and maintaining presence, such as through attending events on base.”

Military are part of our DNA

Oxfordshire’s overall military champion is the leader of the county council, Cllr Ian Hudspeth.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth said: “Oxfordshire has a strong military presence and it was second nature for us to take up the opportunity to set up a military covenant earlier in the decade.

“A lot of work has gone in to strengthening links with the military and I know our various military bases value the way we have been working with them in recent years.

“To be highlighted as an example of good practice is very rewarding and will give us all the encouragement we need to build on this success. The armed forces are a welcome presence in Oxfordshire, crucial to the working of our local economy and part of our DNA as a county.”

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The aim is to encourage charities, local authorities, businesses, communities and individuals to work together with the military to offer support to service personnel and their families as well as reservists and veterans.

The aims of the covenant are to:

• encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their areas, and vice versa
• promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the armed forces community
• recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the armed forces community
• encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life

Who are the council’s Armed Forces Champions?

The Leader of the Council is the armed forces champion on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council. In addition, there are six other councillors acting as Armed Forces Champions for each of the bases in the county. They meet regularly with their base and act as a point of contact to discuss any issues arising.

Notes to editors

A full copy of the report can be found through the following link: http://www.fim-trust.org/news/

The flag will be raised at 11am on Monday June 20, and members of the public are invited to arrive at 10:30am. There will be photo opportunities for the media during this period.

The event will bring together senior representatives of the Armed Forces community in Oxfordshire from Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, RAF Brize Norton, Bicester Garrison, Abingdon Station, Dalton Barracks, Shrivenham Station HQ, 7 Rifles, the Royal Navy and cadets from across the county.

Local dignitaries will include Councillor Michael Waine, Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, Tim Stevenson, Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Sarah Taylor, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Peter Clark, County Director at Oxfordshire County Council, Superintendent Kath Lowe, Cllr Mohammed Altaf-Khan, Lord-Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Jeanette Matlot, Vice-Chairman of South Oxfordshire District Council, Cllr Reg Waite, Vice-Chairman of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Maurice Billington, Chairman of Cherwell District Council and several town Mayors/Deputy-Mayors.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the contribution made to the country by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.

It is also an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the whole of the Armed Forces community, from serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. Across the country people are getting involved: communities hold local events and business show their support.

Respect and gratitude

County Council Chairman Councillor Michael Waine said: “Oxfordshire is a county with a very long tradition of strong connections with the armed forces.

“It is right that we in Oxfordshire should join with the rest of the nation on an annual basis to recognise the part that the forces play in our day to day lives as well as in protecting the country.

“As County Councillor for Bicester Town I fully realise the important part played by our Armed Services in the life of our nation. Bicester as a Garrison Town has extremely strong links with the army, and past links with the RAF. The armed forces are definitely part of our community belonging to local organisations, attending local churches, and with their children attending local schools.”

“I look forward to welcoming the various representatives of the armed forces to Oxford Castle on Monday, June 20 and I hope members of the public will join us to express their respect and gratitude.”

The event will bring together senior representatives of the Armed Forces community in Oxfordshire from Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, RAF Brize Norton, RAF Benson, Bicester Garrison, Abingdon Station, 7 Rifles, the Defence Academy, the Royal Navy, the Royal British Legion, and cadets from across the county.

Local dignitaries will include Councillor John Sanders, Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council, John Harwood DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Tom Birch Reynardson, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Colin Cook, Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, and local mayors and councillors.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the contribution made to the country by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.

It is also an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the whole of the Armed Forces community, from serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. Across the country people are getting involved: communities hold local events and business show their support.

Respect and gratitude

County Council Chairman Councillor John Sanders said: “Oxfordshire is a county that for centuries has had incredibly strong connections to the armed forces.

“It is right that the nation should recognise on an annual basis the part that the forces play in our day to day lives as well as in protecting the country.

“I look forward to welcoming the many and various representatives of the armed forces to Oxford Castle on Monday, June 22 and I hope members of the public will join us to express their respect and gratitude.”