Hampshire County Council gets award for commitment to armed forces

Hampshire County Council was given a gold award within the MoD Employer Recognition Scheme.

The local authority was one of the first to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and establish a strategic Civilian Military Partnership to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

Councillor Andrew Joy, the council’s armed forces champion, said: ‘We are honoured to receive this award which highlights our ongoing commitment to the armed forces communities.

‘This is particularly true of reservists at the county council who are entitled to two weeks additional paid leave for training and other duties.

‘We’ll continue to do as much as we can to support all of them.’

Councillors and officers have championed a number of other military-supporting projects and policies including the promotion of civil events such as Armed Forces Day and free entry to activities.