Building on its recent Bronze Award, East Herts Council is taking significant steps toward achieving Silver status under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The move reflects the council’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and fostering strong local ties.
To meet the Silver standard, East Herts is introducing a range of measures designed to assist Reservists and Cadet organisations. These include:
- Two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists to attend annual training and maintain operational readiness.
- Career break arrangements for mobilised Reservists, ensuring job security during periods of deployment.
- Leasing council-owned buildings for Cadet activities, creating safe spaces for youth engagement and strengthening links between the Armed Forces and the local community.
These initiatives underline East Herts Council’s dedication to recognising the vital role of service personnel and their families, while promoting opportunities for young people to connect with the Armed Forces.
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At its Full Council meeting on 14 May 2025, East Herts Council also announced it has signed up to Op Ascend, a government-backed employment service connecting veterans with veteran-friendly employers.
Op Ascend helps veterans and their families transition into civilian careers by offering:
- Free career advice
- CV and interview preparation
- Access to employment fairs
- Guidance on sectors like energy, digital, telecoms, and construction