In September 2021, Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Ian Dore and Armed Forces Lead, Jayne Tyler sent out a letter to Island businesses, parish and town councils.
This letter explained the benefits and urged them to support Armed Forces Personnel, by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Salutes raised aloft
Last night at a full council meeting of Ryde Town Council, it went to the vote. Following a passionate explanation of why its so important by Cllr Dore, the motion was proposed by President of the Royal British legion Ryde, Cllr Charles Chapman and it went through unanimously, salutes raised aloft.
Cllr Dore explained,
“Last night was a real moment for my stomping ground as Ryde Town Council lead the charge.
“The Armed Forces Covenant has a myriad of benefits attached to it so I am chuffed to Naafi breaks, that we are the first on the Island as a town council to sign on the dotted line.
“For all town and parish councils, it’s the right thing to do as it’s about ethical employment and good HR practice as much as anything.”
Be treated with fairness and respect
The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Support is provided in a number of areas including:
- Education and family well-being, having a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare, financial assistance and discounted services.
- The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families, and is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference: Central government, the services themselves, businesses, local government, charities, communities, cadet forces and their adult volunteers.
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
Ryde Town Council are also signing up for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which the Isle of Wight Council currently holds the Silver Award for. Going for Gold this year.
Cllr Dore added,
“It is accepting that the role of the Armed Forces is essential in our day to day life. A lot of what goes on to keep us safe at night, is done in the shadows or goes unreported.
“There is no credit sought, it’s the job. But for those that carry out such tasks, there is great sacrifice for them and their families. Forces personnel need to know that when they leave, we have them squared away, treated equally with no discrimination.
“Aside from the benefits this brings to Ryde Town Council itself, to those individuals we are saying ‘Yes. We have your back’.”
Find out more
If you would like to know more then please visit the Website and if town and parish councils would like to hear from the Armed Forces Champion explaining the benefits at one of you meetings, please drop Ian a line by emailing him on [email protected]
Article edit
9.20am 2nd Feb 2022 – Copy in third para changed from “by another former soldier, Cllr Charles Chapman” to “by President of the Royal British legion Ryde, Cllr Charles Chapman”
News shared by Ian in his own words, Ed
