Our commitment to supporting former and current armed forces personnel as an employer has been recognised with a Silver Award from the Ministry of Defence.
The council, which has long-standing bonds with the local Armed Forces, has fostered a working environment which is welcoming and attractive to servicemen and women.
Policies have been put in place to support reservists and members of the cadet forces, allowing them to fulfil their commitments while working at the council.
Last year we re-signed our Armed Forces Covenant and launched our Armed Forces Stakeholder Group. We also have a guaranteed interview scheme in place for former servicemen applying for roles at EHDC.
Cllr Phil Shaw, our Armed Force Champion and former Royal Navy veteran, said: “It is fantastic news that EHDC has been awarded the Defence Employment Recognition Scheme Silver Status.
“This area has a long-standing connection to the Armed Forces, particularly with the former army base in Whitehill & Bordon and our proximity to Portsmouth and RAF Odiham.
“We believe it is important to support members of the Armed Forces as an employer and we have made great efforts to do that. This Silver Award is in recognition of that work.”
Mark Jewell, a Health and Safety Inspector at EHDC and a former serviceman, said: “Having served 22 years in the Armed Forces, with all that brings, stepping away from this exclusive family is a daunting prospect.
“However, when you start a new career and find your employer has a number of other veterans within the workplace supported by an armed forces network, this can go a long way to assist an individual with the transition to civvy street and improve collaboration and support, both inside and outside the place of work.”