We have published an updated Armed Forces policy Reserve Forces and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Policy.docx The policy provides clearer guidance for employees who are reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV), including details about the leave available to support their duties and how to request it.
It also includes information for managers on how to support employees who have Armed Forces commitments, including arrangements for training, mobilisation and accessing HR advice when needed.
Just as importantly, the policy reflects our commitment to ensuring colleagues feel comfortable identifying themselves as members of the Armed Forces community and accessing the support available to them.
This reflects our continuing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and as a silver award holder in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We are currently pursuing gold status and you can learn more on our webpages- Armed Forces Covenant - Derbyshire County Council
Help us better understand Derbyshire's Armed Forces community
We will also soon be publishing a short survey to help us shape the council’s support for our community which includes veterans, reservists, CFAV’s, serving members of the Armed Forces, military spouses and partners or family members.
We want to hear from employees with an Armed Forces connection, as well as from colleagues who have ideas about how Derbyshire County Council could become an even more Armed Forces-friendly organisation.
The information will help us continue building a workplace where everyone feels recognised and supported to balance their commitments.
Why it matters
One of the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant is that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage because of their service. Our policy also recognises that additional consideration may sometimes be appropriate for those who have given the most.
Approximately 4% of Derbyshire's population are members of the Armed Forces community, meaning it's likely that many of us work alongside colleagues who have a connection to the Armed Forces, even if we don't know it.
The experience gained through military service can bring valuable skills into our organisation, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, planning, training and the ability to perform under pressure.
Cllr Tony Wilson, our Armed Forces Champion, said: "Around Remembrance Day, this is an opportunity not only to remember those who have served, but also to recognise and support the colleagues within our organisation who continue to serve, have served, or have family connections to the Armed Forces.
“By learning more about the support available and taking part in our survey, we can ensure Derbyshire County Council continues to be an employer that values and supports its Armed Forces community."
Look out for more details on the Armed Forces Community survey which launches soon.