Perth and Kinross Council has become the latest organisation to sign the UK Armed Forces Covenant.
In doing so it made a commitment to support the country’s servicemen and women wherever and however it can and to ensure no member of the Armed Forces should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service.
The 13 September signing – by Perth and Kinross Provost Dennis Melloy – took place at the council’s offices in High Street, Perth. The document was co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by 7 SCOTS Commanding Officer Lt Col Matthew Sheldrick.
Prior to the signing elected members heard at the council’s Strategic Policy & Resources Committee how the council has continued, since the signing of the initial Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012, to work closely with local armed forces organisations and representatives in a range of ways to support both serving personnel, veterans, and reservists and cadets who are council employees. Also highlighted at the meeting was the council’s successful nomination for the Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Following the signing, Provost Melloy commented: “We have a proud tradition of support for the Armed Forces here in Perth and Kinross, and in recent years we have looked closely at how we can best support current serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets alike. In signing the Armed Forces Covenant today we reaffirm our commitment to them and the value we place in their contribution to society.”
The Covenant signing was organised by Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and attended – along with the signatories – by the organisation’s Regional Employer Engagement Directors Ron Macgregor and Michelle McKearnon.
Ron said: “We are delighted that Perth and Kinross Council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its positive relationship with the Armed Forces Community. The council has already been awarded a Bronze ERS Award for its support and I’m delighted that, on 2 November, it will receive the prestigious Silver Award at a ceremony taking place in Edinburgh Castle’s Great Hall.”
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant or Defence Employer Recognition Scheme contact Michelle on 01382 631026 or email
[email protected].
Lt Col Sheldrick and Provost Melloy shake hands after signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
Lt Col Sheldrick and Provost Melloy with the Bronze ERS Award certificate and Armed Forces Covenant.
