Issue - meetings

To reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant which was first adopted in 2013.

RECOMMENDATION That Council:

1)       restate Wokingham Borough Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant;

2)       commit to achieving Armed Forces Bronze Award employer status;

3)       agree to updates to Council on an annual basis.

The Council considered a report regarding the Armed Forces Covenant.

It was proposed by Angus Ross and seconded by John Halsall that the recommendations set out within the report be agreed.

Angus Ross commented that he was proud to have served in the Armed Forces and to be the Council’s Armed Forces Champion.  Whilst the Council had been quick to adopt the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013, it had not followed up in its support of veterans and their families as extensively as some other Councils.  He referred to the Employers Recognition Scheme and the fact that Officers had already begun work on achieving the Bronze status of the scheme. 

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey, Gary Cowan and Carl Doran, as forces veterans, all supported the proposals.  Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey emphasised that those who had served, should be honoured.  Carl Doran commented that whilst he supported striving for the Bronze status of the Employers Recognition Scheme, he felt that the Council could also achieve Silver status.

Bill Soane indicated that when the Armed Forces Covenant had been signed in 2013, he had signed on behalf of Woodley Town Council.  He suggested that the Town and Parish Councils also be encouraged to reaffirm their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

RESOLVED:  That

1)    Wokingham Borough Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant be restated;

2)       commitment be made to achieving Armed Forces Bronze Award employer status;

3)       it be agreed that updates to Council be provided on an annual basis.