Liverpool City Council has received the Silver Award under the government’s Employer Recognition Scheme for support to the Armed Forces Community.
The awards, signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff, are recognised as laudatory honours and aim to encourage employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. The certificates were presented by Mr Warren Smith, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, during the annual Armed Forces Business Awards held at the Monastery, Gorton.
Liverpool City Council received the award for their support to Reservists, Service leavers, wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, the Cadet organisations and service families. Liverpool City Council provides civic leadership and services to the 465,000 residents of the city and its businesses and visitors.
Lieutenant Colonel Steven Wotherspoon, Regional Employer Engagement Director for Ministry of Defence in North West England, said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured to be able to recognise the level of support and commitment given to the Armed Forces by organisations in the region.
“Each recipient has demonstrated not only that they value the ethos of the Armed Forces but also that they are prepared to help Reservists, former servicemen and women and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in the workplace.
“The experiences gained through service with the Reserve Forces or volunteering with the Cadet organisations equip individuals with invaluable life skills – motivation, self-discipline, confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership – all of which make a positive contribution to any organisation.”
Cllr Roz Gladden, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, said: “Liverpool has always had a proud tradition of supporting our servicemen and women.
“It is right that we recognise the vital role service personnel currently play in safeguarding our national interests and use any opportunity to reflect on those who have served in the past.
“There is rightly a great deal of admiration and support for our Armed Services which we witness every single time we hold an event or parade related to the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
“We are also proud to support numerous projects that support former Armed Forces personnel and make it easier for them to settle into civilian life.”
Reservists in the North West of England serve in the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve, the Army Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. They can be mobilized wherever they are needed to work alongside Regular Armed Forces, and are trained to the same high standard as their Regular counterparts.
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers give of their own free time to support the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets, in turn developing experience and gaining qualifications which also help them in their day jobs.
