Bromley’s armed forces commitment achieves national Silver Award

Ongoing work to support the armed forces community across the London Borough of Bromley has led to further national recognition, with a Silver Award accreditation being achieved by Bromley Council just one year after the Bronze Award.

Bromley is one of only seven London authorities to achieve the Silver Award through the Employer Recognition Scheme from the Ministry of Defence, for championing veterans and the armed forces community. This prestigious award recognises an exceptional level of support to veterans, service personnel and their families, for instance through workplace and employment best practice. Work is now underway to enhance this support towards Gold recognition, which all builds on the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023.

Councillor Mike Botting, Armed Forces Champion said: “I am proud this important milestone has been reached as the council continues to develop its support for the armed forces community in Bromley. We rightly show our appreciation across the borough for those who bravely serve in our armed forces, including each year on occasions like Remembrance Sunday. But it is crucial that we go beyond this to make sure the recognition and support is in place, so that those who have served and are serving, together with their families, feel welcomed and valued in Bromley.”

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “We are pressing ahead with this important work, including with our partners, as we strive to move beyond Silver recognition and ensure those connected to the armed forces are supported in Bromley when needed. I encourage other businesses and organisations across the borough and beyond who have not yet done so to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant, so we can better come together and help support those to whom we owe so much.”

The Council was amongst 22 organisations to receive the award this year at a ceremony held recently for the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. There are more veterans living in Bromley than any other London borough, estimated at 2.5% of the population at the last census, over 6,500 veterans. There are also dedicated Army Cadet, Air Training and Sea Cadet Corps also active across Bromley.

The council uses various channels to help share information to assist the armed forces community, including having shared reservist recruitment opportunities through the borough-wide Our Bromley magazine and by providing local armed forces information and advice online at www.bromley.gov.uk/ArmedForces

This is in addition to the employer best practice involved in the award, for instance on all recruitment adverts the Council states its involvement in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme and its status as forces family friendly organisation that welcomes applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners. Updates are also shared with Council staff relating to armed forces support, including on the progress from the Council’s Armed Forces Working Group and encouraging attendance at the Council’s flag raising ceremonies for Remembrance and Armed Forces Day.