Cllr Paul ClaussenCllr Paul Claussen

This year, Breckland Council will be applying for Gold Award status within the Armed Forces Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme, launched in 2014 by then Prime Minister David Cameron, recognises organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate their support for the Armed Forces Community.

Breckland Council currently holds the Silver Status and is now gearing up to go one step further in 2022 to achieve this coveted Gold status, which recognises the work of the Council in supporting local service personnel, both serving and retired, and their families.

To be awarded a Gold status, organisations must proactively demonstrate that they advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and to engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Cllr Paul Claussen (pictured), Armed Forces Champion for the Council, said: “We are fully committed in achieving Gold status in 2022 and join a select group of employers signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant. We want to ensure those residents, serving or who have retired, and their families are welcomed and supported in the district.

We also want to support and encourage more partnership working with other councils, charities, community groups and employers to help and support them in recognising the debt of gratitude we owe our current and former service men and women.”

Information on how residents who are a serving, retired, reservist or their family members can access support from Breckland Council and their partners should visit www.breckland.gov.uk/armed-forces-community