Crawley Borough Council’s work for the Armed Forces has again been recognised with a Silver Award from the Government’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

The program awards bronze, silver and gold awards to public sector companies and organizations based on what they have done to support veterans and armed forces personnel.

The council had previously achieved bronze and silver awards. The news of the re-accreditation for the latter category was announced at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday (17 July).

Sue Mullins, councillor responsible for community engagement and culture, said she was very proud of the council’s achievement.

She added:

“This is not a prize that you just get. As a council you have to meet many obligations.

“A big part of that is the amount of training our officers get on how to treat veterans.

“They can turn to the council for help with housing or other needs, so all our officers are well trained to know what kind of offer is available to them.”

The Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2013.

In addition, it has joined the Veterans’ Interview Programme, which guarantees an interview for ex-servicemen who meet the essential criteria of the job they have applied for.

When asked if the council wanted to achieve the gold award, Ms Mullins said it would be a huge step to achieve, but that the team would continue to explore options.

She added:

“I think we outperform most local governments here in terms of the facilities we provide to our veterans, and I’m very proud of that.

“But there is always more we can do.”

One of the services offered to veterans is the Crawley Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, which meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm in the Jubilee Oak.

Mrs Mullins said: “The more we can show what we as a council actually do and what connections we have outside the council that support our veterans, the better.”