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The Cabinet considered a report
of the Executive Director (Strategy, Change and Governance) setting
out the provisions of the Armed Forces Act 2021 for public bodies
to have due regard to the Armed Forces Covenant.
 
Resolved:
 
1. That the Council sign the
updated Southend Armed Forces Covenant with relevant
pledges.
 
2. That the Council sign up to
the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
 
Reasons for
decision:
 
1. The signing of the covenant
shows the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Community
by further embedding the ‘due regard’ duty of the Act
to help prevent service personnel and veterans being disadvantaged
when accessing healthcare, education and housing
services.
 
2. By joining the Defence
Employer Recognition Scheme at the entry Bronze Level the Council
will show its commitment to the Armed Forces Community by ensuring
it follows best practice in regards to the recruitment and
employment of currently serving and ex-service
personnel.  As a benefit to the Council
it will be more likely to be an employer of choice for members of
this community, bringing with them a variety of skills and
experiences.
 
3. Being a signatory and member
of regional networks will strengthen the Council’s
compliance, provide the Council with access to additional advice
and resources and help align policies and communication with good
practices listed in the pledges increasing the positive outcomes
for the Armed Forces community.
 
Other options:
 
None.  It is a statutory requirement to be compliant with
the Armed Forces Act 2021 and accompanying guidance as otherwise
the Council runs the risk of a legal challenge.
 
Note: This is an Executive
Function
Not eligible for call-in as the
matter has been the subject of pre-Cabinet Scrutiny by the Policy
& Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Cabinet Member: Cllr
Lamb