(a) By Cllr C Mott:
‘With West Devon’s long connection with the armed forces within the Borough, in particular the army, this council formally reaffirms its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and support to the Armed Forces Community. The council recognises the contribution that Service Personnel, both regular, reservist, veterans’ and their families make to our council, community, and country. In order to support this, we will formally apply for the bronze level in The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and appoint a Member to become a spokesperson for this worthy cause.
Minutes:
CM 41/23
The Mayor advised that one Motion on Notice had been received from the membership in accordance with the Council Procedure Rules.
(a) By Cllr C Mott:
‘With West Devon’s long connection with the armed forces within the Borough, in particular the army, this council formally reaffirms its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and support to the Armed Forces Community. The council recognises the contribution that Service Personnel, both regular, reservist, veterans’ and their families make to our council, community, and country.
In order to support this, we will formally apply for the bronze level in The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and appoint a Member to become a spokesperson for this worthy cause.
In her introduction, Cllr Mott made reference to:
- having had the honour of attending several military functions on behalf of the Council. Cllr Mott informed that one such event had been the Lord Lieutenant of Devon’s Awards Ceremony where members of the community who worked or volunteered within the reserves and cadets were recognised for their hard work. At the Ceremony, businesses were recognised with Silver Awards under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme if they had demonstrated notable support for all in the Defence community. Finally at the Ceremony, appointments of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets were announced and to hear them speak in person of their achievements had been a real privilege;
- this Motion on Notice having been brought forward due to the importance of the Council formally recognising the contribution our Armed Services make to society, the sacrifices made and the difficulties that some had in returning to civilian life;
- the covenant was a promise from the nation to all those who served and specifically stated that: ‘we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their day to day lives’ and the Motion sought to reaffirm the support of the Borough Council and promote our commitment to support the Devon Forces Family website and directed users to help and support in the wider region;
- the Motion intending to take that commitment one step further and sign the Council up for the bronze level in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. To obtain this level, the Council will need to, in addition to signing the covenant, commit to:
o support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community; and
o promoting being armed forces-friendly and being open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick, cadet instructors and military spouses and partners; and
- her hope that Members could be formally appointed to serve as the Council’s:
o Armed Forces Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant; and
o Lead Member for the SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association).
During the ensuing debate, there was widespread support expressed for the Motion and the following Member nominations were PROPOSED and SECONDED:
- That Cllr R Oxborough be appointed as the Council’s Armed Forces Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant; and
- That Cllr K Ball be appointed as the Council’s lead Member for the SSAFA.
Having received these nominations, both Members expressed their thanks and set out their commitment to fulfilling these roles to the best of their abilities.
It was then proposed by Cllr C Mott, seconded by Cllr M Ewings and upon being submitted to the Meeting was declared to be CARRIED and ”RESOLVED that, with West Devon’s long connection with the armed forces within the Borough, in particular the army, this council formally reaffirms its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and support to the Armed Forces Community. The council recognises the contribution that Service Personnel, both regular, reservist, veterans’ and their families make to our council, community, and country. In order to support this, we will formally apply for the bronze level in The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and appoint Members to the following roles:
- That Cllr R Oxborough be appointed as the Council’s Armed Forces Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant; and
- That Cllr K Ball be appointed as the Council’s lead Member for the SSAFA.
(NB. these appointments will initially be for the 2023/24 Municipal Year and, for the purposes of the Scheme of Members Allowances, will be considered to be ‘Approved Duties’).”