About

Pendle Leisure Trust Awarded Silver Armed Forces Award

Friday, 23rd October 2020


Pendle Borough Council and Pendle Leisure Trust have each received the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledging their commitment to the Armed Forces.

Both local employers received the Bronze award last year – and their next step now is to aim for gold!

The Employer Recognition Scheme recognises organisations who pledge, demonstrate and advocate their support for the defence community and the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the businesses.

Leader of Pendle Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, said: “We are proud to support our Armed Forces – both past and present - and currently employ four veterans, one of whom is WIS (wounded, injured and sick).

“As an employer, Pendle Council places high value on the skills and work ethic they bring to the organisation. Support is provided through the employee assistance programme, mental health first aiders and well-being programme.

“Partners on our Armed Forces Covenant Group include the Royal British Legion, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Veterans in Communities, East Lancs Clinical Commissioning Group, Lancashire Adult Learning, Housing, Pendle Leisure Trust, Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Lancashire Care NHS (Mental Health) and the Council for Voluntary Service.

“Through this network, we are able to signpost Veterans and their families to any necessary support groups, services and charities they may need.”

Pendle Leisure Trust’s Executive Manager for Human Resources, Vanessa Kelly, said: “We are delighted to have now received the Silver Award after gaining the Bronze Award last year.

“Award holders are only nominated by organisations who pledge their intention to support the military in their recruitment process.As a local authority business, we want the people of Pendle to know we seek to promote an Armed Forces friendly position and are open to employing reservists.”