Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s commitment to supporting armed forces personnel has been recognised with a Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The council already holds the bronze award and is one of just 33 organisations in the south east to achieve silver this year. The accreditation is a promise to support military veterans, armed services personnel and their families with a range of jobs, training and flexible help.
This award also recognises the council’s dedication to the Armed Forces Covenant and ongoing efforts to make the council a supportive and respectful place for veterans or those who serve, ensuring they are not disadvantaged in accessing local services like housing, education and healthcare.
The council demonstrates its commitment in a number of ways including:
- Flexible support for reservists: ensuring staff who are reservists can balance their training and deployment commitments with their work responsibilities.
- Veteran recruitment: actively supporting the recruitment of veterans, recognising the valuable skills they bring, such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
- Assistance for military families: providing support to the families of military personnel, acknowledging the unique pressures they face due to the demands of armed forces roles.
- Working with RBLI: We will continue to work with RBLI in the excellent work they do with the ongoing care of veterans in need.
Tonbridge and Malling Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Dave Davis said: “We are proud to support the Armed Forces community and honoured to have achieved this award. We were determined to build on the work we have already been doing at the council as bronze award holders. Veterans, reservists and their families bring invaluable skills and dedication to an organisation and it’s important that we recognise that. It's crucial to bridge the understanding gap about the vital role our armed forces play in preserving peace and protecting us during troubled times."
Major General Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, said: “These Silver Award winners are trusted allies of defence. They don’t just talk about support — they show it, every day, through flexible policies, visible advocacy, and long-term commitment to those who serve. This is about more than good intentions; it’s about practical, sustained support that strengthens our national resilience. It is very pleasing that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has been recognised for all that they do for our reservists, veterans and cadets.”
To celebrate the achievement during Armed Forces Week (Mon 23 June – Sunday 29 June) tmactive will be offering discounted swimming to the military, reservists and their families, on proof of status, at £5 for an adult and £10 for a family at Tonbridge Pool and Larkfield Leisure Centre.