Powys County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families by renewing its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The pledge was made during a reception held at the Infantry Battle School (IBS) in Brecon, where the council was also awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) bronze award.

The council initially signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 but decided to renew its commitment following the introduction of the Covenant Legal Duty earlier this year. The legal duty requires public bodies to prioritize the provision of healthcare, education, and housing for service personnel, veterans, and their families.

The pledge to support the Armed Forces community was signed by Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of Powys County Council and Armed Forces Champion, and Maj Tim Hearne on behalf of IBS Commanding Officer, Lt Col Rupert Anderson.

In addition to the pledge, Powys County Council also received the Defence ERS bronze award, which recognizes its openness to employing Armed Forces veterans, reservists, cadet instructors, and military spouses or partners.

Cllr Dorrance expressed his delight in renewing the council's commitment to support the Armed Forces community, highlighting their significant contributions to the county. "As a council, we are proud to be able to help those who serve us, or have served us, and their families," he said. He also emphasized the importance of being open to employing individuals with a military connection, particularly in the current recruitment climate.

The Armed Forces Covenant states that members of the Armed Forces community should not face discrimination and should be given special consideration in certain circumstances, especially if they have suffered injury or bereavement.

The reception, held at IBS, was attended by various organizations and representatives of the Armed Forces Regional Partnership, including the Department for Work and Pensions, NPTC Group of Colleges, Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, 160th (Welsh) Brigade, NHS Wales, SSAFA Armed Forces Charity, SSCE Cymru, Powys Teaching Health Board, and Powys County Council.

The Armed Forces Regional Partnership is supported by the council's Regeneration Team. Powys County Council's renewal of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and its recognition through the Defence ERS bronze award demonstrates its dedication to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.