Armed Forces community
As a council we recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces community, and the unique skills and attributes they bring to our workplace. We are proud to have signed both the Community Covenant and Corporate Covenant. For an overview of the Covenant and its importance visit the Armed Forces Covenant support and advice page. Or you can read a case study here.
Alongside the work we are undertaking to strengthen delivery of the Community Covenant across the Solent, we are committed to ensuring better access to employment opportunities, support, mentoring, and work placements for:
- Transitioning personnel
- Reservists
- Veterans
- And spouses/civil partners of those serving personnel and veterans
Southampton City Council have Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions – Councillor Matthew Bunday.
Defence Employers Recognition Scheme
We are members of the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme and have developed a range of supportive measures including:
- A Special leave policy that supports reservists to undertake required training without sacrificing their annual leave
- An enhanced civilian work attachment/experience pathway for members of the armed forces community
- An induction process that ensures that all new council employees are aware of the Armed Forces Covenant and the key commitments we are working to uphold
You can find out more information via the Southampton Armed Forces Community Covenant document and visit our information and support for the armed forces community page.
The Career Transition Partnership and Defence Discounts Service
The Armed Forces community includes existing or prospective staff who are Armed Forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors, military spouses/partners and reservists.
We advertise our vacancies with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) as well as our own job vacancy board. Our guaranteed interview scheme ensures that applicants who have previously worked in the Armed Forces, and meet the essential criteria for the job for which they have applied, will be guaranteed an interview.
Armed Forces personnel, Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Community are also entitled to apply for a Defence Privilege Card which can be used in stores, restaurants and venues to obtain armed forces discounts. More information can be found on the Defence Discount Service website.
