Westmorland and Furness Council has introduced enhanced support for staff who serve as reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).
Eligible staff can access up to two weeks paid special leave to attend annual training camps and fulfil Defence-related commitments.
The additional leave recognises the vital contribution of reservists and CFAVs, both in terms of national defence and in helping to shape and inspire young people across Cumbria through the cadet forces.
This builds on the council’s wider commitment to fair and meaningful support for armed forces members, veterans and their families, as outlined in the Armed Forces Covenant. Signed by the council in June 2023, the covenant recognises the sacrifices of serving personnel, veterans, reserve forces and military families – and ensures they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged by their service.
The council’s dedication to supporting the armed forces community has also been recognised with the prestigious Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, reflecting its ongoing efforts to create meaningful opportunities for service personnel and veterans.
Linda Jones, Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer and Armed Forces Lead Officer at Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“Providing additional paid leave is a practical way we can show our support for colleagues who serve – whether as military reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Their dedication brings immense value not just to our communities, but to our workforce too – through leadership, resilience and the skills they develop in service. We’re proud to stand behind them.”
Kerryanne Wilde MBA MIoD MIoL, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association, added:
“Working closely with Linda and the team at Westmorland and Furness Council, it was clearly evident that they wanted the best possible options for their staff to be able to carry out their commitment to Defence, and the volunteers whom give so much of their own time to train, educate and engage with the youth of the uniformed Cadet Forces across Cumbria (Army, Airforce and Sea Cadets). The additional paid leave not only enriches their training, but also enhances the skills they bring to their roles within the council.”
The enhanced leave is part of a wider HR procedure that outlines the council’s commitment to supporting staff with Defence responsibilities, including guidance on mobilisation and return-to-work support following demobilisation.
This follows the council’s earlier introduction of a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, which offers interviews to military personnel and veterans who meet the essential criteria for a council job, supporting their transition to civilian employment.
To find out more about the council’s support for the armed forces community, visit westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and search for 'armed forces'.