Job opportunities for our Armed Forces Community

As part of our recruitment process we actively promote relevant job vacancies through the Career Transition Partnership which is an organisation that provides comprehensive information on careers and training options for the Armed Forces community.

What Career Transition Partnership do

We also actively promotes job vacancies through Forces Families Jobs which is an organisation that provides an employment and training platform for spouses, partners and family members of serving and Reserve UK military personnel

Forces Families Jobs

Internally, we run an informal staff support group for the Armed Forces community who meet regularly to discuss topics of interest with like-minded people.

The Armed Forces community includes people who have served in the Armed Forces including being a Reservist or a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or being a military spouse or having a close family member who is one of the above.

As part of our induction process we ask that members identify themselves so that we can invite them to these social meetings.

We also have a range of policies that can support members in a variety of ways such flexi time, flexible working, volunteering and special leave.

Employer Recognition Scheme

The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with Armed Forces Covenant.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council was presented the Gold Award in July 2021.

We were the first local council to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in December 2011, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the veteran and serving armed forces community within the district and we renewed our commitment on 3rd December 2021 by resigning the AF Covenant

We recognise the positive contribution that reservists and veterans make to our workforce and are proud to be an Armed Forces friendly employer.

The district has a long tradition of cooperation between its civilian community and local armed forces. Folkestone played a pivotal role in both world wars and is the site for the WW1 Memorial Arch. We have strong links to Royal Gurkha Rifles who have been based in Folkestone since 2001.

We will continue to actively demonstrate support for our staff who have played a role in the nation's defence and security.

More information about the awards can be found here:

Employer Recognition Scheme

Quotes from the 2021 Gold Award announcement:

Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans: "I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.

"The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the armed forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers - regardless of size, sector or location."

Andy Clarke, senior environmental enforcement officer at F&HDC: "Folkestone & Hythe District Council has been extremely supportive and really does look after former service personnel such as myself. We have regular get-togethers organised by our communities team.

"There is a flexible working style which has been fundamental in helping me transition into civilian life. Everyone is fully supportive and respectful of my past employment."

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities: "We're very proud of our military heritage and this gold award represents the work we do to honour the sacrifices made by those who serve the country."

Employer recognition gold award 2021

Contact for the armed forces