Supporting our armed forces in employment
As an armed forces friendly employer, we recognise the skills the armed forces community; serving personnel, both regular and reservists; veterans; spouses; partners; and military families can bring to Norfolk County Council.
We're proud of our Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence in national recognition of our commitment to support the armed forces community through our employment practices. At Norfolk County Council we offer a range of support options which include:
Guaranteed interview scheme
Under our guaranteed interview scheme applicants will be guaranteed a job interview for an external role if:
- The armed forces was your last long-term employer within the past three years
- You meet the essential criteria on the person specification
Learn more about the our guaranteed interview scheme.
Reservists
To support reservist mobilisation, we offer up to two weeks' additional paid leave per year to attend annual camp/continuous training period.
Armed forces buddy scheme
Any service leavers and veterans joining us through the guaranteed interview scheme will be given the opportunity to be buddied by an ex-forces colleague already working at the Council. They will help you understand how we work, advise you on working arrangements and answer any questions you may have.
Staff armed forces network
We have an active employee armed forces network which meets every two to three months to discuss topical issues and organises socialise events to provide a great support network.
Wellbeing support
We are proud of our wellbeing support service to employees of Norfolk County Council, with Norfolk Support Line offering confidential counselling and information to help with the emotional and psychological aspects that may affect the armed forces community.
We also have a dedicated wellbeing team offering a full wellbeing programme, including eye care and musculoskeletal schemes along with stress and recovery planning.
Flexible working
Our flexible working options can help balance family and other commitments (subject to business needs) and our smarter working programme supports flexible working by providing the necessary tools in terms of when and where to work.
Additional leave options
We offer a range of additional leave options including emergency dependent's leave, unpaid leave, compassionate leave, parental leave and the option to buy additional leave.