The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Covenant is a national responsibility involving government, businesses, local authorities, charities and the public.

The government is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community by working with a range of partners who have signed the Covenant.

Businesses and charitable organisations who wish to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces community can sign the Covenant.

It provides an opportunity for employers to confirm publicly that they recognise the value serving personnel, Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our country and that they will endeavour to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:

• 

  Chief Constable Craig Guildford (seated left) re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police.

  
  no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen
• in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.

The aim of the Covenant is to ensure that the Armed Forces Community faces no disadvantage in their engagement with business. It encourages companies to develop a relationship with members of the Armed Forces Community who work in their business or access their products or services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Covenant can be adopted by a business or charitable organisation of any size, and from any industry.  If requested by an employer, arrangements can be made for the pledge to be co-signed by a member of the Armed Forces.

How can the MOD and the Armed Forces Community support businesses?

The Armed Forces Community can contribute real value to a business, both as employees, who bring a wealth of skills and experience, and as customers. The Covenant scheme encourages the Armed Forces Community to do their bit to nurture this two-way relationship.

President of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Robyn Allen with East Midlands RFCA.

What does the Armed Forces Covenant include?

The pledge document includes the following list of options from which you can select those that are appropriate for your business.

• promoting the fact that we are an armed forces-friendly organisation;
• seeking to support the employment of veterans young and old;
• striving to support the employment of Service spouses and partners;
• endeavouring to offer a degree of flexibility in granting leave for Service spouses and partners before, during and after a partner’s deployment;
• seeking to support our employees who choose to be members of the Reserve forces, including by accommodating their training and deployment where possible;
• offering support to our local cadet units, either in our local community or in local schools, where possible;
• aiming to participate actively in Armed Forces Day;
• offering a discount to members of the Armed Forces Community;

How do I take this forward?

Gold ERS holders Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust re-signed the Covenant in March 2022

A template Covenant can be downloaded from the Armed Forces Covenant website at www.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant.

All that you need to do is edit the list of options; complete the signature block (including a company logo if you wish); sign it and submit it using the contact details below. The Covenant will be registered with the MOD and the pledge will then be included in the Defence online list.

Alternatively, use the contact details below and an electronic copy of a template Covenant will be sent to you.

Regional Employer Engagement Director

East Midlands RFCA

Army Reserve Centre

Triumph Road

Nottingham

NG7 2GG

Email: em-enquiries@rfca.mod.uk