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20 Northamptonshire organisations pledge to support Armed Forces community

Representatives of public and third sector organisations came together on Friday 29 June to sign the Covenant alongside representatives from each of the military Services. Commander Martin Clegg signed on behalf of the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Colonel John Hanson represented the Army and Wing Commander Mark Davis attended on behalf of the RAF.

The Armed Forces Covenant is based on two key principles: no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial service compared to any other citizen and that in some circumstances, special treatment may be appropriate for the injured or bereaved.

Organisations signing the Covenant at the Army Reserve Centre, Clare Street, Northampton were: 

Northamptonshire County Council; Northampton Borough Council; East Northamptonshire District Council; Corby Borough Council; Kettering Borough Council; South Northamptonshire Council; Borough Council of Wellingborough; Daventry District Council; Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust; Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner; Nene Clinical Commissioning Group; Corby Clinical Commissioning Group; Northamptonshire Police; Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue; the Northamptonshire branch of the Royal British Legion; the local branch of SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity and the Northamptonshire office of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Some organisations were new to the Covenant but most were re-signing to refresh and reinforce their pledges of support to members of the Armed Forces community.

Additional support for the military in Northamptonshire came from Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce who signed the Armed Forces Covenant at their Headquarters on 21 June.

By signing the Covenant, organisations publically declare their commitment to support military personnel past and present. The signing event was specifically organised ahead of Armed Forces Day, Saturday 30 June, a day designed for the public to recognise the work of the Armed Forces and to show support for the military and their families.

John Wilson, the Ministry of Defence’s Regional Engagement Director in the East Midlands organised the signing. He said: “Members of the Armed Forces often face challenges that are different to the rest of society; it is fantastic that organisations across Northamptonshire have today pledged to support members of the Armed Forces community including reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and military spouses.

“We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with both the public and private sector in Northamptonshire. Organisations that employ military personnel, ex-regulars or reservists acquire a portfolio of skills and behaviours that are beneficial in an efficient working environment. The skills and attributes that military personnel can offer include business and technical qualifications, as well as desirable skills such as leadership, self-confidence, team working and problem solving, proven in challenging environments.”

Victoria Barr, Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Officer at Northamptonshire County Council, said: “This event recognises the huge success of the Covenant and shows the continued support of the partnership organisations and their commitment to the Armed Forces community in Northamptonshire.

“A lot has changed since the first signing in 2013 and it fantastic to have a new pledge for the county, welcoming new partners from local community organisations and corporate business, who are a great addition to the partnership.”

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk