News
February 27th 2025
East Midlands Mayor signs the Armed Forces Covenant
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has put pen to paper to show the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) supports the region’s Armed Forces.
The Mayor and the County Authority she leads have demonstrated their commitment to Defence by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and pledging to ensure Defence personnel and their families receive fair treatment.
Covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, EMCCA was formed in March 2024 with an ambition to make the East Midlands the best place to live, to work and to learn.
The Covenant was signed by Claire Ward and co-signed by Major Steve Goodwin, S02 Engagement Operations for the British Army. They were joined by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE DL and representatives of the Ministry of Defence and East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Major Steve Goodwin and Claire Ward.
The Armed Forces Covenant has been signed by more than 12,400 companies in the UK. It is a public pledge made by organisations to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces community. By signing the Covenant, EMCCA has committed to:
- Promoting awareness of the Armed Forces community among the public.
- Encouraging activities which help to integrate people returning from the Armed Forces into local life.
- Providing support to Armed Forces personnel and their families in terms of employment, housing and health.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “I am incredibly proud we have signed the Covenant. Our Armed Forces personnel make a huge sacrifice for our country, and it is only right that we do everything we can to support them and their families.
“The Covenant ensures no member of the serving or Veteran community suffers disadvantage in accessing the services they need. It’s important we ensure that those who have served their country receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve.
“This is our public pledge to support this community, and I am committed to working with our partners to ensure that we deliver on our promises.”
Kirstie Parker, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Ministry of Defence, added: “The East Midlands Combined County Authority has big ambitions to transform our region. To see them place a high value on our Armed Forces personnel so early on by signing the Covenant is a very promising sign of what’s to come.”
