What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

 The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

Its two principles are that, recognising the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces:

·        Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.

·        Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

If you’re a member of the UK Armed Forces (regular or reserve), a former member (a veteran), or a family member, including bereaved family members, the Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are treated fairly.

The Covenant focuses on helping members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to Government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. This support is provided in a number of areas including:

·        healthcare

·        education and childcare

·        housing and accommodation

·        employment

·        financial services

A wide range of different organisations implement the Covenant, including:

·        The UK Government and Devolved Administrations

·        The single Services (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force)

·        Businesses of all sizes

·        Local government

·        The NHS

·        Schools

·        Charities

Some of these organisations sign the Covenant or make other commitments, or have a Legal Duty to consider it.

The Covenant Legal Duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies (including local authorities, governing bodies of certain state schools, various NHS bodies, and other organisations) to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when carrying out certain functions in healthcare, education and housing. It has been in force since November 2022.