The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that organisations can make to demonstrate their support for the armed forces community. It is a nationwide agreement between the armed forces community, the nation and the government. It aims to:
- raise public understanding and awareness of issues affecting the armed forces community
- support the integration of service leavers in the borough
- make sure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly
It also means that special consideration is appropriate in some cases to make sure members of the armed forces are not disadvantaged. However, it does not provide any special advantage.
The Armed Forces Act 2021 introduced legislation covering housing, healthcare and education. The Armed Forces Covenant Duty is a legal obligation on some public bodies, such as the council, to pay due regard to the covenant principles when exercising certain functions. The duty highlights the issues that the armed forces community can face as a result of service life, and illustrates good practice in the areas of healthcare, education and housing.
Armed Forces Covenant in Bracknell Forest
Bracknell Forest Council first adopted the Community Covenant in 2012. Since then, the Ministry of Defence has changed the commitment process. They now ask each individual organisation to sign their individual commitment to the covenant.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the armed forces community on Tuesday 27 February. The council signed the Armed Forces Covenant jointly with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Mary Temperton, Leader of the Council, signed the covenant in the company of:
- Captain Richard Phillips
- WO1 (RSM) Lamming
- Cllr Georgia Pickering
- Cllr Helen Purnell, Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion
- Susan Halliwell, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council
By signing the covenant, the council has committed:
- to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant
- that members of the armed forces community should not face disadvantages arising from their service in the provision of public and commercial services
- in some circumstances special provision may be justified, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved
Bracknell Forest Civilian Military Partnership
The Civilian Military Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the council and its partners and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. It meets twice a year. It follows the principles set out in the Community Covenant to make sure:
- that members of the armed forces community experience no disadvantage as a result of their service in the armed forces
- that appropriate actions are taken to support the smooth transition from military to civilian life
- the best use of resources by working with partners to deliver the greatest possible outcomes for members of the armed forces community
Royal County of Berkshire Civilian-Military Partnership Board
Throughout history, military units have been based in the County of Royal Berkshire and Armed Forces personnel are respected members of the community.
These organisations form the Royal County of Berkshire Civilian-Military Partnership Board:
- Berkshire’s 6 unitary authorities
- 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade & HQ South East and other military representatives
- South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets Association
- Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS)
The purpose of the board is to make sure there is appropriate support for the military who serve, live and work in the Berkshire community. These could include:
- serving personnel
- regular and reservists
- cadets
- families and veterans
These also include members from the Commonwealth.
Amongst other things, the board prioritises health and wellbeing, housing, education, employment and equality. It aims to create a joint understanding of each other’s concerns and ways of working. Importantly, the board works to make sure that the military community is not disadvantaged by their service and is given appropriate recognition and status within the county.
Armed Forces Covenant grants
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust supports the Armed Forces Covenant by delivering funding programmes that create real change to armed forces communities in the UK.
The Trust is a charity and a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.
All the grants awarded support the values of the covenant.
To find out more about the grants, visit the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website.