About the Armed Forces Covenant
Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant (Gov.uk)
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, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve.
The Covenant is based on two principles. That:
- 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.
The Covenant places a legal obligation on all Local Authorities to pay "due regard to the principles of the Covenant" and requires decisions about the development and delivery of relevant services to be made with conscious consideration of the needs of the armed forces community.
We have an Armed Forces Covenant Forum that meets twice yearly to discuss Covenant matters and to strengthen relationships with organisations and networks that represent the Armed Forces Community in our area. This includes representatives from our local military bases. Councillor Mark Versallion is the Armed Forces Covenant Champion for Central Bedfordshire.
To get in contact about the Armed Forces Covenant, the Forum or to contact our Armed Forces Covenant Champion, please email partnerships.communityengagementteam@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust supports the Armed Forces Covenant by delivering funding programmes that create real change to Armed Forces communities across the UK. Visit the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website for further information including who can apply, how to apply, and when.