The Armed Forces Covenant

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families, which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives.

The Armed Forces Covenant relies on the people, communities, and businesses of the UK to actively support it in order to make a difference.

What does the Armed Forces Covenant mean for businesses?

Businesses and charitable organisations who wish to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces community can sign the Covenant. Organisations can make a range of written and publicised promises to set out their support to members of the Armed Forces community who work in their business or access their products and services.

The level of support will depend on the size and nature of the organisation, but typically includes policies that: encourage Reserve service; support employment of veterans and service spouses and partners and gives the Armed Forces community a fair deal on commercial products and services.

More than 9000 businesses and charities have signed an Armed Forces Covenant, and that number continues to grow.

How can the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces community support businesses?

The Armed Forces community can contribute real value to a business, both as employees, who bring a wealth of skills and experience, and as customers.

The Armed Forces Covenant encourages the Armed Forces community to do their bit to nurture this two-way relationship.

It is important that Defence seeks to foster an open and honest relationship with employers and that we ensure the needs of companies are considered alongside those of Defence and the Armed Forces community.

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and the organisations that have pledged their support, visit: www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk