About the Armed Forces Community Covenant

What is the Armed Forces Community Covenant?

In May 2011, the Government introduced the Armed Forces Covenant to address disadvantages that the armed forces community may face in comparison to other citizens, and to recognise the sacrifices made in service of the nation.

One of the key measures is the Armed Forces Community Covenant - a voluntary initiative that encourages local areas to actively support military families in everyday life, covering things like health, housing, jobs, and schools. It’s a way for civilians and the military to work together and help each other out.

The aims of the Community Covenant

Local authorities and the armed forces community are encouraged to work together to establish a community covenant in their area to:

• encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their areas and to nurture public understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the armed forces community
• recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the armed forces community
• encourage activities that help to integrate the armed forces community into local life
• to encourage the armed forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects, or other forms of engagement.

Derby City Council's commitment

Derby City Council publicly pledged support for the Armed Forces Community Covenant at the Homecoming Parade for The Mercian Regiment in June 2012.

Later, in March 2019, councils across Derbyshire renewed their commitment to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Derbyshire Armed Forces Covenant is our joint pledge to serving members of the armed forces and their families in our city.

More recently, Derby City Council agreed to re-affirm their commitment to our armed forces community during a Council meeting in September 2024.

For information on the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant, visit the GOV.UK website.