Armed Forces Community Covenant

What is the Armed Forces Community Covenant?‌

In May 2011, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) published the Armed Forces Covenant and announced measures to support the Armed Forces Community. One of the key measures announced was the launch of the Armed Forces Community Covenant - a voluntary initiative, which encourages local action to breathe life into the principles of the covenant – that there be no disadvantage as a result of Service and special treatment, where justified, for example in the case of injured personnel. It covers a wide range of services including healthcare, housing, education, employment and welfare.

What are 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 in order 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.

What's happening in Derby?

Derby City Council publically pledged support for the Armed Forces Community Covenant at the Homecoming Parade for The Mercian Regiment in June 2012. To honour that commitment and undertaking made on behalf of the city, we are:

• working with Derby Homes to make sure personnel leaving the Armed Forces are not barred from waiting lists, on the grounds they do not have a local connection.
• working with GP practices, Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Royal Derby Hospital, Mental Health Trust, East Midlands Ambulance Service and dentists, to ensure patient registration for personnel leaving the Armed Forces is straightforward and their often complex needs are understood.
• working together with the JobCentre Plus Armed Forces Champion and the RBL to help Services leavers find work
• working with the University of Derby and Derby College to actively promote further and higher education opportunities to Service leavers.
• working with local businesses to encourage retailers and service providers to adopt the ‘Heroes Welcome’ initiative, to offer discounts or incentives to Service personnel.

In March 2019, councils across Derbyshire renewed their commitment to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. To find out more about the Council's public pledge to those in our city and their families who are serving in the Armed forces, download the Derbyshire Armed Forces Covenant or read the Cabinet report first published in 2012.

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