Cabinet approves new Armed Forces Covenant Pledge

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 4 November, approved the District Council's Armed Forces Covenant Pledge.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment to those who serve or have served in the British military, and to their families. By signing, the District Council commits to treating those who serve, or have served in the armed forces, and their families with fairness and respect.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that organisations can make to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces community. By signing the Covenant, the District Council has committed to:

• Promoting the fact that we are an Armed Forces-friendly organisation to demonstrate our support for the regular armed forces, veterans and reservists but also their families and bereaved families.
• Recognising, supporting and attending remembrance events including Armed Forces Day.

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "The Armed Forces Covenant is an important symbol of our commitment to the Armed Forces community. 

"The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge sends a clear message that the District Council recognises the sacrifices and obligations of the Armed Forces Community. 

"Our Armed Forces personnel make a huge sacrifice for our country, and it is only right that we do everything we can to support them and their families."

Following The Cabinet's decision, Cllr Susan Juned, on behalf of the District Council, will be attending a Covenant signing ceremony on 6 November 2024, hosted by the Chair of Warwickshire County Council.

The District Council will sign the Covenant along with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council and three businesses from Warwickshire (each partner signing their own pledge).

The District Council's Pledge covers the following areas:

• Organisational Support
• Housing and Housing Allowances
• Employment Support

The District Council has also been awarded the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and is working towards Silver Award. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

As well as supporting armed forces, signing the Armed Forces Covenant and promoting being armed forces-friendly, it also means the District Council is open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

The Armed Forces Community includes:

• Regular personnel - Individuals currently serving as members of the Naval Service (including Royal Navy and Royal Marines), Army or Royal Air Force
• Reservists - Volunteer Reservists, who form the Royal Navy Reserve, Royal Marine Reserve, Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and Regular Reservists who comprise the Royal Fleet Reserve, Army Reserve and Royal Air Force Reserve
• Veterans - Those who have served for at least a day in the HM Armed Forces, whether as a Regular or a Reservist
• Families of Regular Personnel, Reservists and Veterans - The immediate family of those within the above categories
• Bereaved - The immediate family of Service Personnel and Veterans who have died whether or not that death has any connection with the service