The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
It covers two key principles:
All local authorities in mainland UK and over 4,000 companies have now signed the Covenant, including AFF in our capacity as an employer.
To see the list of companies, see armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/get-involved/who-has-signed-the-covenant
Watch an explanation of the Armed Forces Covenant in 60 seconds.
Back to topThe Covenant applies to all members of the Armed Forces community, wherever you live.
It is interpreted in different ways locally depending on local needs, including in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Back to topThe Covenant provides support in a number of key areas for Army families including:
For the most up-to-date changes that the Covenant has affected, read the Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report 2022.
Back to topThe Government has introduced a new Covenant Duty. This places a legal obligation on public bodies to pay ‘due regard to the principles of the Covenant’ and requires decisions about the development and delivery of certain services to be made with the conscious consideration of the needs of the Armed Forces community.
Public bodies will need to consider the unique impacts of Service life and how this may cause a disadvantage for Service families accessing services, compared to civilians.
The new legal obligation will impact public bodies that are responsible for delivering:
For more information, please see:
GOV.UK: Armed Forces Covenant Duty Statutory Guidance
The New Armed Forces Covenant Duty: What it means for the Armed Forces Community. – Armed Forces Covenant
Armed Forces Covenant Duty toolkit
No, as the Armed Forces Covenant is designed to prevent disadvantage, rather than offer advantage. But it does mean that providers of public services within healthcare, education and housing will need to actively consider how Service life can affect families accessing services.
Back to topNo, this also applies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Back to topThere is more detailed information available at Armed Forces Covenant: The New Armed Forces Covenant Duty: What organisations in scope will need to know
Back to topPlease visit the contact us page and our enquiries team will ensure your enquiry will be sent to the relevant specialist to help with your issue.
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