DLC Training are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and continually advocate the importance of pledging support throughout our network of suppliers and clients.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced by the government in 2011 after recognising the need for further support and guidance for the armed forces community. Essentially, it is a pledge to ensure that all those who have served or are currently serving in military are  supported and treated fairly. 

The Covenant ensures the armed forces community receives the same access to government and commercial services as civilians. It also supports the armed forces community with access to additional support for situations civilians would never need to consider. For example, many service leavers find it difficult to transition into civilian work because organisations generally don’t understand the value of their transitional skills. The Covenant provides support links for these additional needs and have also set up the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for organisations to commit their support to employing service leavers and reservists. 

Is the Armed Forces Covenant a Charity?

The Armed Forces Covenant is not a charity, it’s a formal commitment. To support this commitment, they have a trust called the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust which is a charity (classed as a Non-Departmental Public Body). The trust provides grants for other charities and organisations that support the armed forces community. 

Why Is It Important?

There are around 10 million people in the armed forces community, making up just under 15% of the UK’s population. It’s important for the Armed Forces Covenant to exist in order to make sure each person who has served or is currently serving receives the support they need. 

The armed forces community includes full-time military personnel, reservists who usually work in civilian roles but can be called to serve when required; and service leavers (also known as veterans) who have worked in the military in the past but are now either retired or have transitioned into a civilian role. The Covenant provides support relevant to their current military status, as well as more general support that is relevant to the wider forces community. 

Support available for serving personnel  

There are a number of ways that support is provided to full-time military personnel. One of their current priorities for example, is to make housing more affordable. To do this, they are providing military personnel with an interest-free loan of up to £25,000 that can be used towards a house deposit. They also offer free, personalised advice to support personnel on an individual basis with their finances. 

Support available for reservists 

Support is provided to reservists in order to balance their civilian life with their work in the military. Some examples of this include encouraging civilian employers to provide reservists with paid days off for training and provide information on how to claim their armed forces pension.  

Support available for veterans 

The Covenant works closely with organisations that can support service leavers with moving back into civilian life and gaining employment, which can be very daunting for those who have spent years of their lives working for the military. For service leavers who are retiring, there are many support links for compensation schemes, benefits, housing and welfare.  

The Covenant works with many government and private organisations across the UK to ensure there is support available for all of the armed forces community. From health and wellbeing support to family advice and benefits, there’s support available no matter what they’re going through. 

Why sign the Armed Forces Covenant?

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is extremely beneficial for any organisation. It shows that your organisation is forces-friendly, which is a good way to build a respectable reputation regardless of the industry your business operates in.  

When an organisation pledges their support to the armed forces community, they are required to support the community in any way they can, including employment. Employing people with a military background can be very beneficial due to the many skills they acquire. This includes:

  • Working effectively in a team
  • Leadership abilities
  • Excellent communication
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Can perform well under pressure
  • Dedication to their role
  • Can quickly adapt 
  • Resourcefulness 
  • Technical skills

As an employer, signing the Armed Forces Covenant is an extremely important thing to do. For the armed forces community, it will support their ability to thrive outside of the military, which should be a priority for all organisations, regardless of any prior associations with the armed forces. The armed forces community dedicates years of their lives to serving our country, giving up many of the freedoms that civilians take for granted. Signing the covenant is a way to thank our forces for their hard work and dedication. 

Can Any Organisation Sign Up?

You can sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant no matter what status your organisation holds. Whether it be public, private, non-profit, small, medium or large – there are no restrictions. 

You can sign up via the website. 

What’s Next?

When you have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, you will automatically become eligible to self-nominate for the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award. This award will further showcase your commitment to supporting the armed forces community.