
Armed Forces Covenant
A Step-By-Step Guide
The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary pledge organisations can take to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces community. Here’s a step-by-step guide for your organisation, to sign the Covenant:
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Covenant
- Read the Covenant document to understand the two core principles:
- No member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantages in public and commercial services compared to other citizens.
- Special consideration may be appropriate for some members, especially the injured or bereaved.
- Review the resources available on the official website, including FAQs and case studies: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-covenant-supporting-information
Step 2: Express Your Interest
- Visit the official website and navigate to the “Sign the Covenant” section.
- Click on the “Sign the Covenant” button.
Step 3: Complete the Online Form
- The online form will request basic information about your organization, such as:
- Name and contact details
- Size and sector
- Website (optional)
- You’ll also be asked to confirm your agreement with the Covenant’s principles.
Step 4: Craft Your Specific Pledge (Optional)
- While signing the Covenant demonstrates your general support, you can go a step further by creating a specific pledge outlining how your organization will uphold the Covenant’s principles.
- This is entirely optional, but it can showcase your commitment and attract potential employees from the Armed Forces community.
- Browse the example pledge bank for inspiration: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-covenant-supporting-information
Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Once you’ve completed the online form (and your optional specific pledge), submit your application electronically. Email a copy of the document, company website, company registration number and company head office address to afcovenant@rfca.mod.uk
Step 6: Confirmation and Next Steps
- The Ministry of Defence will review your application. Upon approval, you’ll receive confirmation and access to resources for promoting your signed Covenant.
Additional Considerations:
- Signing Ceremony (Optional): While not mandatory, you can organize a signing ceremony to publicly announce your commitment. Consider inviting a representative from the Armed Forces.
- Contact Your Local REED: The Regional Employer Engagement Director (REED) can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/636a3e10d3bf7f16484798b0/Armed_Forces_Covenant_Duty_Statutory_Guidance.pdf
By following these steps, you can demonstrate its support for the Armed Forces community through signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Remember, even small gestures can make a big difference!