Armed Forces Covenant
Gillingham Town Council has reinforced its allegiance to the armed forces community by signing the National Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant is a national promise that ensures that those who serve or have served in the military, along with their families are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged due to their military service.
The signing of the covenant took place at a ceremony held on Thursday 22nd February 2024 at Gillingham Town Hall.
The covenant was signed by Commander Colin Kiernan, Executive Officer RNAS Yeovilton on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and by Cllr Barry von Clemens, Mayor of Gillingham.
The ceremony was attended by armed forces representatives, councillors and representatives from local businesses and organisations.
Emily Kadoch, Employer Engagement Director for Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association said, “On behalf of the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence, I wish to thank Gillingham Town Council for their support”.
Cllr Barry von Clemens said, “This is a very special moment which reinforces Gillingham Town Council’s support for military personnel, veterans and their families”.
If you, as an organisation, would be interested in partnering with Defence through signing the Armed Forces Covenant then please reach out to the Defence point of contact Emily Kadoch the Employer Engagement Director at Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk
The Pledge
An Enduring Covenant Between
The People of the United Kingdom Her Majesty’s Government
and
All those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown
and their Families
The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families, They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.
Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.
This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this
Covenant.
Section 1: Principles of The Armed Forces Covenant
We, Gillingham Town Council, will endeavour to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant:
- Members of the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantages arising from their service in the provision of public and commercial services.
- In some circumstances special provision may be justified, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our Commitment
We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, reservists, veterans, the cadet movement and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant by:
- Promoting the Armed Forces through the publication of our Covenant pledges via our website, social media and newsletter.
- Providing employment support to members of the Armed Forces Community by welcoming job applications from members of the armed forces community who meet the criteria in the job specification and recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.
- Supporting national events such as Remembrance Day, Remembrance Sunday, the Poppy Appeal and Armed Forces Day.
- Supporting armed forces charities with fundraising opportunities.
- Supporting the Gillingham Detachment of the Dorset Army Cadet Force and recognising the benefits of employing cadets/ex-cadets within the workforce.
- Supporting requests for Military Freedom Parades from the Gillingham Detachment of the Dorset Army Cadet Force and The Rifles Regiment who have been granted Freedom of the town.
