Armed Forces Community Covenant

What is the Covenant and what does it mean?

The Armed Forces Covenant exists between the people of the UK and the Armed Forces and their families. It lays out the principles that should exist in the relationship between the Armed Forces and the rest of the Nation, including respect, support and fair treatment. It makes clear that no-one who has served should face disadvantage from their service and that, in some cases, special consideration is appropriate. Through its membership, Gloucester City Council has made a commitment to the wider Armed Forces Covenant, to support the Armed Forces community within Gloucestershire.

The Armed Forces Community
The Armed Forces community comprises of Regulars and Reservists from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force, their families and veterans, including National Service.

Aims of the Covenant
Encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces community in their areas.
Encourage the Armed Forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects or other forms of engagement.
Promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces community.
Recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community.
Encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces community into local life.
Members of the Covenant
Gloucestershire County Council is the lead signatory and is joined in the Covenant by the City Council and partners from the public and third sectors. The new Covenant Champion for GCC is Cllr. Andrew Gravells and his email address is Andrew.GRAVELLS@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Joining the Covenant
New organisations are always welcome to join the Covenant to raise awareness and show their support. There is also the Corporate Covenant for those businesses that wish to pledge their assistance. For more information on joining the Covenant, or for any other questions, please contact the Armed Forces Covenant team at afcovenant@gloucestershire.gov.uk

To read the annual reports and other supporting information go to the relevant pages on Gloucestershire County Council's website