Vigilance can report that the Armed Forces Covenant last week opened for business as companies and charities across the country were invited to sign up to the brand new Corporate Covenant to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces, the Defence Minister Mark Francois has announced.
A source at the MoD said for the first time ever businesses and charities, both small and large, would have the opportunity to sign an official written commitment that they will help improve the lives of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans who are working for or using their services.
By signing the brand new Corporate Covenant, businesses and charitable organisations he said would be able to choose unique ways their organisation can support our Armed Forces. These according to him include:
- providing sustainable job opportunities for Reservists, Veterans and Service spouses,
- offering exclusive discounts for members of the Armed Forces Community;
- supporting their local Cadet unit; and
- getting behind Armed Forces Day every year.
Vigilance learnt that in time for Armed Forces Day, five key business organisations had pledged their support at an official signing at Horse Guards last week, paving the way for other companies who are already queuing up to also sign the Corporate Covenant. It is saidtThese trail blazers now join over 320 local authorities who have already signed their own local Community Covenant around the country.
And at last week’s launch, Mark Francois revealed the first company to sign the Corporate Covenant was coach operator National Express.
Mark Francois, the Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said: “Our Armed Forces and their families give everything to our country so it is only right that society, including businesses, recognise their tremendous contribution and sacrifice. Many businesses already support our Armed Forces but they want to go further, I want to help them do that.
“That is why today I am launching the brand new Corporate Covenant so all businesses, large and small, will now have the opportunity to formally support our Armed Forces Community and make a real difference to their lives. I hope organisations and charities from across the country get behind the Corporate Covenant and do their bit to support the Armed Forces in any way they can.”
Neil Carberry, Confederation of British Industry Director of Employment and Skills, said: “Businesses support our forces and the CBI is pleased to sign up to the covenant. It is important that employers work with the forces to develop a relationship that ensures reservists, ex-service people and forces families can make the most of their workplace potential.”
Mark Fox, Chief Executive of the Business Services Association, said: “We fully support the Corporate Covenant which provides a welcome opportunity for industry to show its support for the Armed Forces.”