Community Resource
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

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 Corporate Covenant

1.1 We Community Resource will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 Community Resource recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
- UK Wounded, Injured And Sick
We also pledge the following:

Promoting the Armed Forces: promoting the fact that we are an Armed Forces-friendly organisation, to our staff, customers, suppliers, contractors and wider public. Veterans: supporting the employment of veterans through the implementation of a policy where veterans who meet the minimum job criteria are guaranteed an interview, recognising the unique skills and experiences gained through military service, in our recruitment and selection process. We will also develop services we offer so they are accessible to veterans and offer more tailored support for those transitioning to civilian life. I. Ensuring our online resources and services are accessible and user-friendly for veterans, particularly those in rural areas who may face additional challenges in accessing support. II. Offering guidance on navigating online job search platforms and digital application processes. III. Facilitating access to online learning opportunities that can enhance veterans’ skillsets and employability. Service Spouses & Partners: supporting the employment of Service spouses and partners; partnering with the Forces Families Jobs Forum (https://www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk/); and providing flexibility in granting leave for Service spouses and partners before, during and after a partners deployment. Reserves: supporting our employees who are members of the Reserve Forces; granting additional paid/unpaid leave for annual Reserve Forces training; supporting any mobilisations and deployment; Cadet Organisations: supporting local military cadet units through our volunteer brokerage service helping to find volunteer cadet leaders; recognising the benefits of employing cadets/ex-cadets within the workforce. National Events: supporting Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day and Remembrance activities; Community Engagement and Support: Continue to work closely with local organisations and charities to support the Armed Forces community in any way possible, aligning with Community Resource’s broader mission of empowering local communities. This commitment includes: I. Establishing partnerships with local Armed Forces units and veterans’ organisations to better understand and address the specific needs of the military community in our area, including the unique challenges faced by Armed forces members in rural areas. II. Collaborating with other community organisations to create a comprehensive network of support for military families, leveraging our collective resources and expertise. III. Offering our expertise in community development and the voluntary sector to support joint projects that empower military families and veterans within our local communities. IV. Actively seeking opportunities to involve the Armed Forces community in our existing programmes and initiatives, ensuring their voices and perspectives are included in local community development efforts. V. Developing peer support programs that connect veterans with others who have similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. VI. Integrating mental health and wellbeing considerations into our existing services and programs for the Armed Forces community, ensuring a holistic approach to support. VII. Advocating for policies and initiatives that consider the unique circumstances of rural Armed Forces communities. Recognition and Celebration: Regularly recognise and celebrate the contributions of Armed Forces members within the organisation, including veteran employees and reservists;

2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.