Goonvean Group
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 Goonvean Group 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 Goonvean Group 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:
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Charities
- UK Wounded, Injured And Sick
We also pledge the following:

Members of the Armed Force’s Covenant 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. We have established the Goonvean Veterans Network (GVN) as the focal point for all veteran-related affairs, including support, engagement, and marketing activities across the group. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. Delivering presentations to military units with service leavers to raise awareness of employment opportunities within our group. Participating in job fairs as a group to engage directly with transitioning service personnel. Using our membership of the Armed Forces Covenant to actively promote support through regular posts on social media and by displaying the Covenant pledge on the Goonvean Group and all subsidiary company websites. Providing tailored onboarding processes and structured inductions, including regular one-toones to ensure smooth transitions into civilian employment. Utilising our network of mental health first aiders, spread across different companies, to support veterans and their families. Leveraging the Goonvean Veterans Network (GVN) as a signposting group and the first point of contact for veterans requiring support or advice. Conducting bi-annual reviews through the GVN to assess how well we are upholding our Covenant commitments. These meetings will ensure best practices are being followed and will be shared on our internal and social media platforms to support other Covenant members. We will actively promote our commitments through the following channels to ensure transparency and encourage engagement with the Armed Forces Community and our wider stakeholders: 1. Company Websites: The Armed Forces Covenant pledge will be prominently displayed on the Goonvean Group’s website and all subsidiary company websites. This section will outline our commitments and the specific actions we are taking to support the Armed Forces Community. 2. Social Media: Regular posts on social media platforms will highlight our support for the Covenant, featuring updates on initiatives, events, and success stories involving veterans and reservists within the group. 3. Internal Communications: Employees across the group will be kept informed of our Covenant- related activities through newsletters, emails, and internal meetings, fostering a culture of pride and inclusivity. 4. Marketing Materials: Brochures, annual reports, and other literature will include details of our Covenant commitments, reinforcing our dedication to supporting the Armed Forces Community. 5. Events and Outreach: Participation in public events, such as job fairs and Armed Forces Day celebrations, will provide opportunities to showcase our commitments and engage with the Armed Forces Community directly. 6. Feedback Channels: We will establish clear and accessible feedback mechanisms, including online forms and dedicated points of contact, to invite input from the Armed Forces Community and other stakeholders. This feedback will help us refine and improve our initiatives. Goonvean Veterans Network (GVN) The Goonvean Veterans Network (GVN) has been formed as the central group for all veteran related matters, including welfare, integration, and promotion of veteran support across the Goonvean Group. The GVN is spearheaded by: Gareth Williams (Atwell Labellers) Will Cross (Core) Sandra Sampson (Group HQ) These individuals bring a mix of direct military experience and strong ties to the armed forces community, providing insight, leadership, and direction in the group’s commitment to the Covenant. Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement We understand that our pledge is an ongoing commitment. By recognising the unique contributions of the Armed Forces Community and implementing the above initiatives, the Goonvean Group aims to create a supportive environment for veterans, reservists, and their families. Together, we will work to honour their service and ensure they thrive within our organisation.

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.