The Order of St John Care Trust
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-08)

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 The Order of St John Care Trust 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 The Order of St John Care Trust 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
- UK Reservists
- Armed Forces Charities
We also pledge the following:

-Highlighting the value and contribution of those who serve or have served through displays, newsletters, resident events and community outreach, ensuring their stories are shared and respected.

-Maintaining visible links with local military charities and support networks such as the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and Combat Stress, to ensure access to advice, welfare and social connection for residents and their families.

-Recognising the unique physical and mental-health needs of veterans and their families, promoting signposting to NHS veteran-aware services and other appropriate specialist support.

-Promoting awareness among staff and residents of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces community.

-Encouraging inclusion and understanding of those who serve, or have served, within our home, ensuring veterans and their families feel respected, supported and valued.

-Ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage compared with any other citizen in the provision of services, employment or opportunities within our home.

-Recognising and celebrating service through events, remembrance activities and presentations such as our Veteran Certificates of Thanks Initiative. We also recognise the vital contribution of Armed Forces families, and have extended our thanks by presenting Certificates of Appreciation to all living spouses for their steadfast support and sacrifice alongside their loved ones service.

-Supporting staff members who are veterans, reservists or family members of those currently serving, including reasonable flexibility for training or deployment commitments.

-Engaging with our wider community to bridge the gap between civilian and military life, promoting mutual understanding and respect.

-Establishing active links with the military: We are proud to have secured the continuing support of Major M E Visset RLC, Officer Commanding 14 Sqn QOGLR, Gurkha Allies Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion.

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.