RAF Benevolent Fund
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 RAF Benevolent Fund 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 RAF Benevolent Fund 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 Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
We also pledge the following:

Support for the RAF Family: The fund provides support to all members of the RAF Family, including those serving, veterans, reserves, and their dependents. Financial Assistance: This includes help with unexpected costs, regular financial support, and assistance with things like care home top-ups. Practical Support: This can include things like providing mobility aids or respite breaks for families. Emotional Support: The fund offers services like a confidential listening and counselling service to support those dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, or bereavement. Raising Awareness: The fund actively works to raise awareness of the needs of the AFC and encourages businesses and other organizations to support them. Encouraging Businesses to Pledge: The RAF Benevolent Fund encourages businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and make pledges to support the AFC. Ambassadors: The fund has appointed ambassadors who share their lived experiences and understanding of the RAF Family to further raise awareness. Gifts in Wills: The fund encourages people to consider leaving a gift in their will to support their ongoing work.

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.