London Borough of Havering
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 London Borough of Havering 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 London Borough of Havering 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
We also pledge the following:

joining the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme at Bronze level and working to achieve at least Silver over following 12 months. encouraging our suppliers and partner organisations to sign the Covenant and join the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme; Use the Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme logos in your communications actively participating in Remembrance Sunday and other memorial events; supporting a standing group of partner organisations responsible for planning annual Armed Forces Week/ Day; Remembrance Sunday; and other memorial events; where offering internships for members of the Armed Forces considering employment in local government; attending Armed Forces career transition events to share experience of the local govern­ment sector; Provide and /or promote training such as e-learning for your staff on the Armed Forces community. supporting the Royal British Legion and other charities working in support of Armed Forces personnel and veterans; Promote awareness of housing and homelessness services among Armed Forces Com­ munity Ensure dedicated healthcare services for members of the Armed Forces Community such as Op Courage are signposted and promoted. Appoint an Armed Forces Champion within your organisation to act as a focal point for organising and promoting support for the Armed Forces community. Promote support networks - breakfast clubs, forums and support groups through the Veterans Gateway. establishing relationships with Regional Employer engagement teams and supporting regional events where possible.

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.