The British Sikh Assocition
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 The British Sikh Assocition 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 British Sikh Assocition 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
- Reserve Forces Day
- Discounts
We also pledge the following:

Allocate two days, in addition to annual leave, for Ex-Forces personnel to support military charities of their choice. Seeking to encourage and support members of our community who choose a career in the Armed Forces and their families either Regular or Reserve service. Linking Sikh Service Personnel and their families moving into an area on assignment, with local Sikh communities; Engaging with military units and Commanding Officers to offer expertise, either for advice and guidance on supporting Sikh personnel or for wider education and awareness; Engaging with other community groups and local authorities to promote understanding of and support for the Armed Forces Community. Facilitate introductions to Sikh Schools, Gudwaras and Communities nationally. To support the Cadet expansion programme nationwide particularly to encourage the Sikh community to provide Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. By proudly displaying the Armed Forces Covenant logo in our Head and Regional Offices. Publicise our Armed Forces Covenant commitments on our website and display the Armed Forces Covenant logo. Practically ensuring that our members, clients and business partners understand our support for the Armed Forces and their families. Promoting the benefits of employing Ex-Forces personnel on an international, national, regional and local basis. Seeking to build stronger ties with elements of the Armed Forces where we can draw potential recruits. Provide jobs, tailored training and pastoral care for Ex-Forces personnel. Work closely with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to ensure employment opportunities are advertised on the CTP website. Ensure that any Ex-Forces personnel who meet our selection criteria are called for interview. Value and recognise military skills and qualifications when interviewing for positions. utilise the leadership expertise of former Service personnel. Accommodate Reservists’ training commitments where possible Providing an additional two weeks leave to allow Reservists to complete their annual two week training camp. Accommodate where possible the mobilisation of our Reservists if they are required to deploy.

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.