The Armed Forces Covenant is a national pledge that recognises the contribution made by current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families. Signatories commit to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and not disadvantaged as a result of their service.
Cambridgeshire County Council is a strong supporter of the Covenant and by re-committing formally to the covenant, this reaffirms the Council’s determination to ensuring fairness and opportunity, creating jobs for the future, promoting financial security, and helping those serve, have served or are part of the extended armed forces family stay well connected.
In June this year, councillors from the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee agreed to formally sign the Armed Forces Covenant, bolstering the support provided through the 2011 Armed Forces Community Covenant, making a public declaration of support for and commitment to the Armed Forces community.
Today (Tuesday 13 October), Cambridgeshire County Council formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant at its Full Council meeting, reaffirming its support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the county, bolstering the 2011 shared Community Covenant.
The Council already plays a key role in supporting the Armed Forces community by hosting and part-funding the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Coordinator and helping to coordinate the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, which brings together more than 50 organisations to strengthen support across the county.
It is also helping create new pathways into employment for veterans and military families through organisations including the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs. Through its library network, the Council provides free community spaces for Armed Forces groups and practical support for veterans, including help with applications for Veterans Badges and signposting to specialist services.
Cllr Yannifer Malinowski, Cambridgeshire County Council's Armed Forces Champion, said:
“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant recognises the contribution of, and shows our gratitude towards those who serve, those who have served, and those who support them. I am extremely proud that the Council has made this pledge and is standing alongside our Armed Forces community."
Cllr Tom Sanderson, Vice Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
"Today, we have made an important statement, renewing our commitment to ensuring members of the Armed Forces community are treated with respect and fairness in Cambridgeshire, and are afforded opportunities to thrive."
Dr Stephen Moir, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
"On behalf of the Council’s officers, I also want to make clear our collective support for those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them. The Armed Forces community forms a significant part of life in Cambridgeshire, and I am very proud we are again strengthening our pledge towards supporting them."
Earlier this year, Cambridgeshire County Council was reaccredited with the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest honour available to organisations that demonstrate outstanding, long‑term support for the Armed Forces community.
