Cumberland Council will demonstrate its continuing commitment to the Armed Forces Community by signing the National Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation. It ensures that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public services by their military service.
The signing of the Covenant by Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer will take place on Tuesday 26 September, at 12pm, at Carlisle’s Civic Centre.
Cllr Fryer will be joined by Cumberland Armed Forces Champions - Cllr Lisa Brown, Cllr Carni McCarron-Holmes, Cllr Jimmy Grisdale and Cllr Roger Dobson.
Armed Forces representatives will include Lt Cdr Ellen Shepherd, Assistant Naval Regional Commander at Naval Regional Command Northern England and Isle of Man, Mike Taylor, Chair of the Cumbria Armed Forces Covenant Partnership and Gary Oakford, Regional Employer Engagement Director for Lancashire and Cumbria - The Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association for the North West of England & the Isle of Man.
Gary Oakford said:
“The Armed Forces Covenant is a public declaration of active support for those that serve and have served.
“Organisations signing the covenant and supporting the Employer Recognition Scheme recognise the value of supporting the Armed Forces, not just from a commercial or community perspective, but also because they see the valuable contribution of veterans, reservists and cadets to their organisation.
“On behalf of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, I would like to thank Cumberland Council for their enduring partnership.”
Nick Kennon, Director of Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors will also be attending the signing event and will be presented with a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award.
The council’s decision to endorse the signing of the Covenant was made at a meeting of the Executive earlier this year.
Cllr Lisa Brown is the Lead Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the Armed Forces Covenant. She said:
“The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise to our brave servicemen and women, and their families, that they will be treated fairly and with the utmost respect.
“This Covenant is not just a formality; it is a commitment that we make to our armed forces community. It is a promise that we will never forget their sacrifice, and we will always stand by them.
“We have many supporting policies already in place, inherited from our predecessor councils, and it is our duty to continue that legacy. By refreshing and re-signing the Covenant, we are demonstrating our unwavering support for our heroes and their families.
“This new Covenant document will also prepare us for the future, for the day when we apply to revalidate our MOD Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2025. We are not just signing a document; we are making a statement that will echo through the years.
“So let us come together, as one, and make this bold statement of support for our armed forces community. Let us show them that we are with them, every step of the way.”
The Armed Forces Covenant helps members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. This support is provided in a number of areas including:
- Education and family well-being.
- Having a home.
- Starting a new career.
- Access to healthcare.
- Financial assistance.
- Discounted services.
Re-signing the Covenant forms part of the council’s advocacy and its action plan to achieve the Gold Award of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Cllr Lisa Brown is the Lead Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the Armed Forces Covenant, and she will work with other Elected Member Armed Forces Champions and relevant officers to develop the council’s action plan on honouring the Covenant.