Cumberland Council has demonstrated 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 took place on Tuesday 26 September at Carlisle’s Civic Centre.
Cllr Fryer was joined by Cumberland Armed Forces Champions - Cllr Lisa Brown, Cllr Carni McCarron-Holmes, Cllr Jimmy Grisdale and Cllr Roger Dobson.
Armed Forces representatives included 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 also attended the signing event and was presented with a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award by Lt Cdr Ellen Shepherd, Assistant Naval Regional Commander at Naval Regional Command Northern England and Isle of Man, accompanied by the Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer.
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 spoke about the signing at Tuesday’s Council meeting. She said:
“The signing was a very special moment for Cumberland Council - enshrining our support for regular and reservist serving personnel, veterans and military families.
“It acknowledges their service and sacrifice, and their contribution to our business and country.
“By making small adjustments to what we do, as an employer, and as a provider of services - it provides extra support where it is much needed, because it shouldn’t be underestimated how difficult the transition can be from service to life as a civilian.
“There are really strong networks of support, right across Cumberland - and dare I say it, Cumbria - and these networks come together through the Cumbria Armed Forces Covenant Partnership.
“From the largest public and private sector organisations, like ourselves - to smaller local firms, like Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors, who have received their Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award - and of course our third sector colleagues.”
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.