Armed Forces Covenant
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that those who serve, or have served, and their families are treated fairly. It recognises the sacrifices of our Armed Forces community and commits to ensuring they are not disadvantaged in their daily lives. When needed, additional support is offered to injured personnel and bereaved families.
Ashford Borough Council is proud to support this commitment. We work with regular and reservist personnel, veterans, and military families, promoting fairness, understanding, and community connection across the borough.
We first signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant on 10 May 2014, marking our pledge to support serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. We continue to encourage local businesses, community groups and residents to show their support by signing the Covenant.
Key Covenant Principles
- No disadvantage: Members of the Armed Forces community should receive fair access to local services
- Special consideration: Extra support is appropriate for those who have sacrificed the most, including the injured and bereaved
Our Armed Forces representatives are:
Councillor Peter Feacey – Armed Forces Champion
- Email Peter at peter.feacey@ashford.gov.uk
- 01233 632447
David Robinson – Armed Forces Lead Officer
- Email David at david.robinson@ashford.gov.uk
- 01233 330219
Employer Recognition Scheme
In June 2024, Ashford Borough Council received the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which celebrates employers who actively support the Armed Forces community and champion the values of the Covenant.
Holding the Silver Award means we:
- Support employees who are reservists, veterans, cadet instructors, or military spouses/partners
- Promote an armed forces-friendly workplace
- Welcome job applicants from the Armed Forces community, whether serving or ex-service
We are now working towards achieving the Gold Award.
If you have any queries about the Armed Forces Covenant, please contact: communitycovenant@ashford.gov.uk.
