UK Government, Arm’s-Length Bodies, and Devolved Administrations

The Armed Forces Covenant is UK Government policy, and therefore Government departments and arm’s-length bodies should do their utmost to uphold its principles where possible. They do this by:

Mitigating the impacts of military life on members of the Armed Forces community

You might develop policy or make decisions that affect:

• Currently serving Regular or Reserve members of the UK Armed Forces
• Family members of someone serving, or formerly serving, in the UK Armed Forces
• Bereaved family members of someone who died on service in the UK Armed Forces
• Service leavers and former members (‘veterans’) of the UK Armed Forces

Some of these members of the Armed Forces community might face disadvantages compared to the general population, arising from military life. For example, being unable to access certain services while serving overseas. You might be able to mitigate some of these disadvantages.

You might also have opportunities to offer special provision to those sacrificing the most, such as the injured and the bereaved.

Annual reports

The UK Government is statutorily required to present to Parliament a Covenant Annual Report each year. This covers their progress in delivering the Covenant across all four home nations of the UK.

In addition to formal contributions to the UK Government’s Covenant Annual Report, the Welsh and Scottish Governments each publish their own Annual Report each year that outlines their support for the Armed Forces community in greater detail.

Employing members of the Armed Forces community

As a UK Government department, arm’s-length body, or devolved administration, you might employ:

• Currently serving Reserve members of the UK Armed Forces
• Family members of someone serving, or formerly serving, in the UK Armed Forces
• Bereaved family members of someone who died on service in the UK Armed Forces
• Service leavers and Veterans of the UK Armed Forces

You can be a Forces friendly employer of members of the Armed Forces community, receive awards that recognise your commitment to the Covenant, and get help and advice. Find out more about employing members of the Armed Forces community.

Show your support

Arm’s-length bodies can sign the Covenant. Find out more about showing your support.