Armed Forces Covenant

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

If you are serving, or have served in HM Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to make sure you and your family, as part of the Armed Forces community, are treated fairly when you access services, and do not face discrimination compared to other citizens. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.

Watch a 78 second video (below) to learn more about the Armed Forces Covenant:

YouTube - Armed Forces Covenant

National reports are produced annually that set out major achievements of the Armed Forces Covenant and highlight remaining challenges and new commitments. View the reports on the GOV.UK website.

Find out more about the Covenant and how it can help you on the Armed Forces Covenant website.

Who does the Armed Forces community include?

You are a member of the Armed Forces community if you are:

• serving/regular personnel
• a reservist (volunteer and regular)
• a veteran (those who have served at least one day in HM Armed Forces)
• family of serving personnel, reservists and veterans (including spouses, civil partners, the children they are responsible for and, where appropriate, parents and unmarried partners)
• immediate family of serving personnel and veterans who have died, whether or not that death has any connection with service. 

What is the East Riding Community Covenant? 

East Riding of Yorkshire is home to both current and ex-serving men and women and their families from across the Armed Forces. These men and women, and their families, form a valuable part of the East Riding's community, bringing with them skills and a contribution that is unique and valuable. 

In 2012, representatives from various local statutory organisations, voluntary groups and military charities signed the ‘East Riding Community Covenant’. This was renewed again in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force.

An Armed Forces Covenant - Signed 1 July 2018 (pdf 352kb)

The East Riding Community Covenant complements, at a local level, the Armed Forces Covenant. 

What is the East Riding Community Covenant Delivery Group?

This group (ERCCDG) was established to consider the issues facing the local Armed Forces community and any support that is required to meet their needs.

The group meets quarterly and is chaired by the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor David Elvidge. Find out how to contact Councillor Elvidge.

More details on the group and its current membership are provided in the Terms of Reference. 

ERCCDG Terms of Reference (pdf 591kb)

The delivery group’s Action Plan (2019-2024) outlines how partners will work together to improve the support for the local Armed Forces community:

ERCCDG Action Plan (2019-2024) (pdf 2mb)

Sub-groups for a number of key themes in the Action Plan have been set up to drive progress forward. 

Minutes of the East Riding Community Covenant Delivery Group

Action Plan Annual Progress Report 

Action Plan Progress Report 2019-20 (pdf 694kb)

Action Plan Progress Report 2020-21 (pdf 732kb)

How can you help us to help you?

When you access a service, such as healthcare, housing or benefits, it is important to let professionals know that you are a member of the Armed Forces community if you feel able to. This will make sure that you can access certain services or support that are specifically aimed at members of the Armed Forces community.

Does the East Riding work with other local authorities?

We work with our neighbouring local authorities wherever possible to improve the support for the Armed Forces community across the wider region. Follow the links below to find out what other local authorities in the region are doing to support the Armed Forces Covenant:

Doncaster Council (external website)

Hull City Council (external website)

North East Lincolnshire Council (external website)

North Lincolnshire Council (external website)

What other support and advice is available?

A wide range of services and support is available to help you, whatever your needs.

These pages are also useful if you support members of the Armed Forces community as part of your job, or as a friend, carer or family member.

Community and relationships 

Employment, education and skills 

Families, children and young people 

Health and wellbeing 

Housing 

Money advice 

General advice and support 

Supporting the Armed Forces community 

If there is something that you need help with that is not listed, or any information needs updating, please email community.covenant@eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 391426.