Hartlepool Borough Council urge local businesses to join them in signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Hartlepool Borough Council signed the Covenant in 2012, alongside more than 800 businesses and charities signed up across the UK.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families, to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives. The Covenant brings together the government, businesses, local authorities, charities and the public to support those who serve and relies on the active support of people and communities to make a difference.

By signing the Covenant, businesses and charities can demonstrate support through a range of written and publicised promises are made to support members of the Armed Forces community who work in their business or access their products and services. The level of support can vary, dependant on the size and nature of the organisation, but typically includes policies that:

• Encourage reserve service;
• Support employment of veterans and service spouses/partners; and
• Give the Armed Forces community a fair deal on commercial products and services.

Check out the graphic below to see how signing the Covenant could benefit your organisation, or click here for more information.