Armed Forces Support

The Rotherham Armed Forces Community Covenant applies to the current members of the armed forces, a veteran or family member. It applies to Regular Personnel, Merchant Navy, Reservists, and the Bereaved family members of those who served.

To those who proudly protect our Nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment.

Who makes up the Armed Forces Community?

A veteran is classed as someone who has served at least one full day in the armed forces (HM Government,2021).

Definition of the Armed Forces Community.

  • Regular Personnel: currently serving: Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force
  • Merchant Navy: served for at least one day on active service
  • Reservists: Volunteer reserves and regular reserves
  • Veterans: served for at least one day, regular or reserve service
  • Families: immediate family; spouses, civil or other partners, children whom the veteran or their partner are responsible
  • Bereaved: Immediate family of service personnel or veterans who have died
  • Carers: carer for service personnel or veterans
  • Cadets: young people who are members of the Army Cadets Force, Sea Cadets Corps or Air Training Corps.

The Armed Forces Covenant

Signed document

The Rotherham Armed Forces Community Covenant encourages support from the armed forces community living in Rotherham and recognises the sacrifices made by them. Over 25 signatory organisations (key businesses, charities, and organisations) reaffirmed their commitment to the Rotherham Armed Forces Community Covenant in March 2018. The signed covenant can be found on display at Rotherham Town Hall and in the Council's main office at Riverside House.

The Armed Forces Covenant 

How to get involved and show your support to Veterans and the Armed Forces community

As an organisation, charity or partnership in Rotherham you can choose to sign a voluntary pledge in order to demonstrate your support to the Armed Forces Community and for the principles of the Covenant. All organisations – public, private or voluntary, and small, medium or large – are welcome to sign the Covenant.
For further information on how to do this please visit the Armed Forces Covenant website.

The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community and defense by going above and beyond their covenant pledges. The Council currently has gold accreditation.

Employer recognition scheme gold award logo

Armed Forces Covenant Duty

The Armed Forces Covenant is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to ‘have due regard’ to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and requires decisions about the development and delivery of certain services to be made with conscious consideration of the needs of the Armed Forces Community. The legal obligation affects organisations that are responsible for delivering statutory functions in healthcare, education and housing services and requires those delivering local services to pay due regard to the Covenant principles when exercising the functions in these areas.

Armed Forces Covernant Duty Statutory Guidance

Armed Forces Covernant Duty Toolkit

Service Families

This site provides information to Service Families about how the Covenant can help with removing the disadvantages that may arise with Service Life.

Service families - Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust funds projects that support the delivery of the Nation's Covenant promise to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Find their website here: The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Directory of support for Veterans and their families

The Office for Veteran Affairs (OVA) has created a directory of all the organisations across England, Scotland and Wales who provide support to Veterans and their families.

View more information isupport for veterans and their families

Contact the Council's Lead Officer for Armed Forces

Vicky Hartley, Member and Civic Support Manager

Email: AFCSupport@rotherham.gov.uk

Telephone: 01709 255100