Armed Forces Covenant
- Page 1
Overview and Purpose:
The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme exists to encourage employers to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families.
It reflects a commitment to fairness, respect, and practical support for members of the Armed Forces community in civilian working life.
Participation demonstrates that an organisation understands the unique contribution of service personnel and veterans, and takes reasonable steps to ensure they are not disadvantaged because of their service.
Commencement:
1 March 2025
Expires:
Regulatory or accrediting body:
The Employer Recognition Scheme is administered by the UK Ministry of Defence through the Armed Forces Covenant team. It operates as a national framework supporting employers across public, private, and voluntary sectors.
The scheme sits under the wider Armed Forces Covenant, which is endorsed by government and supported by local authorities, NHS bodies, and regulators.
Scope of recognition:
The Employer Recognition Scheme recognises organisational commitment rather than clinical or commercial regulation. It does not confer professional accreditation or regulatory approval.
Its scope relates to:
Employment practices
Workplace culture
Fair access to opportunities
Support for reservists, veterans, and military families
Positive engagement with the Armed Forces community
It does not replace statutory obligations under employment law, equality law, or healthcare regulation.
Standards and core requirements:
Participation in the scheme reflects adherence to key principles, including:
Fair treatment of members of the Armed Forces community
No disadvantage in recruitment or employment due to service
Recognition of transferable military skills and experience
Support for reservists in balancing civilian work and service commitments
Promotion of awareness and understanding of Armed Forces issues
Commitment to inclusive and ethical employment practice
Higher levels of recognition build upon these principles with more structured engagement and advocacy.
Relevance to patient safety and public assurance:
Participation in the scheme reflects adherence to key principles, including:
Fair treatment of members of the Armed Forces community
No disadvantage in recruitment or employment due to service
Recognition of transferable military skills and experience
Support for reservists in balancing civilian work and service commitments
Promotion of awareness and understanding of Armed Forces issues
Commitment to inclusive and ethical employment practice
Higher levels of recognition build upon these principles with more structured engagement and advocacy.
How the clinic meets these requirements
The clinic supports the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant through its organisational policies and day to day practice, including:
Fair and transparent recruitment processes
Recognition of prior military service and transferable competencies
Supportive working arrangements where service commitments apply
Inclusive employment practices aligned with equality legislation
Respect for the contribution of reservists, veterans, and service families
Governance structures that promote professionalism and accountability
These commitments are embedded within wider workforce, equality, and governance frameworks.
Monitoring, review and ongoing compliance:
Engagement with the Armed Forces Covenant is reviewed periodically as part of internal governance oversight. This includes:
Reviewing workforce policies for continued alignment
Monitoring staff declarations and support needs
Updating public statements where commitments evolve
Ensuring consistency with wider regulatory and employment obligations
This ensures the commitment remains active rather than symbolic.
Transparency and verifications:
Participation in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme can be verified through public Armed Forces Covenant listings or on request.
Enquiries relating to the organisation’s commitment or its application in practice can be directed through the clinic’s governance or management contact routes.
Transparency and verifications url:
