Armed Forces Covenant
ARMED FORCES COVENANT
BLYTH TOWN COUNCIL
We commit to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community.
We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country.
Signed on behalf of:
Blyth Town Council
Name: Aileen Barrass
Position: Mayor
Date: 3 May 2025
The Armed Forces Community
Name: Commander David King
Position: Commanding Officer HMS CALLIOPE
Date: 3 May 2025
In the presence of
Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland; Dr Caroline Pryer
on behalf of His Majesty the King
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An Enduring Covenant Between
The People of the United Kingdom
His Majesty's Government
and
All those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown
and their Families
The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.
Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.
This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.
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1.1. We, Blyth Town Council, will endeavour to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant:
• Members of the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantages arising from their service in the provision of public and commercial services.
• In some circumstances special provision may be justified, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved.
2.1 We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, reservists, veterans, the cadet movement and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant by:
1. Promotion and Awareness
• Publicising the Covenant through the Council website, social media, and newsletters
• Collaborating with local press on Armed Forces-related initiatives
2. Employment Support
• Welcoming applications from members of the Armed Forces community
• Recognising military skills and qualifications in recruitment and selection
3. Staff Engagement
• Supporting employees who volunteer with cadet forces or other service-related organisations
4. Youth Engagement
• Partnering with local cadet groups
• Offering the opportunity to nominate a Mayoral Cadet annually
5. Civic Support for National Events
• Active participation in Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, Armed Forces Day, and historic military anniversaries (e.g. D-Day, VE Day)
6. Collaboration with Local Veteran Networks
• Working with local veterans’ groups to promote relevant community projects and events
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Armed Forces Community and our customers on how we are doing.
You can view the signed Armed Forces Covenant here.