Councils, NHS trusts and other local bodies will have to consider how decisions affect members of the military community under new mandates introduced last week (22nd November) .
The Defense Department said the new legal obligations reflect key values of the Armed Forces Code.
Services covered include healthcare, housing and education.
“For example, schools should consider whether a parent is a member of the military community and fully consider flexible leave requirements depending on military service requirements,” the Department of Defense said.
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Defense Minister Andrew Marison, Veterans and Military Families, said: We must always do what is right for them and their families.
“Today, we are building on the last decade’s progress in mainstreaming military regulations, strengthening them legally and mandating service providers to make them work.”
The Covenant has been in existence for over a decade and has nearly 10,000 signatories, helping ensure broad support for those who serve their country.
The new mandate was included in the 2021 Armed Forces Bill.
The Defense Department said that in addition to personnel and veterans living in the United Kingdom, the obligations also apply to people in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, stating that “everyone will be supported and disenfranchised wherever they choose to live.” We will not face profit,” he said.
Lottie Winson
