Dingley’s Promise
We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.
The Armed Forces Covenant
An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her 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.
Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant
1.1 We Dingley’s Promise will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment
2.1 Dingley’s Promise recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- UK Reservists
- Armed Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
We also pledge the following:
- Positively promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and recognising key national events such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance.
- Raising awareness among staff and stakeholders of the Armed Forces Community and the challenges they may face, particularly around family life and transitions.
- Supporting applications from members of the Armed Forces Community and ensuring that military experience and transferable skills are recognised and valued.
- Ensuring our services are welcoming and accessible to Armed Forces families, including those who may be new to the area due to postings.
- Ensuring that our services and pricing structures do not disadvantage members of the Armed Forces Community.
- Considering Armed Forces Community needs when developing new services or partnerships.
- Being mindful of the physical and mental wellbeing needs of Armed Forces families and veterans, particularly in relation to transition into civilian life.
- Signposting to specialist support services where appropriate.
- Recognising the impact of mobility and frequent relocation on military families and reflecting this understanding in our engagement and service delivery.
- Supporting children from Armed Forces families, particularly those with additional needs or disabilities, to access inclusive early years education.
- Working collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals to ensure continuity of support during transitions.
- Supporting local community initiatives that recognise and celebrate the contribution of the Armed Forces.
- Acting as a responsible and inclusive employer and service provider.
- Ensuring that military families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are treated fairly and supported to access early intervention and inclusive provision.
- Remaining open to learning from the Armed Forces Community to improve our policies and practices over time.
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 Service community and our customers on how we are doing.