HMS Eaglet Old & Bold Affiliation
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 HMS Eaglet Old & Bold Affiliation 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 HMS Eaglet Old & Bold Affiliation 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:
- Armed Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
- UK Wounded, Injured And Sick
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
We also pledge the following:
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Promoting the HMS Eaglet Old & Bold Affiliation (OBA) as a “go to” community that is Armed Forces-friendly which reaches out to Serving and Post Serving Military personnel and their families to provide social integration with like-minded people that can enhance the camaraderie and friendships and enjoyed by Military personnel.
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Proactively reach out to identify those who may be in isolation and encourage opportunities for social engagement and/or refer for help with trusted partner organisations in the provision of specialist needs.
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Engage with other Military Organisations to share a wider range of Social/Well-being activities …”day trips”, “short breaks (3-day mountain hut accommodation, relaxing and revitalising stay)”, Smokers, BBQ’s and Banyans.
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Provide members with a programme of regular events that provide a welcome space for veterans, serving personnel, and family members to connect, socialise, and access support.
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To provide an opportunity for Veterans and their families to engage in formal Naval social traditions that rekindle the pride, sense of duty and culture. i.e. Mess Dinners
Underpins the provision and outcomes provided by the OBA with a solid constitution that informs OBA members of its aims and objectives, guidelines on what it provides and also what it doesn’t. This is regularly updated and reviewed by the Leadership Team and transparent to the members of the OBA
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The organisation is member-led, as such continually drives to meet the ongoing needs and requirements of its members and implement changes within the boundaries of “the Constitution”
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The OBA Leadership team is encouraged to fulfil the roles outlined in the Constitution for its ongoing growth, success and accountability. All Committee are Volunteers and are encouraged to utilise their professional skills and talents in delivering the outcomes required from the OBA membership whilst having “fun along the way”.
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Proactively reach out to its members via face-to face engagement, E-Mail, Social Media, Phone, Text …choice of access to these “closed member features” in line with Data Protection Guidelines and overseen by the OBA media Moderator with the OBA President sending out “Flash Signals” to keep its membership updated on significant topics.
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Drive to engage with other “like minded” military organisations to share and grow a wider Network which benefits all. Sea Urchins Assoc., Merseyside Submariners Assoc, HMS Eaglet, Veterans in Sefton et al.
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Run, facilitate or promote support networks (such as coffee mornings, breakfast clubs) for veterans and other members of the Armed Forces Community.
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Promote tri-services camaraderie with the social interactions and exposure of its own “Sailor Boy Band”.
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Develop relationships and work collaboratively with other organisations supporting the Covenant and the Armed Forces Community in your locality/region.
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Commit to support Civic Events that benefit from a Military Presence i.e. Remembrance Day parade, Armed Forces Day Celebrations, Council “Open Days”, School Talks and Education.
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Provide the Presence of Our HMS Eaglet Uniformed Standard Bearer to Local and Regional tri-services military events and activities. Organise, facilitate, promote and/or take part in remembrance and other ceremonial activities.
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Retain an identity with the availability of HMS Eaglet Old & Bold Affiliation, Its Unique Standard flag, Its own Blazer Badges and Berets, Appropriate Medals to contribute to the local and regional military identity.
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Provide an accredited Welfare Officer to advise and support its members in distress and a follow up as appropriate.
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Provide accredited advice and signposting service for those members and families seeking support with physical, mental and well-being care.
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Use its membership to promote opportunities for shipmates and families to support each other and “feel good by doing good”.
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Take part in and/or promote awareness-raising schemes, such as veteran friendly expertise in Financial Assessment, Suicide Prevention Training and Benefits Advice.
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To provide members family support during times of loss and grief of family members. Offer to provide military contribution to the family funeral service and a celebration of the life of those who have departed…Military Salutes, Draped Coffins, Uniformed Coffin Bearers, Eulogy et al.
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Retain contact with those members who have lost loved ones, ensure that the “Eaglet Family” still goes on, Invites to Socials and particular invite to the Annual Memorial Service which celebrates the memory and duty of those departed.
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.