Ormiston Shelfield Academy
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 Ormiston Shelfield Academy 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 Ormiston Shelfield Academy 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 Friendly
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
- Additional Leave for Reservists
We also pledge the following:
- Community and Awareness: Promote awareness of the Armed Forces community within the school/college through assemblies, curriculum links, or events such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance. Work with local military units, charities, and community groups to strengthen understanding and support.
- Fair Access and Equal Treatment: Ensure no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage in accessing education, employment, or support services. Review policies and procedures regularly to ensure they reflect the needs of Service families.
- Public Commitment: Encourage staff and students to engage positively with the Armed Forces community.
- Reservist Support: Maintain communication and reintegration support for staff returning from mobilisation. Recognise the benefits that Reserve service brings to our academy, including leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
- Professional Development: Recognise the value of military leadership and training in internal promotion processes. Offer CPD pathways tailored to Veterans transitioning into education roles (e.g., teaching assistant, pastoral support, safeguarding roles). Provide mentoring or buddy systems for new staff from the Armed Forces community.
- Wellbeing and Pastoral Support: Ensure access to mental health and wellbeing support for Veterans and Reservists. Signpost staff to external support organisations (SSAFA, RBL, Forces Families Federations).
- Community Engagement: Encourage staff participation in Armed Forces Day, Remembrance events, or local garrison activities. Build partnerships with local military units to support recruitment, volunteering, or careers events. Promote awareness of the Armed Forces community through assemblies, curriculum links, and participation in events such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance. Build partnerships with local military units, cadet organisations, and Armed Forces charities. Encourage students and staff to engage positively with the Armed Forces community and understand its contribution to society.
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.