Strathclyde 4X4 Response
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 Strathclyde 4X4 Response 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 Strathclyde 4X4 Response 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
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
We also pledge the following:
Communications, Engagement, and Outreach: Promoting the Armed Forces Covenant, showing support for the Armed Forces Community: This initiative focuses on recognizing and celebrating the contributions of military personnel. Strathclyde 4x4 Response can engage in activities such as: Establish an Armed Forces Laision / Champion within Strathclyde 4x4 Response, to function as a focal point for organizing and promoting support for the Armed Forces Community and to enable members of the Armed Forces community to contact, meet and provide feedback to our organisation. Engage with and supporting local Armed Forces charities, for example by supporting their fundraising activities, such as Armed Forces Day/Week Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance activities. Educating the community about the roles, achievements, and significance of the armed forces through social media, newsletters, and public engagements. Collaborating with local Armed Forces Units for joint community service projects, enhancing visibility and interaction between the armed forces and civilians. Supporting awareness campaigns that highlight the challenges faced by military families and how the community can offer support. Engaging with local communities to foster an understanding and respect for the armed forces. Support to Members of the Armed Forces Community: Support in transitioning to civilian employment is crucial for those leaving the armed forces. This can include: Offering tailored volunteering opportunities within Strathclyde 4x4 Response for veterans and reservists, recognizing the skills and values they bring. Providing voluntary work placements for members of the armed forces community, providing valuable civilian work experience. Civic Responsibilities: Civic responsibility initiatives can enhance the integration of service members and veterans into the community. This might include: Supporting veterans in accessing local services with transportation in severe weather, to and from healthcare, ensuring they receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Encouraging volunteers within 4x4 Response to participate in community service projects, especially those that benefit the armed forces community. Collaborating with local authorities to ensure that the needs of veterans and serving personnel are considered in community planning and development. Implementing these initiatives requires a strategic approach, with clear objectives, action plans, and mechanisms for tracking progress. It is also vital to foster partnerships with local military organisations, veteran groups, and community organisations to leverage resources and expertise. By doing so, Strathclyde 4x4 Response will not only fulfil its commitment under the Armed Forces Covenant but also strengthen its ties with the military community and enhance its role as a supportive and inclusive organisation.
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.