The Root Cause Project CIC
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, His 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 The Root Cause Project CIC 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 *The Root Cause Project CIC 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 Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- Flexible Leave For Spouses
- UK Reservists
- Armed Forces Charities
We also pledge the following:
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Communications, engagement and outreach: We will actively engage with veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families across North Devon and the wider South West, creating welcoming opportunities for connection, support and community.
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We pledge to: Deliver regular drop-in sessions, community activities and wellbeing programmes specifically designed for the Armed Forces community.
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Promote positive awareness of the strengths, skills and contributions of veterans, serving personnel and military families.
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Work collaboratively with local authorities, charities, schools, businesses and community organisations to improve support pathways for the Armed Forces community.
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Ensure our communications are inclusive, accessible and sensitive to the unique experiences of military life.
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Employment and Volunteering: We recognise the value, skills, experience and leadership that veterans, reservists and military families bring to the workforce and wider community.
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Actively seek opportunities to employ veterans and members of the Armed Forces community in the delivery and development of our programmes.
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Create flexible employment, freelance and volunteering opportunities that recognise the diverse circumstances and strengths of veterans and military families.
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Value military experience and transferable skills when recruiting staff, facilitators and volunteers.
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Support veterans to regain confidence, purpose and connection through meaningful roles within our organisation.
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Provide opportunities for veterans to use their lived experience to support and inspire others within the Armed Forces community.
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Promote a positive and inclusive working environment that recognises the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.
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Encourage professional development and training opportunities for those involved in delivering our services.
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Health: We recognise that members Of the Armed Forces community can face unique challenges that impact both their physical and mental health. We believe that early intervention, connection and community support play a vital role in promoting positive mental health and preventing crisis.
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We pledge to: Deliver veteran-led programmes and activities that support positive mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience.
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Provide safe, welcoming and non-judgemental spaces where veterans, serving personnel and military families can connect with others who understand military life. Reduce social isolation through regular peer support, community activities and outdoor learning opportunities.
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Use bushcraft, survival skills and nature-based activities as practical tools to support mental health, confidence, purpose and personal growth.
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Promote early intervention and preventative approaches that help individuals maintain good mental health before challenges escalate.
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Signpost individuals and families to specialist mental health, welfare and support services when additional support is needed.
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Work collaboratively with local partners to improve access to mental health support for the Armed Forces community.
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Encourage open conversations around mental health and help reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support.
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Education: We recognise the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by Armed Forces children and young people.
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We pledge to: Deliver programmes that improve confidence, resilience and school engagement for children from Armed Forces families.
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Work with schools and education providers to better understand and support the needs of military-connected pupils.
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Share the experiences and skills of veterans in educational settings to inspire confidence, leadership and personal development.
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Support lifelong learning and personal development opportunities for veterans and military families.
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Civic responsibilities: We recognise the value that veterans, serving personnel and military families bring to our communities.
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We pledge to: Encourage members of the Armed Forces community to participate in community activities, volunteering and local initiatives. - Create opportunities for veterans to use their skills, knowledge and experience in ways that benefit local communities.
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Support community cohesion by bringing together military and civilian communities through shared activities and events.
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Advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunity for members of the Armed Forces community.
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As a veteran-led Community Interest Company, Root Cause Project is committed to ensuring that no veteran, serving person or military family feels isolated or unsupported.
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We pledge to: Prioritise the inclusion of veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families within our programmes and activities.
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Employ and engage veterans wherever possible in the design and delivery of our services.
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Use outdoor learning, bushcraft, survival skills and community-based activities as tools to build confidence, resilience, purpose and connection.
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Continuously listen to the Armed Forces community and adapt our services to meet emerging needs.
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Uphold the principles Of the Armed Forces Covenant in all aspects of our work and decision-making.
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.