UDevelop Ltd
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 UDevelop Ltd 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 UDevelop Ltd 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
- UK Reservists
We also pledge the following:
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Communications, Engagement and Outreach: UDevelop CIC has strong grassroots engagement networks across Chorley and South Ribble. We will ensure the Armed Forces Community is aware of the support available through our community hubs, mentoring programmes and wellbeing services. Through local partnerships, outreach activities, community events and digital communication platforms, we will ensure veterans and their families feel able to access support in safe, non-judgemental environments.
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Commercial: Where possible, UDevelop CIC will seek to engage and collaborate with organisations that support the Armed Forces Community. We will consider the Armed Forces Covenant within our operational practices and encourage inclusive recruitment and volunteering opportunities for veterans and their families. UDevelop will also highlight the strengths and experiences of Armed Forces personnel within our community networks.
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Health: UDevelop CIC recognises that members of the Armed Forces Community may experience unique health and wellbeing challenges during or after service. Through our wellbeing programmes, community drop-ins and mentoring services, we will provide supportive environments where individuals can access early intervention support, reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing. Our services also provide signposting to specialist health services where required.
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Housing: While UDevelop CIC is not a housing provider, we work closely with local authorities, housing associations and support organisations. We will assist members of the Armed Forces Community by signposting them to appropriate housing support services where needed and helping individuals access local support networks that can provide stability and guidance.
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Education: Education and lifelong learning are central to UDevelop’s work. We will support members of the Armed Forces Community to access learning opportunities, skills development and accredited training. This may include digital skills, personal development courses, health and wellbeing education and employability-focused learning designed to support career transition and personal growth.
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Civic Responsibilities: UDevelop CIC promotes active citizenship and community participation. We will encourage members of the Armed Forces Community to engage in volunteering, community leadership opportunities and local initiatives that strengthen community resilience. Veterans and service families bring valuable life experience that can positively influence local communities.
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UDevelop CIC is committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces Community feel valued, respected and supported within our services. We will remain open to learning from partners and adapting our services to ensure they remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of veterans, reservists and their families. Our community hubs and programmes will always be accessible spaces where individuals can seek guidance, develop skills and reconnect with community life.
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.