Covenant signed on Armed Forces Day

Dundee City Council has signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant as a pledge to support the country’s servicemen and women wherever and however it can.

The Covenant commits organisations that sign it to ensure no member of the Armed Forces community should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service.

Dundee’s Lord Provost, Councillor Bob Duncan, made the pledge in the council’s City Chambers on 25 June as the city’s Armed Forces Day celebrations got under way outside in City Square.

Lieutenant Colonel Helen Smyth, the commanding officer of Dundee-based 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment, witnessed the signing on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Also present was Major General Mike Riddell-Webster CBE DSO, Governor of Edinburgh Castle and the highest-ranking Army Reservist.

The event was organised by Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and attended by Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Rawlings and Director Engagement Dai John.

Mr John said: “It’s fantastic that Dundee City Council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support our Armed Forces. The event was made even more special as it took place on Armed Forces Day – the day the public get the chance to come out and show their appreciation to our servicemen and women.

“We are delighted to be working with Dundee City Council – a forward-leaning champion of the Armed Forces community – and look forward to continuing our ever-closer relationship.”

Signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant is straightforward and offers companies opportunities for further recognition for their pledge in the form of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme contact HRFCA’S Regional Employer Engagement Director Ron Macgregor on 01382 631026 or email [email protected].