Marking 10 years since the Armed Forces Covenant was signed in Hertfordshire, organisations have come together to reaffirm their commitment to work to uphold it.

At an event during Armed Forces Week in 2022, Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Chairman Councillor Terry Douris invited twenty-six organisations representing local authorities, NHS, Police, military charities, charity sector, business and the Armed Forces to sign a renewed pledge to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.

Northwood HQ’s Commanding Officer Colonel Clinton Read spoke to attendees and signatories about what the Covenant means to the Armed Forces community from those currently serving to those who have left and their families.

Speaking at the event, Helen Helliwell, Director of Armed Forces People Policy, MOD said, “

“Hertfordshire was one of the first local authorities to sign the Covenant way back in 2011, and you have been with us, leading from the front, on our journey ever since… Hertfordshire has modelled successfully how this should be done, as demonstrated by the success of your Covenant Board and by your Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.”

Cllr Terry Douris, Chairman of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board said,

“Over the last decade the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant has brought together key organisations in the county to support and improve the lives of our local Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. I am proud of the achievements we have made and we will continue to make strides to ensure that Hertfordshire remains a welcoming place for our Armed Forces community.”

View some of the highlights of the work of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board since 2011.

The renewed Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant was signed by:

The signed Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant document is on display in front reception of County Hall in Hertford.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who are serving or have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces are treated fairly. 

The Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board works to uphold this promise in Hertfordshire.  The Board brings together business, military organisations, charities, NHS and local authorities who work in partnership to ensure that:

• no veteran faces a disadvantage when accessing public services,
• the Armed Forces community is honoured and celebrated for the sacrifices they have made,
• and the military and civilian communities are well integrated. 

Commanding Officers of military units in Hertfordshire gather with members of the Armed Forces, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, County Council Chairman Councillor Annie Brewster, Chief Constable Charlie Hall and County Councillor Terry Douris, after signing the renewed Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant

Colonel Clint Read, Commanding Officer Northwood HQ (centre) signs the renewed Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant alongside Hertfordshire County Council Leader Richard Roberts (left) and Councillor Terry Douris, Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Chairman (right).