Devon County Council (DCC) and Torbay Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in March 2023, thereby reaffirming their unwavering commitment to do all that they can to support the armed forces community and their families.
There are more than 100,000 members of the Armed Forces in Devon and Torbay, and some veterans in particular need extra support once they leave service.
At a special event at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in East Devon yesterday (March 22), Councillor John Hart, leader of DCC, re-signed the Covenant on behalf of the authority, while Councillor Nicole Amil signed on behalf of Torbay Council.
CTCRM Commandant Colonel Christopher E Haw MC signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Both councils are part of the Devon and Torbay Armed Forces Covenant Partnership. Devon has also been awarded Employer’s Recognition Silver Award and Torbay has been awarded the Employer’s Recognition Bronze Award and is working to achieve the Silver Award in 2023.
By signing the Covenant this week each signatory, and the organisation that they represent, is recognising the significant contribution members of the Armed Forces make to our country, and understand the issues that veterans, reservists, and their family members face.
Additionally, they are pledging that they will do everything they can to ‘support the Armed Forces Community’.
Also invited to the event were special guests including former serviceman and Devon County Councillor, Roger Croad, the Lead Member for the Armed Forces Covenant, the Vice Lord Lieutenant The Rt Hon. Lady Arran CVO MBE VLL, the Chief Executive of DCC Donna Manson, and local county councillors for Exmouth Richard Scott and Jeff Trail, BEM, who is a retired Royal Marine.
The Partnership was created to support service members – a lack of familiarity about civilian services can make it difficult for many veterans and their families to access health care, to find suitable housing, employment or join social groups.
The Partnership has also helped launch the Devon Forces Family website so veterans can access information and know where to get help.
Former serviceman and Devon County Councillor, Roger Croad is Lead Member for the Armed Forces Covenant, and Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality.
He said: “As a nation we have a duty to ensure that that those who have helped to keep us safe and their families, are treated fairly.
“I’m pleased to be able to reaffirm our pledge. Many veterans, reservists and family members of veterans work for the Council. I want them to know that we not only recognise and thank them for their contribution, but that we understand the issues they face.”
“I pledge that we will continue to support each veteran and the wider Armed Forces community in any way we can.”
CTCRM Commandant Colonel Christopher E Haw MC said: ““It is an absolute privilege to host the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant here at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone today. I am honoured to represent the Armed Forces Community in formally signing the covenant alongside Devon County Council and Torbay Council. This has reaffirmed their pledge to the Armed Forces, and we are immensely grateful for their continuous support.”
The Vice Lord Lieutenant Lady Arran said: “I am pleased on the Lord-Lieutenant’s behalf to be witnessing the signing of this important long-standing arrangement which is so vital in helping our Armed Forces and their families serving here in Devon and for those veterans who have completed their service for our Country.”
