By signing the covenant, we pledge to treat fairly and support those currently serving, or who have served in the UK armed forces, and their families.

We are also keen to encourage other businesses to look into signing the Armed Forces Covenant too, and it’s a timely moment to think about supporting armed forces personnel with Armed Forces Day just around the corner on June 24th.

Armed Forces Conference

Buckinghamshire Council held the Armed Forces Conference on June 12th to promote the benefits of businesses and organisations being ‘Forces Friendly’ employers and signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Representatives from local businesses, charities and military organisations attended the event held at The Gateway in Aylesbury.

The conference included presentations on the Armed Forces Covenant and its benefits, as well as first-hand experiences of being a reservist and running a ‘Forces Friendly’ business. Guests also had the opportunity to visit stalls run by military charities, cadet groups and local employers who have already signed the covenant.

Buckinghamshire Business First was one of several organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on the day, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

Becoming a 'Forces Friendly' employer

As an Armed Forces Covenant signatory, we feel it’s everyone’s duty to help those who serve our country to transition to civilian life and fully utilise their skills and experience.

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant and how to become a ‘Forces Friendly’ employer, visit Buckinghamshire Council’s Armed Forces webpage.

For further information and advice, see the below links:

• Career Transition Partnership
• Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Forces Families Jobs

Cllr Arif Hussain, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "This event is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the armed forces community. By encouraging more organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, we can continue to support our servicemen and women, both past and present, as well as their families. I would like to thank all of the attendees, speakers and partners for their support in making the Armed Forces Conference 2023 a resounding success.”

Cllr Mimi Harker OBE, Buckinghamshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “This conference was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the crucial role that businesses and organisations play in supporting our armed forces community in Buckinghamshire. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, they are making a tangible commitment to those who serve our nation, ensuring that they and their families receive the recognition and support they truly deserve.”

The event ties in with the council’s ambition to achieve Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – which recognises employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community.

Armed Forces Day

To commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 24th, Buckinghamshire Council will be raising ceremonial flags on Monday June 19th in Aylesbury at 11:30am with Chairman Patricia Birchley, and then in High Wycombe at 2pm with Vice Chairman Mimi Harker OBE. The flags will stay raised throughout the week, including for Reserves Day on Wednesday June 21st.