East Midlands Mayor signs agreement to support Armed Forces

(Pictured: Mayor Claire Ward and Major Steve Goodwin, of the British Army)

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has today put pen to paper to show the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) supports the region’s Armed Forces.

Today, by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, EMCCA and the Mayor are showing their commitment to this community and pledging to ensure fair treatment for those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families.

The Covenant was signed by the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and Major Steve Goodwin, of the British Army. They were joined by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE DL and representatives of the Ministry of Defence and East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that organisations can make to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces community. By signing the Covenant, EMCCA has committed to:

• Promoting understanding and awareness of the Armed Forces community among the public.
• Encouraging activities which help to integrate people returning from the Armed Forces into local life.
• Providing support to Armed Forces personnel and their families in terms of employment, housing and health.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “I am incredibly proud we have signed the Covenant. Our Armed Forces personnel make a huge sacrifice for our country, and it is only right that we do everything we can to support them and their families.

“The Covenant ensures no member of the serving or veteran community suffers disadvantage in accessing the services they need. It’s important we ensure that those who have served their country receive the support and recognition they rightfully deserve.

“This is our public pledge to support this community, and I am committed to working with our partners to ensure that we deliver on our promises.”

Kirstie Parker, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Ministry of Defence, said: “The East Midlands Combined County Authority has big ambitions to transform our region. To see them place a high value on our Armed Forces personnel so early on by signing the Covenant is a very promising sign of what’s to come.”

Sam Lux, Armed Forces Champion at Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham recognises the paramount importance the Armed Forces Covenant, and is very much committed to the values it enshrines. We therefore wholeheartedly welcome the news that our Mayor has signed up to the Covenant and look forward to working with her to advance its two principles.”