Members of Durham Business Group's "Executive Group" joined the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence's North of England Employer Engagement Team recently at HMS Calliope for an official signing ceremony and celebration of their commitment to The Armed Forces Covenant.
As champions of North East businesses, Durham Business Group, a not-for-profit membership and office services business, brought together 16 of its member organisations, all of whom have made a commitment to proudly support the Armed Forces community.
The group were joined by Commander Kev Stockton RN and Commander David King RN for co-signing and presenting the certificates.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The UK Government is committed to supporting the armed forces community by working with a range of partners, including businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public.
Alison Gittins, Chief Executive of Durham Business Group said “Eight years on, The Executive Group returned to HMS Calliope on the Tyne, home to over 100 Royal Naval Reserves and Royal Marine Reserves. It was such a proud day to invite sixteen member businesses to HMS Calliope to sign the Armed Forces Covenant during our Executive Group lunch. The occasion was up there with when I signed on behalf of Durham Business Group at Catterick Garrison in 2019, and for us to go on to achieve the prestigious Gold Award in 2022 was a huge honour for us as a small not for profit business.
The tour of Royal Navy’s HMS Trumpeter and to find about life onboard from her Captain and crew was the icing on the cake of a very special day.
We continue to encourage all members of The Executive Group and our wider Durham Business Club to work with The North of England Employer Engagement team. There is no better time to bring communities together, pledge your support, and join over 800 businesses in the North East who have made a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, along with their families, are treated with fairness and respect”.
Gary McLafferty, Director of Engagement for the North of England Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association said “Defence is extremely proud that the sixteen organisations, all associated with Durham Business Group’s Executive Group, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, on what was a wonderful day with our colleagues from the Royal Navy. The Armed Forces Covenant is simply a voluntary pledge of support focusing on helping members of the Armed Forces community having the same access to public and commercial services and products as any other citizen. By signing their own company Covenant these organisations are promoting the fact that they are proud to be Armed Forces friendly and signifies a significant step in demonstrating their commitment to the men and women who have served our country and their families. I, and Defence are tremendously grateful and thank them for their support.”
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant visit armedforcescovenant.gov.uk or contact NE – Defence Engagement team at ne-engagement@rfca.mod.uk