Introduction The evidence indicates that there remains


a


degree of cynicism about the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant principles at grass roots level. There is a perception that the Covenant does not have the authority necessary to ensure it is enforced fairly across England. We received evidence of disparity of treatment within and between NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCT), education authorities and local councils. And many families claimed public sector employees at ‘the coal face’ are still either unaware of the Covenant or do not understand how it should be implemented. Whilst we welcome the many positive steps already made by various government departments to enhance the support they offer to RAF families and help remove disadvantage, it is clear that more work needs to be done on internal communications within central and local government departments to ensure those members of staff who have daily, face-to-face interaction with military families are aware of the commitments made by their senior executives.


Our evidence also reveals that concerns remain with issues such as Service children’s education, childcare and employment opportunities for non-serving family members. Perhaps not surprisingly, our questions on the specific


commitments made by the Ministry of Defence about the provision, condition and maintenance of Service accommodation, provoked a huge response. While some welcome the changes implemented by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) last year, many others feel that it is a step in the wrong direction. There are also genuine concerns about the long-term provision of Service Families Accommodation (SFA) and Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and the rumour mill is working overtime on the subject of the New Employment Model (NEM) and future accommodation policy. The forthcoming NEM consultation exercise (and the communication of it) will have to be handled with great care to minimise the uncertainty and worry we sensed in so many people we heard from.


The RAF Families Federation has now been tasked through the Cabinet Armed Forces Covenant Reference Group to assist in monitoring and reporting on implementation of the Covenant, liaising with units, families and local authorities to raise awareness, and to advise on issues to be resolved and examples of good practice. We will continue to gather evidence over the next twelve months and report on the further progress made in 2014.


4


The Armed Forces Covenant


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28