AF COVENANT (continued) Challenges
In CDPs 2016 letter to the newly nominated sS AFC Champions Network he reiterated the importance of tangible delivery of the Covenant at the tactical level and his own commitment towards its value and need. However, CDP also rightly acknowledged the scepticism that exists amongst many personnel, which in our experience to date unfortunately appears to include some key players within our own RAF Network. Having an RAF Champions Network is a valuable step forward but it should be noted that much more still needs to be done to rightly support and advise RAF Personnel and their families who are or feel disadvantaged due to the nature of their service and commitment. This will no doubt remain an issue for some personnel and families during 2017 and it is incumbent on all involved to ensure that the Covenant delivers a fair deal for all at every level.
Future Engagement
Our own objectives for 2017/18 will be to focus further on supporting, informing and advising the unit AF Covenant Champions as they develop in their roles. A new Communications Strategy for the team will ensure that the right information is shared with the right people at the right time to maximise effectiveness in raising awareness of the Covenant and improving implementation - both inward and outward facing. This will enable the team to build upon their existing network, to continue to influence policy and practice, to address the key issues for Service personnel and their families and, most importantly, to ensure the Covenant objective of a fair deal is met.
OTHER ENGAGEMENT MoD
We continue to engage with MoD on a range of Joint policy issues, including FAM and the Accommodation Policy Team, SP Support staff – notably on developing the new MoD Families Strategy & Action Plan - and the Covenant Team, with which we meet quarterly to discuss AF Covenant policy and initiatives. We meet with CDP and Min DVRP at least every 6 months – the next meeting is scheduled for Mar 17. The Federation also sits as an External Member of the Cabinet Office Covenant Reference Group, which sets out Covenant priorities, monitors progress with delivery and reports to government. In addition, Dir RAF FF is an employee representative member of the Armed Forces Pension Board.
Other Government Departments
Primarily as a result of ministerial direction on the Covenant, we have have noticed a marked willingness among Other Government Departments (OGD) to engage with us at ministerial level on supporting the AF Covenant in particular. This welcome development meant that we met with DWP, DfE, NHS England, DfH and others during 2016 to inform and advise ministers and staff on what they can do to help and to assist in policy development.
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