Haydon Wick Parish Council has formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant as part of its journey towards Bronze recognition under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Covenant was officially signed by council chairman Cllr Vinay Manro alongside Cllr Leanne Stevenson, a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor who is also Swindon Borough Council's Armed Forces Champion.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the council is making a clear and public commitment to serving personnel, reservists, veterans and Armed Forces families.
The pledge reflects the Council's dedication to being a fair, inclusive and supportive employer, while ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community feel valued, recognised and supported within Haydon Wick.
Cllr Manro said: "Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a proud moment for Haydon Wick Parish Council.
"It demonstrates our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families, and ensuring they are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve. We recognise the valuable contribution the Armed Forces community makes to society and are proud to stand alongside them."
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, together with their families, should be treated fairly and not face disadvantage when accessing public or private services.
It also recognises that special consideration may be appropriate in some cases, particularly for those who have made the greatest sacrifices.
As a voluntary signatory, Haydon Wick Parish Council joins organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in demonstrating practical support for the Armed Forces community.
The Covenant allows organisations to tailor their commitments to local needs while upholding the shared principles of fairness, respect and recognition.
Cllr Stevenson said: "The Armed Forces Covenant is an important way of recognising the dedication and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces community.
"I am delighted to see Haydon Wick Parish Council taking this positive step and strengthening its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for those who serve and have served."
Achieving Bronze recognition will mark an important milestone, but the council says it recognises that this is only the beginning.
Haydon Wick Parish Council will continue to review its employment practices, explore opportunities to strengthen support locally, and work collaboratively with partners across Swindon to champion the needs of the Armed Forces community.
By signing the Covenant, the council is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that those who serve, those who have served, and their families are recognised, respected and supported within the community.
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