The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in Northamptonshire has celebrated Armed Forces week by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

An event took place yesterday (25 June) at the Office of the Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in which the PCC, Stephen Mold, signed the Covenant alongside Lieutenant Colonel Mary Read, Commanding Officer of 254 Medical Regiment, representing the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, will be treated fairly.

To mark their public declaration of support for Armed Forces personnel past and present, the OPCC chose to sign the Covenant as part of activities to celebrate both Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day.

The OPCC in Northamptonshire is committed to supporting Defence personnel and to advocating support for the employment of reservists and Service leavers, understanding the range of transferable skills these individuals can bring into the civilian workplace.

Stephen Mold, Northamptonshire PCC, said:

“Members of the Armed Forces community are well trained and have considerable skills to bring to the workplace when they make the move into civilian life. I understand the contribution that Service personnel are able to make to an organisation and I am proud to give a commitment to support them by signing the Covenant today.”

According to independent research, members of the Reserves Forces undertake personal development training worth around £8,000 per year. The OPCC recognises that employing reservists will acquire a portfolio of skills and behaviours that are beneficial to an efficient working environment. These skills include business and technical qualifications as well as ‘softer’ transferable skills such as leadership, team working, strategy and problem solving, proven in challenging environments.

The MOD’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, John Wilson, attended the signing. He said:

“I’m delighted the OPCC in Northamptonshire has signed the Covenant during Armed Forces week. Events will be taking place around the county over the next few days in which the public will be showing their support for the men and women who are part of our Armed Forces community so I think it is really fitting to start the week with this Covenant signing.

“The Covenant is a national responsibility involving government, businesses, local authorities, charities and the public; businesses can enhance their reputation and corporate social responsibility by supporting Defence. I look forward to developing our relationship with the OPCC.”

Over 2450 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant across the UK; 235 are in the East Midlands; 31 in Northamptonshire.

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk