MSB Proudly Supports Those Who Serve

The Armed Forces Covenant represents the nation’s pledge to support those who have and are currently serving in the armed forces by committing to treating them fairly. The pledge aims to recognise the commitment veterans have made to proudly protect our nation.

At MSB, the team is made up of several veterans and we bear this covenant with pride, offering extra support to clients and staff who have served in the armed forces and ensuring they have access to equal opportunities.

In everything that we do, MSB works hard to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, making sure no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen. We also recognise that in some circumstances, special measures may be appropriate – such as when supporting the injured or bereaved.

As an employer, MSB recognises its duty not only to veterans but to spouses and family. We do this by seeking to offer a degree of flexibility in granting leave for Service spouses and partners before, during and after a partner’s deployment.

The New Armed Forces Covenant Duty & Housing Associations

On 22^nd November 2022, the new Armed Forces Covenant Duty came into force. Supported by Statutory Guidance, the Duty imposes a legal obligation on certain public bodies to ‘have due regard’ to the Armed Forces Covenant principles.

The new covenant requires decisions about the development and delivery of certain services to be made with conscious consideration of the needs of the Armed Forces community. Largely, this will impact organisations that deliver housing, healthcare and education.

For Registered Providers of Social Housing, the new covenant is relevant as it will require them to support local authorities to meet their statutory duty. Housing associations will now need to better consider housing allocation, appropriate locations for offering housing and accessibility issues which may often arise when housing veterans and their families.

It should be taken into consideration that there are many ways service life can affect veterans and their families, making it increasingly difficult for the individuals to perform basic tasks or access public services in the same way civilians would. The new Duty aims to raise awareness for the difficulties faced by veterans and their loved ones, while providing better support and consideration of their needs.

There is no expectation or pressure for members of the Armed Forces Community to receive a ‘fast pass’ into housing or in accessing any other services, however it will require individual cases to be considered in light of their circumstances and for a fairer assessment. This is to ensure that members of the veteran community are treated with respect and fairly in the future.

If you are a registered provider of social housing and need advice on the Covenant and the new Duty, then please contact a member of our team on 0151 281 9040.