Fixing the Armed Forces Covenant: Addressing Gaps in Support for Our Military Community

On 8 April 2025, the Defence Committee published a critical report examining the shortcomings of the Armed Forces Covenant. Despite being enshrined in law, the Covenant is failing to consistently deliver on its promise to ensure that serving personnel, veterans, and their families are not disadvantaged due to military service. While some positive changes have been achieved, the report highlights significant inconsistencies in its application across the UK. These disparities have left many members of the Armed Forces community struggling to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and welfare.

One of the key findings of the report is the inconsistent implementation of the Covenant. Many Service personnel and their families have reported falling to the bottom of NHS waiting lists after relocating for duty. Others have struggled to secure school places for their children, despite provisions meant to prevent such disadvantages. While some individuals have successfully accessed services through the Covenant’s Legal Duty, others have found it ineffective or ignored entirely. This variability has created what the report describes as a “lottery” of support.

The Covenant’s Legal Duty, introduced in 2021, requires public bodies to give “due regard” to military service when delivering housing, healthcare, and education services. However, its scope is limited and poorly enforced. The Defence Committee has called for this duty to be expanded to include central government departments and devolved administrations. By doing so, policy development would better reflect the unique challenges faced by military personnel and their families.

Another pressing issue highlighted by the report is resource constraints. Local authorities and organisations tasked with delivering the Covenant often lack adequate resources and guidance. This has hindered consistent implementation and accountability across different regions. Without sufficient funding or clear standards, many organisations struggle to fulfil their obligations under the Covenant.

To address these challenges, the Defence Committee has proposed several recommendations. These include expanding the Legal Duty beyond housing, healthcare, and education to cover all areas where military personnel experience disadvantage. The report also calls for improved guidance and accountability mechanisms to ensure organisations adhere to the Covenant’s principles. Additionally, fostering greater awareness across society is essential to embed understanding of military life within institutions and communities. Crucially, public bodies and private organisations must be adequately resourced to deliver their commitments effectively.

Tan Dhesi MP, Chair of the Defence Committee, emphasised that society must do more to support those who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation. He stated: “Our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, yet society often falls short in supporting them. The Armed Forces Covenant must be strengthened in law and consistently implemented across all sectors. It is our collective duty to ensure that no one suffers disadvantage because of their service.”

The Armed Forces Covenant represents a solemn promise from society to those who serve in uniform. However, as this report reveals, legislative measures alone are insufficient without proper enforcement, resourcing, and understanding. Strengthening this commitment is essential not only to honour our Armed Forces but also to uphold fairness and equity for their families.

At VETERANS WITH DOGS, we understand how inconsistent support can exacerbate challenges faced by veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Through our work with assistance dogs, we aim to bridge gaps in mental health support while advocating for systemic improvements like those outlined in this report. Together, we can ensure that every member of the Armed Forces community receives the respect and support they deserve—without exception.