Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2020

Abstract: This is the ninth Armed Forces Covenant annual report since its introduction in the Armed Forces Act 2011. This report covers the period from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020. Where figures relate to a different time period, for example financial year, this is stated. Responding to feedback that previous reports were lengthy or unfocused, this year’s report captures new activity or specific progress made against existing initiatives within the reporting period. The report includes activity by the UK Government for reserved issues and activity within the devolved spaces of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Annex A provides an update against commitments made in previous reports that remain open, and those from previous reports that have been delivered are not included. Annex B contains data from the Armed Forces Covenant metrics. Since its inception, government at all levels has delivered many beneficial initiatives to embed the Armed Forces Covenant and to deliver tangible support to members of the Armed Forces community. To enable a more concise report, these ongoing activities are not reproduced here and can be found in previous annual reports. The background context to this reporting period is significantly different to the eight previous ones, with the COVID-19 pandemic emerging halfway through. Many organisations specifically supported the Armed Forces community and, where that activity is connected to delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant, it is included. The contribution that the Armed Forces community made to the government’s response to COVID-19 is only included where it is directly relevant.