Armed forces covenant: Annual report 2022 to 2023 - what the Welsh Government has achieved from April 2022 to end of March 2023 to ensure fair treatment of serving Armed Forces people, Veterans and their families

Abstract: This report covers activity delivered by Welsh Government to support the Armed Forces Community in Wales from April 2022 to end of March 2023. In June 2022 we marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. We were able to remember those who served at a National Service of Commemoration at Llandaff Cathedral in June and again at the Festival of Remembrance at St Davids Hall, Cardiff, in November. This reporting period also saw the passing of Her Majesty The Queen in September 2022 and the accession of His Majesty King Charles, and with it an extended period of ceremonial activity for all three of our Armed Services in which they should take great pride. This is a year in which the results of the 2021 National Census provided us with confirmation of how the tradition of Service in Wales follows through to a Veteran population higher than the UK average. The results showed that in 2021 the percentage of the 115,000 Armed Forces veterans for Wales was 4.5% of population compared to a UK average of 3.8%. The results also showed that the percentage of households with one or more persons who had served in the UK Armed Forces was higher in Wales (8.1%) than in England (7.0%). These, and the other results that are being released, indicate the size and importance of this community in Wales and working with partners, we are using this evidence to inform our delivery. Identifying our Armed Forces Community and asking the question ‘Have you previously served in HM Forces?’ has become more important this year as the Due Regard Duty in the Armed Forces Act came into force in November 2022. I know that local authorities and Local Health Boards in Wales have been active in raising awareness of this new requirement and that the Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officers, whom we fund to assist delivery of the Covenant locally, have been working hard in this area. The appointment by the UK Government of a Veterans Commissioner for Wales in June 2022 brought an additional level of advocacy and scrutiny to delivery for Veterans in Wales. The Commissioner’s engagement and reports have provided a helpful focus on Veterans matters. Departments across the Welsh Government continue their support for the Armed Forces Community. Support continues for Service children so that they do not face educational disadvantage; Veterans NHS Wales continues to provide a service for the unique needs of Veterans’ mental health in Wales; in Housing, plans to consult on reform to homelessness legislation will include consideration of the Armed Forces Community. And finally, during this reporting period we have seen the important work commence on the ‘LGBT Veterans Independent Review’. Veterans impacted by the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces before the year 2000 bravely came forward and shared their experiences. Action to support the LGBTQ+ community in Wales is important across Welsh Government and we will work towards ensuring those affected find a supportive environment here.