Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant was adopted by the Council in 2012 and is a “promise by the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.”

In 2019 Cllr. Barry Panter was appointed to the role of Armed Forces Community Champion, and is the point of contact within the Council for all issues relating to the Armed Forces Covenant.

On appointment Cllr. Panter said:

I am really pleased and proud to have been chosen for this hugely important role and fully understand the responsibility that goes with it. I feel that I am absolutely the right person for the job because of my background and experience.

 

I served my country in the armed forces, having spent many years in the RAF, and once I left the air force I served in the police force for more than 20 years.  I understand personally how difficult it can be to ultimately find yourself on ‘Civvy Street’, the massive adjustments that are required to make the transition - and how important the support the Covenant provides can be.

Cllr. Panter served in the RAF and started his career in Norfolk. As a technician, he was posted to Germany where he worked with Harrier vertical take-off jets, also known as Jump Jets. On his return to the UK he was posted to training command in Anglesey.

A guide to the Local Authority Armed Forces Covenant and a Local Government Association Briefing Note is available to download.

If you need further information please contact Cllr Panter by emailing Barry.Panter@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.