Havant Borough Council, the Army, Navy and RAF have pledged to work and act together to support serving and former members of the Armed Forces Community including their families who reside and work within the Havant Borough area.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and will work in partnership to deliver the key strategic themes of the supporting action plan.

Havant Borough Council's Armed Forces Champion is Councillor Liz Fairhurst.

Armed forces covenant

The principle behind the covenant is that the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage because of its military experience.

• Armed forces covenant (word 180 kb)

In some cases, such as the sick, injured or bereaved, this means giving special consideration to enable access to public or commercial services that civilians wouldn’t receive.

The covenant covers issues from housing and education to support after Service. It is crucial to the Government that it, and the nation, recognises the unique and immense sacrifices the Armed Forces Community makes.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Havant Borough Council received the Gold Award for this scheme in July 2023.

Guaranteed interview scheme

The guaranteed interview scheme for Veterans is a commitment that Havant Borough Council has made to support the Armed Forces Community, as set out in the Community Covenant.

This commitment guarantees an interview for any veterans who meet the essential criteria set out in the role profile and identify themselves as a veteran.

However, the scheme does not guarantee a job for applicants as selection procedures will ensure the best candidate for the job is appointed, based on meeting the objective criteria of the role profile.

Reserves Forces Training and Mobilisation policy 

Havant Borough Council recognises the valuable contribution that members of the Reserve Forces make to the UK Armed Forces, our local communities and the workplace.

In August 2022, we adopted a new HR policy that will offer additional support to Reservists during their training and mobilisation commitments. The policy covers training, time off, mobilisation, pay, annual leave, pension, keeping in touch and retuning to work. 

Havant remembers leaflet 

Havant Borough Council has produced a booklet recognising the outstanding contribution made by local war heroes. The booklet also includes a borough-wide remembrance silhouette trail. Copies are available from community centres across the borough.

Support for members of the Armed Forces Community 

For immediate support in an emergency please call 999 or contact:

• The Samaritans - Freephone 116 123  
• Shout - a crisis text support service for the military community for those who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis - Text CONTACT to 85258
• Help for Heroes has a free Suicide Awareness training package

Havant Borough Armed Forces Stakeholder group

This partnership group is made up of local groups, organisations, services and businesses that work with, or provide support for members of the Armed Forces, their families and/or veterans.   

If you would like to be involved or receive updates, please contact the Community Team via email - partnersupport@havant.gov.uk