AFC0007

Written evidence submitted by Mr Adam Goldie.

I am a 39-year-old member of the RAF with approx. 18 years of service to date. I am writing this narrative in support of the AFC request for feedback, so that I can hopefully relay my experiences with it so far. I remain of the opinion that whilst the AFC intends to support military individuals and families, that it is of partial worth as it is not enshrined in law, and there is no obligation for companies or organisations to abide by its principles. It has been something that when I have quoted it, has been disregarded or questioned indicating a lack of knowledge of its principles. Companies with various bronze, silver and gold awards do not appear to always abide by its principles.

I believe that once enshrined in law, it will be of more value to military personnel as a means to avoid discrimination or being disadvantaged due to military service. The scope of the definition ‘disadvantaged due to military service’ needs to be established properly though in order for the covenant to truly be effective in supporting personnel.

Occasions whereby I have quoted the Armed Forces Covenant

• When attempting to cancel contracts with Sky and Three mobile due to deployment. This was successful.

• When applying for a secondary school place for my 12-year-old daughter pending a posting from Cyprus to the UK. I argued that my application was late owing to the fact my assignment order was late and therefore I did not know what part of the UK I would be posted to. Although the school claimed I was not disadvantaged in my application, they agreed that my daughter would likely have been offered a place at the school if I was a civilian and had applied within the application window. After appeals, she was granted a place at the school.

Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award company complaint.

Approx Oct 2021, I complained to the Armed Forces Covenant board that a company that had a Silver award, was not aligned itself to the core of the covenant. The company was a UK based watch manufacturer that was not allowing military personnel stationed on Sovereign land in Cyprus, the same purchasing options (finance and military discount) that they would off military personnel based within the UK mainland, therefore disadvantaging them based on their posting location (although still classified as UK owned territory). I quoted the core principles of the covenant to the board, and that I felt as though the company were not implementing the covenant’s principles.

The Armed Forces Covenant Board’s conclusion was that although they were a Silver award holder, that they were still acting in the spirit of supporting military personnel, which to this day I believe is an incorrect opinion.

9th January 2025