The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the District Council and its local Armed Forces Community. 

It is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligations between the nation, the government and the Armed Forces at local level.

The aim of the Community Covenant is to recognise and appreciate what the Armed Forces do for us and the sacrifices they make in order to do it. The Covenant will encourage support for the Armed Forces Community in the local area, and encourage the Armed Forces Community and the Local Community to support each other.

More information can be found on the Ministry of Defence's website.

How we intend to uphold the Covenant

  • We will give the opportunity to current or former armed forces employees to identify themselves when applying for roles with the Council and ask them to provide details of their service. If, based on the application, the minimum selection criteria is reached for the role, an interview will be guaranteed.
  • We will mark the annual Armed Forces Day with an appropriate public event to raise community awareness
  • We will continue to fulfil its housing function with due regard to the needs of Ex-Service personnel, through its Housing Allocation Scheme. (Please see paragraphs 11.2.1 and 42)
  • We will encourage local businesses to participate in the national "Heroes Welcome" scheme
  • We will promote grant applications to the Community Covenant Fund
  • Our Champion, as part of the West Sussex Community Civilian Partnership, will monitor progress within the District which will be reported annually to the Council, West Sussex County Council Cabinet and the Ministry of Defence
  • We will actively seek opportunities to support the Armed Forces Community within the District
  • Please see our Community Covenant agreement

Heroes Welcome

The aim of the Heroes Welcome scheme is to provide a warm welcome to men and women of the British Armed Forces (including reserved forces and veterans). This includes offering visiting service personnel special discounts.

Businesses in Haywards Heath included in the scheme

The following businesses in Haywards Heath are already displaying their Heroes Welcome sticker:

  • Go Gourmet
  • Locks and Cobblers
  • Harlequin Cleaners
  • Fun Bags Party Shop
  • Grape and Grain
  • Fludes Carpets
  • Mansell McTaggart
  • Zip Yard

Joining the scheme

We encourage local businesses and retailers to join the scheme. Businesses can choose to give a small discount or upgrade but it is entirely optional.

To get a sticker for your business please email communityservices@midsussex.gov.uk

For further information on the scheme please see the Heroes Welcome website

Employer Recognition Scheme

We have been given the bronze award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme in recognition for our commitment and support to those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families.

Contact us

Councillor Lorraine Carvalho
Armed Forces Member Champion
Email: lorraine.carvalho@midsussex.gov.uk

For further details (excluding Housing Information) contact:

Neal Barton
Policy and Performance Manager
Email: neal.barton@midsussex.gov.uk

For the Housing Allocation Scheme contact:

Margaret Gates
Head of Housing
Email: margaret.gates@midsussex.gov.uk

Last updated: 11 September 2023