National Army Museum signs Armed Forces Covenant and celebrates the service of General Sir Patrick Sanders

Thursday, 13 June 2024

Today, Brigadier (Ret’d) Justin Maciejewski MBE, Director of the National Army Museum, and General Sir Patrick Sanders CB CBE DSO ADC, Chief of the General Staff, signed the Armed Forces Covenant, furthering the Museum’s commitment to the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The National Army Museum has a longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community, from employing service leavers, veterans and reservists to sharing soldiers' stories through its galleries and digital channels. By signing the Covenant, the National Army Museum has furthered its commitment to provide support to the Armed Forces community.

This is a voluntary promise and helps build a two-way relationship between organisations and defence, helping to raise awareness of the immense contribution that those who serve or who have served, and their families, make to everything we do.

General Sir Patrick Sanders CB CBE DSO ADC, Chief of the General Staff, said:

'As a custodian of the history and proud traditions of the British Army, I am delighted that the National Army Museum has signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This commitment underlines the Museum’s dedication to supporting service members, veterans and their families. By signing the pledge, the Museum strengthens our community and ensures that the invaluable contributions of our Armed Forces are recognised.'

Colonel (Ret’d) Peter Germain, Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London, said: 

'It is wonderful that the National Army Museum has signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) today. The AFC is a promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness. The National Army Museum, being the British Army’s central museum, is confirming its commitment to defence people, demonstrating leadership for other organisations to follow.'

The National Army Museum’s core values are Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, Empathy and Inclusivity. Committing to the Armed Forces Covenant means that these values can be reflected in the Museum’s policies and treatment of those in the Armed Forces community, and ensures that involvement in the Museum and Armed Forces can exist side by side.

Justin Maciejewski MBE, Director of the National Army Museum, said:

'I am thrilled that the National Army Museum has signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This feels like a culmination and celebration of the work we have done as a museum to support our staff who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces. I would also like to thank General Sir Patrick Sanders for attending the signing ceremony and for all his support during the last three years as Chief of the General Staff.'

The National Army Museum shares the history and heritage of our soldiers and their service in the Army, across the globe and down the centuries. Through our collections we explore the history of the Army from its origins to the present day.

Working at the Museum provides an opportunity to continue engaging with the Armed Forces while away from active service. To enable this, staff may require extra support and recognition in the form of extra leave allowance to complete reservist training, or additional pastoral care provision. The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment and framework to provide that.

Private Emily Skipp, Social Media and Email Officer and Armed Forces Champion at the National Army Museum, and a reservist with the Royal Wessex Yeomanry (C Sqn), stated:

'I am very proud to have been one of the driving forces behind the Museum’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. Today’s ceremony cements the National Army Museum's continual support for those who have served, or like me are currently serving, and those connected with the military.'