Honouring Our Heroes: Keys Group’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant

As we approach Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, we at Keys Group are proud to announce our commitment to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant. Armistice Day, marked on 11th November, commemorates the end of World War I and honours all military personnel who have died in service. Similarly, Remembrance Sunday, observed on the second Sunday in November, is dedicated to honouring the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel and their families across various conflicts. These days of remembrance are a time to reflect on the bravery and commitment of those who served and to show gratitude for the freedoms their sacrifices have secured.

We also had the privilege of interviewing a Service Manager from one of our Children’s Residential Services, an Ex-Armed Forces Officer, about his experience and thoughts on the Covenant. You can read that interview here >.

About Diane Palmer

We are privileged to have as our Clinical Director for Adults, Diane Palmer, a widely respected leader with over 30 years of experience in Health and Social Care. Diane, a Qualified Nurse, Social Worker, and Advanced Psychotherapist, has received multiple national awards, including the prestigious British Journal of Nursing ‘National Nurse of the Year 2022’ award. Her vast expertise includes founding military mental health networks and veterans’ mental health services within the NHS and MOD, briefing government leaders, and advocating for Veterans’ mental health. Diane’s impressive career reflects her dedication to providing innovative and compassionate care, especially for veterans and military families.

Diane shared her thoughts on the importance of the Covenant:

“Freedom is never free. At this time of year, we remember all those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Their sacrifice, and that of their loved ones, is often greater than we can imagine. As individuals and as a nation, we go about our daily lives enjoying the freedoms we have because of the courage and selfless commitment of those who have served or continue to serve in HM Armed Forces.

“As a passionate supporter and advocate for our Armed Forces community, and coming from a family of veterans, I am delighted that in my new role at Keys Group, I have secured the support of our CEO to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. As the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion for Keys Group, I am already engaging with the Ministry of Defence and leading military charities, including Walking With The Wounded and The Poppy Factory, to develop employment pathways for military spouses, those in transition, and veterans.”

What the Covenant Means

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by these individuals and establishes a moral obligation to ensure they face no disadvantage in accessing public and commercial services. It also emphasises the need for special consideration for those who have been injured or bereaved.

Our Commitment

As part of our dedication to the Covenant, we at Keys Group will:

Proactively recruit members of the Armed Forces and Veterans Community into our workforce.
Identify and support current staff who are veterans, reservists, or spouses of serving personnel.
Update our HR policies to be ‘Armed Forces and Veteran Friendly.’
Appoint an Armed Forces Champion to lead our initiatives and a steering group.
Create a Veterans peer support network to foster community and shared experiences.
Actively mark significant dates such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Engage with military charities, the NHS, and commissioners to address the needs of veterans.

What We Aim to Achieve

Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where veterans and service members feel respected and supported. By implementing these initiatives, we hope to enhance the lives of those who have served our nation and to celebrate their contributions within our organisation.

We invite everyone to support us in this important commitment, as we work to create a community that truly values and honours those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families.

Keys Group