Reading renews Armed Forces Covenant with 7 Rifles

Reading Borough Council and Headquarters Company 7th Battalion The Rifles have renewed Reading’s Armed Forces Covenant.

The Covenant is a promise of fair treatment and access to essential public services, including housing, education and healthcare, for past and present members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Covenant signed at Brock Barracks

The Covenant was signed by Reading Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Graeme Hoskin, and Major Ian Page, Officer Commanding of HQ Company 7 Rifles.

The ceremony took place at Brock Barracks on Monday 28 September 2026. The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Paul Gittings, and one of the council’s current Cadet Force Adult Volunteers also attended.

The signing renews Reading’s previous Armed Forces Community Covenant, which was first signed in 2012. It follows the Ministry of Defence encouraging councils to sign the new Covenant after the Community and Corporate Covenants were merged.

Support for the Armed Forces community

According to the 2021 Census, more than 3,500 Reading residents have previously served in the Armed Forces, including a large local ex-Gurkha population.

At the 2025/26 autumn school census, there were 63 children from Service families in Reading schools.

The council has helped 25 veterans into housing through its Housing Register since 2011.

The Covenant also includes local pledges from the council, including:

• offering additional leave to Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to help them complete their training
• offering veterans seeking employment a guaranteed interview
• continuing to support 7 Rifles and local Armed Forces charities through the Reading Armed Forces Partnership
• supporting events including Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day and Remembrance activities.

Working towards a silver award

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises organisations that support their local Armed Forces community through bronze, silver and gold awards.

The council currently holds the bronze award and aims to achieve the silver award in 2027.

Councillor comment

Reading Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Hoskin, said:

“The signing of the Covenant marks the Council’s on-going commitment to supporting our local Armed Forces community here in Reading. The sacrifices made by residents who played their part in defending our country, as well as their families, is always at the forefront of our minds. It is fitting that we do everything in our power to ensure that is recognised by the council, whether in making local policy decisions, through offering Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers time off to carry out their duties, or offering Veterans a guaranteed interview if they apply for work.”