The Armed Forces Covenant

Support for Reserves

Reserve forces play a crucial role in supporting as part of the Armed Forces both at home and abroad. You can read more about information about the reserve forces.

Employing someone who's a member of the Reserve Forces brings benefits not only to the individual but also to you, the employer. As an employer of a reservist, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Advice and support is available from Defence Relationship Management or online through the Reservist employer toolkit.

Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association actively supports employers by raising awareness of the Reserve Forces within its region and provides opportunities for employers to engage them.

Families

The families of reservists are entitled to support through the Armed Forces Covenant in the same way as families of regular serving personnel.

This means you should have fair and equal access to government and commercial services and products as for other citizens and not be disadvantaged as a result of your spouse's service.

If you've any concerns whilst your spouse is away contact their reserve unit for advice.

Education

School registration forms have a section to indicate if your child has a parent who is serving, a reserve or veteran. Completing this section ensures the school can put support in place for your child if needed.

Children of parents in the Armed Forces are identified in Scotland's Additional Support for Learning Code of Practice as a group who may need additional support for a variety of reasons either on a short term or longer-term basis.

You're encouraged to let the school know when your spouse is away on training, deployment or is mobilised and to give as much notice as possible, this way the school can be watchful for any changes in behaviour in your child that may need intervention.

Health

Medical conditions that arise during training or deployment will be managed by Defence Medical Services.

Outside of this your healthcare needs will be met through the NHS. You should ask your GP to note your Armed Forces status on your medical records so that healthcare staff are aware that if you experience physical or mental health issues relating to your service you may be entitled to priority treatment.

Reserves who have been deployed overseas since 1 January 2003 and who feel their deployment may have affected their mental health can access the Veterans and Reserves Mental Health programme for assessment and treatment advice.

NHS Inform provides advice on Health rights for veterans which also applies to reserves.