BCOP signs the Armed Forces Covenant to support veterans, military families and the wider Armed Forces community

Broadening Choices for Older People (BCOP) has proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community across its nursing homes, social housing services and workforce.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, together with their families, should be treated fairly and with respect. By signing the Covenant, BCOP has committed to ensuring that veterans, reservists, serving personnel, military families and the bereaved are not disadvantaged because of their service, while recognising the valuable contribution they make to society.

The charity is now working towards achieving Bronze status through the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises organisations that demonstrate their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

For BCOP, the Covenant reflects values that have been at the heart of the charity for 80 years – putting people first, valuing every individual’s life experiences and helping older people live the best version of later life.

Many residents living in BCOP’s nursing homes, together with tenants in its sheltered and independent living housing schemes, have served in the Armed Forces, completed National Service or supported a spouse or partner throughout a military career. These experiences often form an important part of a person’s life story and identity.

As part of its commitment, BCOP has introduced new questions on its nursing home and housing application forms, giving residents and tenants the opportunity to tell the charity if they are a veteran or part of the wider Armed Forces community. This information will help colleagues better understand each person’s background and, where appropriate, provide more personalised support and signpost individuals and families to specialist organisations and services available to the Armed Forces community.

The Covenant also reflects BCOP’s commitment as an employer. The charity is proud to employ colleagues who have previously served in the Armed Forces and recognises the valuable skills, experience and dedication they bring to caring for older people and supporting residents and tenants.

"Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is an important milestone for BCOP and reflects our commitment to recognising and supporting those who have served their country, as well as their families. Many of the people who live in our nursing homes and housing schemes have fascinating stories of military service or National Service that deserve to be recognised as part of their life journey."

Helen Gore, Chief Executive of BCOP

“We are equally proud to employ veterans within our workforce, whose experience, professionalism and commitment enrich our organisation every day. By signing the Covenant and working towards Bronze Employer Recognition, we are strengthening our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community across every part of BCOP.”

Alongside the Armed Forces Covenant, BCOP is continuing to develop its Veteran Friendly Framework within its nursing homes. Together, these initiatives will help ensure that veterans and members of the wider Armed Forces community receive personalised, compassionate support, while enabling staff to build stronger connections with specialist military charities and local veterans’ organisations.

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant marks the beginning of BCOP’s journey. As the charity progresses towards Bronze Employer Recognition, it looks forward to building on this commitment and ensuring that residents, tenants, employees and their families who have served or supported the Armed Forces feel recognised, valued and respected throughout every stage of later life.