YAA signs Armed Forces Covenant

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced its official signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families, are treated with the utmost respect and fairness. By signing this covenant, YAA aims to solidify its dedication to inclusivity, fostering a culture of gratitude and understanding.

The charity has many military veterans as part of its team, who bring experience, resilience, and dedication to YAA’s core mission to save lives.

“As a charity deeply rooted in serving our communities, we are incredibly proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant,” said Laura Wilson, YAA’s HR Manager. “This commitment reflects our unwavering support to the Armed Forces community and highlights our determination to provide equal opportunities and care to those who have dedicated their lives to protect our country. By promoting the Covenant’s principles and implementing our pledges, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for veterans, service spouses, reserves, and cadets.”

The charity will actively promote its Armed Forces-friendly status to stakeholders, raising awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant.

It will also be committed to supporting veterans, recognizing their valuable military skills.

YAA also acknowledges the sacrifices of service spouses and partners and offers employment support with flexible leave options.

It will continue to support its Reserve Forces employees, providing support during mobilizations and deployments.

In addition, YAA will proudly support its employees volunteering in military cadet organizations and extends its support to local cadet units. 

Owen McTeggart, an Armed Forces veteran and Chief HEMS Pilot for YAA, said: “As a former member of the Armed Forces and now a pilot at YAA, the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant holds profound personal significance.

“It’s inspiring to witness the charity’s commitment to support veterans and acknowledging their unique skill sets. My military background has provided me with invaluable life experiences and qualities that I regularly apply in my role as a HEMS pilot, and I am very proud to be a part of a charity that values and embraces these attributes.”