{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&_metadata=all&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/748457", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/748457/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Policy on the right to buy socially-held accommodation is a matter for the relevant housing authorities and is not covered under the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant's primary role is to remove the disadvantages that our Serving personnel, veterans and families may face as a result of their Service and to offer them a fair deal in comparison with all other British citizens. The available evidence does not suggest that veterans have greater challenges in finding accommodation than any other citizen.<\/p>

We support our Armed Forces to get on the housing ladder and get a good job when they leave, through our resettlement programmes, Help to Buy Schemes and Career Transition Partnerships, and the vast majority transition well to civilian life.<\/p>

However a small number may struggle and we work very closely with local authorities and the Devolved Administrations to ensure that the help they need is available to them. Initiatives such as ensuring fair access to social housing, Help to Buy schemes, and support through organisations such as the Riverside English Churches Housing Group, and Veterans' Hubs exist to address the range of housing needs of veterans and their families.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bournemouth East"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Tobias Ellwood"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-07-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-07-10T15:38:37.913Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-07-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Government's policy is on those who have served in HM forces and wish to buy a council or housing association property under the terms of the Military Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/242", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Christopher Chope"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Christchurch"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Christopher Chope"} ], "uin" : "3272"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710260", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710260/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Rochdale (Simon Danczuk) and Halifax (Holly Lynch).<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-13T17:21:12.01Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the effective delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4127", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julie Elliott"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sunderland Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Julie Elliott"} ], "uin" : "909209"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/708469", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/708469/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

We have already done a huge amount to improve the lives of Service personnel, veterans and their families, as the 2016 Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report demonstrates. We continue to lead work across Government Departments, local authorities, businesses and the charitable sector to embed and sustain delivery of the Covenant, to address disadvantage wherever it arises, and ensure fairness. We have shown our long term commitment to delivering the Covenant by allocating £10 million a year to continue funding projects and initiatives that support our people.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-14T16:21:22.703Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government is taking to support and uphold the Military Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4359", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephen Kinnock"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Aberavon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen Kinnock"} ], "uin" : "66732"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/693191", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/693191/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Since 2 September 2016 a further 302 companies have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-02-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-02-27T16:37:02.157Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2016 to Question 44796, how many companies have signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant since 2 September 2016.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4105", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Justin Tomlinson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Swindon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Justin Tomlinson"} ], "uin" : "65117"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/690268", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/690268/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The new Local Authorities grant programme aims to distribute £4 million in Financial Years 2016-17 and 2017-18. The programme supports Local Authorities in their delivery of their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant. Local Authorities have been able to apply to the Covenant Fund since July 2016. Decisions will be made by the Covenant Fund National Panel on 23 March 2017 as to the first year's funding, and published on the Armed Forces Covenant website. Until the grant awards have been made it would be inappropriate to say which Local Authorities submitted applications. In addition, Local Authorities are also eligible to bid for smaller grants of up to £20,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Local Grants.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-02-22T16:40:25.123Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-02-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which local authorities applied for the (a) Covenant Fund Grant and (b) the Community Covenant Grant Scheme; how much each of those local authorities received from each of those schemes; which local authorities applied for the Covenant Fund in the 2015-16 round; and how much was awarded to each such applicant to that round.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4431", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for David Mackintosh"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Northampton South"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "David Mackintosh"} ], "uin" : "64316"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/657044", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/657044/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Ministry of Defence published the 2016 Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report today. This will help demonstrate that while more remains to be done this Nation is honouring its pledge to the Armed Forces Community past and present; this includes tangible progress made and support offered by Departments of State, Local Authorities, the Devolved Administrations, Businesses, Charities and society as a whole.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-12-15T16:14:14.753Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-12-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to publish its annual report on the Armed Forces Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4531", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Berwick-upon-Tweed"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mrs Anne-Marie Trevelyan"} ], "uin" : "57063"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/636165", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/636165/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

This information is not held in the format requested.<\/p>

However, over 1,200 commercial organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging specific support for the Armed Forces Community.<\/p>

Details of them can be viewed at:<\/p>

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-force-corporate-covenant-signed-pledges<\/p>

Some of our major contractors who have signed the Covenant are:<\/p>

Airbus<\/p>

Amey<\/p>

Atkins<\/p>

Atos<\/p>

Babcock<\/p>

BAE Systems<\/p>

Boeing<\/p>

Capita<\/p>

Carillion<\/p>

Compass Group<\/p>

Deloitte<\/p>

EY<\/p>

G4S<\/p>

General Dynamics<\/p>

Hewlett Packard<\/p>

Interserve<\/p>

KBR<\/p>

KPMG<\/p>

Leonardo<\/p>

PwC<\/p>

Rolls Royce<\/p>

Serco<\/p>

Sodexo<\/p>

Thales<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-11-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-11-17T16:22:18.713Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-11-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Ministry of Defence contractors have signed the community covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4022", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Oliver Colvile"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Oliver Colvile"} ], "uin" : "52865"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/574056", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/574056/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant was subsumed into the Armed Forces Covenant in January 2016. As at 2 September 2016 a total of 1,156 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This total includes those organisations who signed the previous Corporate Covenant. Details of all Armed Forces Covenant signatories and their pledges are available on-line at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/armed-forces-covenant.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-09-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-09-08T13:58:36.793Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-09-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many companies have signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4105", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Justin Tomlinson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Swindon"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Justin Tomlinson"} ], "uin" : "44796"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/523452", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/523452/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Covenant is a promise from the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Covenant is delivered by Government Departments, Local Government Authorities, the Charitable Sector and Companies.<\/p>

Recent steps taken by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) include setting up a network of Armed Forces Covenant champions across the services and the launch of a new Covenant website and branding in January this year. We have been running the application process for the annual £10 million Covenant fund and the £25 million Aged Veterans Fund as well as reviewing applications for LIBOR funding. Work is also being undertaken with financial services providers to tailor their products for the Armed Forces community including Banking, Insurance and Credit History. Our engagement with Local Government Authorities to ensure that the Armed Forces Community can access the same services as other local residents has continued.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-06-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-06-14T15:55:21.713Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-06-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps his Department has taken to adhere to the Armed Forces Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1604", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Virendra Sharma"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ealing, Southall"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Virendra Sharma"} ], "uin" : "39690"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/518188", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/518188/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Ministry of Defence recognises the value of open, mutually beneficial relationships with employers, which is why we have introduced professionalised employer engagement at the national and regional level.<\/p>

The relationships we are building show that supporting the Armed Forces community is not only the right thing for employers to do, but can also yield tangible business benefits. Showing support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant can enhance the reputation of a company and attract the interest of Reservists and Service leavers; highly skilled, well-trained professionals who can add real value to a business.<\/p>

Since 2014 the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) has provided visible recognition to those employers which support Defence and is inspiring others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community. Publicity around the ERS and the Armed Forces Covenant is valuable to both Defence and the employers involved. Ministers regularly attend Armed Forces Covenant signing events, most recently with ISS UK.<\/p>

Our approach is delivering benefit; almost 1,000 employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and research shows that overall awareness of the Covenant has increased significantly over the last year.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1542", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Philip Dunne"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ludlow"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Philip Dunne"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-05-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-05-12T08:36:12.71Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-05-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Armed Forces Covenant"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage more businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"} ], "uin" : "36922"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&legislature.prefLabel=House+of+Commons&AnsweringBody.=Ministry+of+Defence&hansardHeading=Armed+Forces+Covenant&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-10T15%3A38%3A37.913Z", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 35, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }