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Principles met

  • Co-production

    We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

  • Walking the talk

    As a membership organisation, we will make this statement of our principles operational by: • Co-operation among members: Our members work together to help each other implement our values, sharing experiences and learning. • Openness of membership: Full, Associate and Affiliate Membership is open to any qualifying Council, organisation or individual who shares our values and is committed to putting them into action. • Co-production of the Network’s work: Members help shape the Network’s work programme and the content of events and written products. • Action-focused: The network is a vehicle for helping councils translate co-operative values and principles into policy and practice. •Membership-based: The network is majority funded by modest membership subscriptions from its member Councils, Associates and Affiliates. •Non-party-political: Members share the belief that working co-operatively within and across communities holds the key to tackling today’s challenges.

In 2025, Oldham Council shared its journey towards achieving the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, demonstrating a strong and growing commitment to supporting those who serve or have served. One year on, that ambition has been realised. In 2026, Oldham Council proudly holds the ERS Gold Award, an achievement that reflects not only the dedication of the organisation but also the strength of the cooperative partnerships that define Oldham’s approach to public service.

The Council’s success is rooted in the principles of the Co‑operative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN): working collaboratively, empowering communities, and building long-term, mutually supportive relationships. Over the past year, Oldham has intensified its cooperative efforts across public, private, and voluntary sectors to create a more inclusive and responsive offer for veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and their families.

A major milestone in 2025 was the Veterans Wellbeing and Employment Event, delivered as part of a series of Armed Forces Week activities. Co-designed with local partners and hosted in Oldham, the event brought together employers, training providers, health services, housing teams, and community organisations. Its purpose was simple: a one-stop shop for veterans to find support and opportunities that matched their current needs, skills, ambitions, and lived experience. The event highlighted the often-untapped potential of the borough’s veteran community and demonstrated how coordinated action can remove barriers and unlock pathways into meaningful work. Several attendees secured direct referrals into employment support and health and well-being programmes, illustrating the tangible impact of cooperative delivery.

Central to sustaining this momentum has been the continued development of the Oldham Armed Forces Network. Meeting regularly throughout the year, the Network has become a trusted and proactive forum bringing together statutory services, charities, uniformed organisations, local businesses, and community groups. It provides a space for partners to share resources, raise important issues, identify gaps, and act quickly to coordinate support. Topics have ranged from mental health provision and housing pathways to employment initiatives, Armed Forces Week planning, and relationship‑building with local employers committed to becoming Veteran Friendly organisations. This approach ensures that Oldham’s support offer is informed by a wide and diverse set of voices, including those with lived experience of service life.

Armed Forces Covenant Mayoral Business Reception on Armed Forces Week 2025

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