Loughborough College made a pledge today (26 January) to support their current and future employees who are members of the Armed Forces Community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The signing, which was held at Loughborough College, was completed by the College’s Chief Executive John Doherty and Major Robin Dutt from the Army’s 7th Infantry Brigade who represented the Ministry of Defence at the event.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in their communities, the economy and society.
Currently employing one reservist and a number of military Service leavers, John Doherty explained why formally recognising their employees who are a part of the military community was so important: “Loughborough College has long been, and continues to be, supportive of members of the Armed Forces including all reservists, Service leavers and Cadet Force volunteers. The opportunity to further demonstrate this support by signing the Covenant is a milestone for the College.”
205 public and private sector organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant across the East Midlands with 17 being from the education sector.
Catherine Suckling, the Ministry of Defence’s Assistant Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, said: “We are delighted that Loughborough College have publicly shown their support to current and future members of staff by signing the Covenant.
“Reservists and veterans bring a variety of transferable skills and qualities to the civilian workplace, developed throughout their military careers. Loughborough College recognises that being a Forces friendly employer allows them to benefit from these unique skills, and that a practical knowledge of problem-solving, team-work and management enhances their workforce.”
Representatives from the Army Reserve’s 203 (Loughborough) Transport Squadron also attended the event to answer any questions attendees had about volunteering as a reservist in the surrounding area.
Pictured: (from left) Richard Bowles, Fi Hollas, Chris Manton, Dan Bellion, Jonny Verhey, Anthony Louch, Tim Turner, Ben Wing (seated, from left) John Doherty and Robin Dutt
To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk