Forth Valley College has become the latest educational facility to sign the UK Armed Forces Covenant – a commitment to support the Armed Forces community wherever and whenever it can.
Forth Valley College joins more than 3,000 UK organisations to have now signed the Covenant.
Deputy Principal Andrew Lawson, Head of HR Ralph Burns and Armed Forces Liaison Jackie Innis attended a special ceremony to sign the covenant at Stirling Castle on 14 November. The document was co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by Commander Gary Mills, Chief of Staff Naval Regional Commander Scotland & Northern Ireland (NRCSNI).
Staff from Forth Valley College with their copy of the AFC.
Andrew said: “Forth Valley College is proud of the opportunity to display our commitment to our armed forces, both within our role as a key employer in the Forth Valley area and as a champion of opportunity for all. The challenges faced by former members of the forces after service to their country, is one that must inspire us to contribute to the transition process through the pledge made within the covenant and the commitment we have undertaken. We hope that our relationship with the forces goes from strength to strength.”
Forth Valley College’s commitment to honouring the Covenant includes pledges to:
- Promote the fact it is an Armed forces-friendly organisation.
- Seek to support the employment of veterans young and old and working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), in order to establish a tailored employment pathway for Service Leavers.
- Have a nominated member of staff who is the Forth Valley College Veteran’s Champion.
- Offer support to local Cadet Units, either in the local community or local schools where possible.
- Strive to support the employment of Service spouses and partners.
- Support Veteran recruitment events.
The Covenant signings were organised by Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and attended – along with signatories – by the organisation’s Head of Engagement Dai John.
Commander Gary Mills co-signed on behalf of the MoD.
Dai said: “I am delighted Forth Valley College has formally pledged their commitment to the Armed Forces Community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. They are a leading provider of further and higher education and offer a range of opportunities for people of all ages and background – we greatly appreciate their support. We are very much looking forward to working with them via our Employer Recognition Scheme and thank them for their pledge.”
Forth Valley College was Scotland’s first regional college with state-of-the-art campuses across the central belt. Stretched across the three campuses, the college welcomes approximately 14,500 students per academic year with 96% of those going on to full-time employment.
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme contact HRFCA’s Regional Employer Engagement Director Michelle McKearnon on 01382 631026 or email [email protected].
