London South Bank University (LSBU) has signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) to commit to supporting the armed forces community, in a private ceremony at Horse Guards Barracks, Whitehall, attended by students, alumni and staff from the University…
Signing the AFC represents a firm commitment by LSBU to supporting the armed forces community, by recognising the value of staff and students who are serving personnel- both regular members and reservists, veterans and military families – and their contribution to British business and the security of the country.
In attendance at the signing of the Covenant were Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of LSBU, Major General Ben Bathurst, Councillor Charlie Smith, Deputy Mayor of Southwark and Professor Paul Ivey from LSBU, who managed the project.
The Armed Forces Covenant operates as a tiered system with Bronze, Silver and Gold award classifications. The level of the achievement acknowledges the amount of support an organisation has demonstrated in supporting the needs of the military community.
Professor Paul Ivey, Pro Vice-Chancellor at LSBU said, “This is a big day for LSBU as it is the first time the University has formally pledged its support for the Covenant. LSBU is now looking forward to a long and fruitful working relationship with our Armed Forces Community.
“Signing the Covenant represents a formal promise from the University to those who already serve, or who have served previously that the University will do all it can to ensure that those who sign up are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives; be they our staff, students or stakeholders.”
Speaking at the event, Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice Chancellor of LSBU said: “From a standing start, in just six months, 50 LSBU students have shown an interest to engaging further and 15 staff who have served, or are reservists, or have an existing relationship with Armed Forces – are helping to shape our future commitment.
“Now that we have signed the Armed Forces Covenant we will soon be submitting our application for Silver status to achieve the next level of accreditation for the work we are undertaking on behalf of staff, students and the local community. This is only the next stage of a journey we hope will enable us to develop an exemplar partnership to go for Gold, and become the Armed Forces partner of choice.”
Anthony McGrath, Head of Department at LSBU’s School of Health and Social Care at LSBU said: “In signing the Covenant today, LSBU are recognising not only the importance of the armed services in general but the valuable contribution made by members of staff at LSBU who work as veterans and reservists in a voluntary capacity.”
If you are interested in being involved in our work on the Armed Forces Covenant, pleasesend us an email and we will be in touch. We are currently setting up a staff and student network and would welcome an interest from anybody that would like to engage with us.