Strengthening bonds: ARU's commitment to the Armed Forces community
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ARU proudly supports the Armed Forces community through the signing of the Covenant, a voluntary pledge that underscores our dedication to Service personnel, reservists, veterans, the cadet movement, and military families. This commitment acknowledges their invaluable contributions to ARU, the region, and the nation.
Opportunities and events
Our pledge promotes higher education opportunities for Service leavers and their families, facilitates networks for veterans and other members of the Armed Forces community, and actively engages with local Service units, reservist units, and cadet organisations.
Reservists enhance their lifesaving skills by training alongside ARU healthcare students, seamlessly transferring expertise from military to civilian practice. ARU also provides facilities for cadet organisations to train and celebrate their achievements on campus. Veterans gather at a monthly breakfast club, and ARU hosts meetings for the Chelmsford Branch of the Royal British Legion.
This community and staff engagement contributed to ARU achieving the Ministry of Defence’s Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award in 2024.
Local partnerships
Sqn Ldr Amanda Curtis of the RAF Air Cadets says:
“ARU's support has allowed us to reinstate our annual awards event. This is an incredible opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of Essex Wing Air Cadets and its adult staff, fostering a sense of pride and inspiring the next generation. Staff at ARU go out of their way to ensure we have everything we need, enabling us to provide more opportunities to our young people.”
Maj (Retd) David Swann MBE, Secretary of Essex Royal British Legion, states:
“ARU has been extremely supportive of the RBL and our veterans. The ARU breakfast club is one of the highlights of the month for veterans. Chelmsford RBL Branch was forced to vacate their property, and ARU offered them meeting rooms so they can carry on their work for veterans and their families.”
WO1 Barry Smith of 254 Medical Regiment, Army Reserve, commented:
“We have a fantastic relationship with ARU, attending military and veteran events such as remembrance services, providing insights into military medical care, and jointly organising a mass casualty exercise with members of ARU’s staff and students. This partnership is very important to the Royal Army Medical Service (Reserve).”