ARU renews its commitment to service personnel
Anglia Ruskin re-signs Armed Forces Covenant at a celebration event in Chelmsford
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has renewed its commitment to serving and ex-service military personnel by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant at a celebration event in Chelmsford.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
To mark Armed Forces Week 2024, ARU’s Vice Chancellor Professor Roderick Watkins signed the Covenant at a ceremony on Thursday, 27 June, attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Essex Rear Admiral Roy Clare; Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison; members of the Chelmsford Sea Cadets; representatives from Essex County Council; and serving and former service personnel among ARU staff and students.
Organisations that sign the Covenant are committing to ensuring serving or ex-serving personnel are not faced with any disadvantage and, where necessary, are entitled to special provision – for example the injured or bereaved. As of last year, 10,000 businesses of different sizes have signed the Covenant.
Professor Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:
“We are proud to support those men and women who have served our country, many of whom we count among our diverse staff and student body.
“It was an honour to meet several serving and ex-service personnel at our celebration event.”
Michael Almond, Professor of Veterans and Families Studies at ARU, added:
“Anglia Ruskin has a long-standing tradition of honouring and supporting the Armed Forces, regular and reserve, cadet organisations including their adult volunteers and veterans.
“ARU supports staff serving with reserve forces and cadet adult volunteers in delivering their training requirements or on mobilisation. Students are drawn from regular personnel, veterans and service children. We regularly host events such as Cadet Awards and veteran breakfast clubs. We aim to ensure no one is disadvantaged by their service.
“Additionally, through our Veterans and Families Institute, we have conducted extensive research aimed at gaining a better understanding and addressing the needs of veterans and their families.”