Armed Forces honour University of Chichester

THE University of Chichester has been honoured by the Ministry of Defence for its continued support of the Armed Forces.

Military officials presented the University with the Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award for its commitment to reservists, cadets and instructors, veterans, and the families of service personnel.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Catherine Harper said receiving the ERS Bronze Award was a significant moment for the University. She added: “We are a value-driven institution with a sense of pride in our community, which encompasses personnel from across the Armed Forces.

“Reservists and veterans bring a variety of transferable skills to the University such as leadership, team working, communication, and organisational ability, developed during military careers. The award proves our dedication to supporting the Armed Forces.”

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 to reward employers with bronze, silver, and gold accolades for advocating support to the military.

The Armed Forces Covenant was also signed at the ceremony by University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Longmore and Major Tim Osman, of the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

The agreement guarantees Chichester’s commitment to the men and women, and their families, who have and continue to serve their country. Among the guests at the signing ceremony was Joe Ayres, Accommodation Manager at the University, who has been a Royal Navy reservist for three years.

Joe said: “Being a reservist gives me the opportunity to get involved in activities that I would only otherwise dream of doing. It also gives me the best of both worlds as I can continue developing my career at University of Chichester but also learn new skills, knowledge, and personal qualities with the Navy, which in turn supports my civilian work.”

Major Jon Darrington-Slegg, Colonel David Steele, and Captain Stuart Bradley were also present at the signing ceremony, and were introduced to the University’s Occupational Performance Research Group, which leads scientific research for the Ministry of Defence. The Group, led by the University’s Professor Stephen Myers, has been working to create new guidelines for the performance, protection, and health of personnel working in demanding military occupations.

Find out more about the government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme at www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme. Alternatively for more about the University of Chichester’s’ commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant go to www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.

Photo captions

Top (from left to right): Captain Stuart Bradley, Colonel David Steele, University of Chichester Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Catherine Harper, and Major Tim Osman of the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Below (from left to right): Major Tim Osman and University of Chichester Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Longmore.