City College Norwich has affirmed its commitment to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The college joins a nationwide group of employers who promise to ensure that past and present members of the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect in the communities they live and work in.
An Armed Forces Staff Network has been launched at the college to help develop practical and meaningful actions in support of the covenant. This staff-led group is open to all staff who have connections to the Armed Forces.
The network provides opportunities to connect socially, while drawing on the rich experience, insights, and links within the group to contribute positively to the college community.
Future plans for the network include hosting an event for employers who have signed, or are thinking about signing, the Covenant; inviting charities to give talks; offering support to those leaving the service and their families with training or employment opportunities; and offering mentoring to someone who is currently unemployed or struggling having left the services.
The group are keen to also ensure a strong focus on meeting the needs and ambitions of the college’s students – whether they are young people with family members in the Armed Forces or students who are considering a career in the forces.
Jen Eves, Chief Operating Officer, City College Norwich, comments:
“Our college community of around 10,000 students and over 1,000 staff, across City College Norwich, Easton College, and Paston College, has numerous connections to the Armed Forces.
“The Armed Forces Covenant is an opportunity for us to recognise and support these students and staff, and to harness the wealth of experience and skills that this group of staff bring to our college community.
“It is also about reaching out to ex-forces people who we know can make a huge contribution in Further Education, in both teaching and support roles.”