LSBU awarded Gold standard for supporting armed forces community
LSBU awarded Gold Standard for its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and supporting the work of the armed forces and their familiesLondon South Bank University (LSBU) has been given an impressive Gold award for the University’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and actively supporting the armed forces community.
The Ministry of Defence makes the awards through its ‘Defence Employer Recognition Scheme’ (ERS) to those employers who have demonstrated the absolute commitment of their staff, students and personnel to becoming reservists and supporting the work of the armed forces and their families.
LSBU first signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2017. In less than two years, because of the University’s determined commitment to upholding the pledge, LSBU has progressed from a Bronze to a Gold award.
Since 2017 LSBU has worked closely with staff and students from the Armed Forces Community to support their recruitment and retention. Most recently the work has been expanded into the local Boroughs working with Cadet Forces and local community groups to deliver accredited training to young learners.
Recognising the impact of supporting this initiative, Professor Paul Ivey, Pro-Vice Chancellor of LSBU and Chair of the University of London Military Education Committee, said: “In terms of the values and principles that we hold dear, it’s probably the most rewarding work that we have done at the University.”
Sukaina Jeraj, Head of Employment and Training at LSBU and Chair of the LSBU Armed Forces Working Group, said: “There is a synergy between our students entering education from a military background and those entering the Armed Forces post-education that complements both their studies and their employment prospects. Having an Armed Forces presence at our careers fairs and employment events has opened up a wide range of exciting potential and previously unexplored opportunities for our students.”
Adrian Tindall, LSBU's tenant Manager for Research and Enterprise said:“The effective support of servicemen and women means an equal commitment to their families. Unfortunately, the husband or wife goes out on deployment and it’s the partners who are left behind who suffer and really need our support. That’s where we can fulfil a role, making sure they’re not alone and have a social life. This applies equally to all servicemen and their families however - not just to those who are away on active service.”
If you are interested in being involved in our work on the Armed Forces Covenant, please email sseafcov@lsbu.ac.uk. We have established a staff and student network and welcome interest from anybody who wants to engage with us.