After explaining the importance of making such a pledge, the College’s Director of Organisational Development and HR, David Gunn, signed the document at a ceremony hosted in the college’s Clydebank campus on 10 October.  Also signing, and representing the Armed Forces, was Colonel Tony de Reya MBE; commanding officer of 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, based at HM Naval Base Clyde.  He was joined by warrant officer Al Sullivan, 43 Commando’s regimental sergeant major. 

The purpose of the Covenant is to make a promise to the Armed Forces community that they will be treated fairly and not disadvantaged as a result of their military service.  Organisations which opt to sign the document commit to supporting, not only current servicemen and women, but also their families, as well as veterans and reservists which they employ. 

The signing event was organised by Hugh Devlin, Regional Employment Engagement Director for the Lowlands Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.  Organisations set out the detail of exactly how they will support the Armed Forces community in a series of pledges.  Hugh praised the College on the time and effort they had put into writing up their pledges, describing them as “best practice”, and highlighted the close links the college already has with local Cadets’ groups to encourage youngsters into further education. 

Also in attendance for the occasion to represent the College, was Principal and Chief Executive Liz Connolly and Vice Principal Educational Leadership Stephanie Graham.  Liz explained that she hoped this would be the start of an ongoing relationship, furthering the links between the college and the Armed Forces community to provide mutual benefit. 

To have a look at West College Scotland's pledge and find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant, visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.