Bournemouth and Poole College has formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening its support for serving personnel, veterans and military families.
The signing ceremony was held at the Poole Campus on Friday 27 June, attended by Lieutenant Colonel Ant Sharman and the College’s Vice Principal Ali Leaverland, who is part of the armed forces community herself.
Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Dougie Scarfe and Councillor Millie Earl, who opened the college’s new Advanced Engineering Centre in May, were also present.
By signing the covenant, the college has pledged to treat those who serve or have served with fairness and respect, while providing additional support in education, training and employment.
Sixteen formal commitments are included in the pledge, such as working with the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs to support the employment of veterans, service spouses and partners.
The college will also support employees who volunteer as military cadet leaders and will encourage more staff to consider these roles.
Principal Phil Sayles said the move was an important milestone and reflected the college’s responsibility to be inclusive and supportive of all students and staff.
A copy of the signed document will be published on the college’s website.