Naval Regional Commander for Wales & West of England, Brigadier Jock Fraser MBE ADC, attended the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant at Cardiff University, alongside Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan.
The Covenant sets out the University’s pledge to support students and staff associated with the Armed Forces community.
The Covenant is focused on two principles: that no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen; and, in some circumstances, special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
One of the key measures in the Covenant includes the appointment of an Armed Forces Champion. Professor Riordan proudly announced Lieutenant Paul Thomas as the University’s first Champion.
Paul works as a Business Manager in Research and Innovation Services. Paul becomes the face of University efforts to build a stronger support network for the Armed Forces community.
Paul joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 2004 and acts as a Training Officer at Wales University Royal Naval Unit (URNU). Paul’s role is to facilitate their learning and leadership development in the classroom, at sea, at sports and via military acquaints.
Paul said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed the University’s first Armed Forces Champion. As a reservist and member of University staff I’m extremely pleased to work with the University’s armed forces community.
“It’s especially pleasing to have the full support of the Vice Chancellor and senior members of the University for our Covenant.
“I’m looking forward to representing the University and, most importantly, working with veterans, reservists and our students in the military service units and other important stakeholders.”
Brigadier Jock said it was a real privilege to be asked to sign the covenant in Cardiff University.
“In signing the Covenant, the University has formally recognised the valued contribution serving regular and reserve personnel, veterans and their families make to the University and the wider community in Wales. The Armed Forces continue to enjoy tremendous support from the people of Wales and I hope that the pledge today will encourage other organisations and businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant too.”
Cardiff University is only the second university in Wales and the third in the Russell Group to sign the covenant.
