College Receives Defence Force Recognition

Shrewsbury College has been recognised as a major supporter of the Armed Forces and their families, by being awarded the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award by the General Officer Commanding Regional Command, Major General Richard Stanford and the Deputy Commander of 11 Signal and West Midlands Brigade, Colonel Richard Maybery.

The awards ceremony was held at The Library of Birmingham and hosted jointly by West Midland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and 11 Signal and West Midlands Brigade.

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for companies that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.

“This is a real honour,” comments Catherine Armstrong, Group Vice Principal Curriculum Support and Business Development at Shrewsbury College. “The College is totally committed to supporting service personnel and to encouraging our students to get involved with the armed forces through a variety of schemes, including our dedicated Public Uniformed Services courses and the army cadet scheme.  Recognition by the Armed Forces that we are making a positive contribution is very rewarding.”