UWE Bristol signs Armed Forces Covenant

UWE Bristol has signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) in recognition of the challenges faced by service and ex-service personnel and their families.

Professor Marc Griffiths formally signed the covenant at the Ceremonial Divisions 2026 event at HMS Flying Fox, a Royal Naval Reserve unit in south Bristol, to show the University’s support for HM Armed Forces community.

The AFC is a promise to ensure that those who serve, or who have served, in HM Armed Forces and their families are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve. The AFC relies on individuals, communities and organisations across the UK to actively support it in order to make a difference.

As part of the AFC bronze award, UWE Bristol will uphold the following key principles:

• No member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public or commercial services compared to any other citizen
• In some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

The University has pledged to recognise the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring in by promoting the Armed Forces; supporting veterans, service spouses and partners; supporting reservists and cadet force adult volunteers; and raising awareness of national military events.

Professor Griffiths, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Regional Partnerships, Engagement & Innovation at UWE Bristol, said: “The Armed Forces community makes a significant contribution to the social, economic and civic life across and beyond the West of England.

“By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, UWE Bristol is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families are supported, valued and able to access opportunities without disadvantage.

“This commitment aligns closely with our role as a civic university, working in partnership across the region to create opportunity, strengthen communities and recognise the diverse experiences and talents that enrich our society.”