BIRMINGHAM MUSEUMS TRUST SHOWS SUPPORT TO THE ARMED FORCES

Birmingham Museums Trust has demonstrated its support to the armed forces community by officially signing the Armed Forces Covenant and outlining its pledges to those serving in the military and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The ceremony at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery saw Dr Ellen McAdam, Director of Birmingham Museums Trust, sign the agreement alongside Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Dines, Commanding Officer of 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

As one of the leading cultural employers in the region across nine sites, Birmingham Museums Trust has committed to a number of pledges. These include supporting reservists who may need leave for training, striving to support the employment of service spouses and partners, and helping to create opportunities for veterans. Other commitments include free admission on Armed Forces Day for service personnel, veterans, reservists and local cadets, including discounts on this day for Birmingham Museums Trust membership.

As part of the ceremony, Birmingham Museums Trust was presented with the Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises that Birmingham Museums is committed to upholding the values in the Covenant.

Dr Ellen McAdam, Director of Birmingham Museums, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. As part of our inclusive approach to audiences we will do all that we can to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and their families have every chance to participate in the services we provide. We look forward to working with partners to create new programmes for this special audience and promote our support for them publicly. My father and his two brothers served in the RAMC, RAF and Royal Navy during and after WWII, so this is a cause that is particularly close to my heart.”

Siamha Butt, Head of Engagement, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA), said: “We are delighted that Birmingham Museums Trust are publicly showing their support for serving personnel, veterans and military families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Dr Ellen McAdam and her team have been incredibly diligent in creating some unique pledges along with an impressive plan as to how they will deliver against each pledge. We very much look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

Councillor Mike Sharpe, Birmingham City Council Armed Forces Champion, said: “I am very encouraged to see organisations like Birmingham Museums Trust, join the growing numbers of Birmingham based organisations signing the Armed Forces Covenant and pledge support to the Armed Forces community in Birmingham. This is part of a national commitment to show our support to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or ex-service, and ensure they are treated fairly in civilian life.”

Read more about the Armed Forces Covenant at www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk or talk to the Employer Engagement Team at West Midland RFCA on 0121 274 2227.