The Trent Bridge Community Trust, the official charity of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, have highlighted their commitment to supporting the military community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant was formally signed in a ceremony at Trent Bridge attended by Major Stephen Goodwin of the Royal Yeomanry, alongside representatives from Trent Bridge, the Trent Bridge Community Trust and the Armed Forces Covenant project.
The Trust has committed to taking a series of practical steps to ensure the value of the armed forces is recognised, including:
- Providing an employment pathway for those who are leaving the armed forces;
- Recognising the need for flexibility in the employment of spouses or partners who are serving;
- Supporting employees who choose to join the reserve forces;
- Providing assistance to local cadet units.
“We recognise the role that the ongoing sacrifices made by those in the armed forces plays in ensuring we can live our lives in freedom and follow our passions, such as working at this beautiful venue,” said Tim Eatherington, Nottinghamshire’s Finance and Development Director and a trustee of the Trent Bridge Community Trust.
“As a nation, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who serve, and our covenant re-affirms the steps we will take to support those who are serving in the forces and to aid their transition into civilian life.”
By signing up to the initiative, the Trust are joining a group of organisations which recognise the contributions made by those in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force to national safety and security.
“We are delighted that the Trent Bridge Community Trust has signed the Armed Forces Covenant," said John Wilson, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Ministry of Defence.
“Trent Bridge is a high profile venue which is revered around the world, so their backing carries huge weight.
“Those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, regulars and reserves, develop a wide range of skills and attributes that are beneficial to employers. This is acknowledged by over 3600 organisations across the UK who have signed up to the Covenant, highlighting how the business community is committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with defence personnel.”
The Trent Bridge Community Trust delivers a range of projects to improve quality of life for individuals across the county.
Their flagship projects include Positive Futures, which works with young people who are at risk of social exclusion, and Forget Me Notts, which provides support to people with dementia and their families.
Find out more about the work of the trust here.