It was an historic day in an historic setting as the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust signed the Armed Forces Covenant onboard HMS Victory.
Teresa Dent, CEO of the GWCT, and Lieutenant Commander BJ Smith of the Royal Navy and Commanding Officer of HMS Victory, signed the agreement at Lord Nelson’s original table in the Great Cabin onboard the famous warship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise an organisation makes to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Businesses, public bodies and charities can sign the Covenant and declare their commitment to promote and support the Armed Forces, organise and support events to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, support reservists, service leavers and their spouses.
Teresa Dent said the signing of the agreement was an important step for the trust.
“We are delighted to support armed service veterans by signing this covenant and hope we will be able to provide opportunities for them to work in the rewarding world of science, farming, game and wildlife management in the future,” she said.
Lt Cdr BJ Smith added: “I am absolutely delighted to see the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust formalise their commitment to the Armed Forces Community across the United Kingdom.
“This important step recognises, supports and encourages Armed Forces Reserve and Veteran employees within the GWCT, enabling them to thrive in the workplace while also continuing to support the United Kingdom’s safety and security."
Lt Cdr Smith is the 101st Commanding Officer of HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world and flagship of the First Sea Lord.
The vessel is currently undergoing a 15-year-long, £45m overhaul to restore her to how she looked like as Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk