Myerscough joins region’s colleges to sign the Armed Forces Covenant

Myerscough College and University Centre has re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a public commitment to ensure that military veterans and their families are treated fairly and given the same opportunities as their civilian counterparts.

Myerscough originally signed the pledge in 2019.

By pledging their support, the organisations are acknowledging the impact of service life such as frequent house moves, family separation and a lack of continuity in education provision and promising to help break down barriers.

Myerscough is proud to re-sign this very important, as we value making education and employment opportunities accessible to everyone, whatever their background.

On signing the covenant, Wes Johnson, Myerscough’s Chief Executive and Principal, in addition to being Chair of the Lancashire Colleges, said: “It is clear that learners from the Armed Forces community are hidden and we need to do more to encourage people to enter into further and higher education.

“I am proud to represent further education in Lancashire as we collectively sign the Armed Forces Covenant and commit to playing a full role in supporting learners from the Armed Forces Community.”

Mark Moren, Director of Curriculum and Myerscough’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, added: ‘’This reaffirmation reflects our continued commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community - including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families.

‘’It was inspiring to stand alongside partners who share the same dedication to recognising their service, removing barriers, and ensuring opportunities for education, employment, and wellbeing.

‘’A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the event both meaningful and memorable. I’m proud to represent an organisation that stands firmly behind our Armed Forces community and looks forward to strengthening this support even further.’’

During the signing ceremony, The Director of CMVES, Becky Steel, and Deborah Collier, an Army veteran and now Managing Director of Careers Ideas Ltd, gave an insight into their Achieve Your Potential project, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

This project is the first of its kind and explores the challenges service children and young people face to accessing FE. It focuses specifically on Lancashire and will publish its findings in December 2026.

Lt Antonio Valente, Naval Regional Engagement Officer for the North West, took part in the Covenant signing event. He added: “This public commitment is a powerful demonstration of support for our Service personnel, veterans, and their families, and it reinforces the strong bond between the military and our community.

“On behalf of the Royal Navy, I want to thank every organisation that has made this pledge; their support means a great deal and will make a real difference for our Armed Forces community.”

The colleges that signed the Covenant via The Lancashire Colleges in addition to Myerscough are Blackburn College, Blackpool and the Fylde College, Blackpool Sixth Form College, Burnley College, East Lancashire Learning Group, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Preston College, Runshaw College and West Lancashire College.