Mike joined Brunel in 2014, moving from Henley Business School to be the Director of College Operations for Health and Life Sciences. Arriving with an active role in the Army Reserve and significant time served in the Armed Forces he was impressed with how Brunel recognised the value of that experience and the support provided to employees who served in the Reserve Forces.
Mike explains: "Reserve Forces’ activity offers a flexible, professional and rewarding part-time commitment which directly support UK Defence. Through the additional paid leave that Reservists receive under Brunel’s Volunteering Policy I’ve been able to deploy to Kenya and the Philippines whilst contributing to the security operations for Harry and Meghan’s wedding. As Brunel’s Armed Forces Covenant Champion I’ve been able to influence the enhancement of our Volunteering Policy, with Brunel now one of the UK’s most supportive employers of Reserve Forces and Cadet Instructors."
Mike is now back in uniform, having been re-deployed in March to Operation RESCRIPT, the UK military’s response to the national fight against Covid-19My current Army Reserve. Prior to lockdown, Mike's reservist role was in a large integrated team managing risk across a strategic corporate-level Army headquarters, he adds: "The Volunteering Policy’s 18 paid leave days a year enables me to routinely work in that complex, challenging and high-pressure environment where I can develop valuable skills to bring back to Brunel."
As Brunel’s Armed Forces Covenant Champion I’ve been able to influence the enhancement of our Volunteering Policy, with Brunel now one of the UK’s most supportive employers of Reserve Forces and Cadet Instructors.