Ministry of Defence recognises University’s efforts to support Armed Forces community
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been awarded silver under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its support to defence and the wider Armed Forces community.
It is one of sixteen organisations from across the North West of England to receive an Employer Recognition Scheme Award, which was launched to reward employers who support defence people objectives and encourage others to do the same. This includes employing serving and former members of the Armed Forces community, and demonstrating flexibility towards training and mobilisation commitments for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
The University has an ongoing commitment to support the Armed Forces community and has been involved in a number of projects and initiatives. These have involved everything from top-level projects working with Army Headquarters North West and local schools to deliver a coaching and mentoring programme, to helping those leaving the forces into education or employment.
The award winners will be presented with certificates signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff during a ceremony in November.
UCLan Vice Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas said: “I am delighted that the University has been awarded the Silver Employer Recognition Award. This reinforces the ongoing commitment we have to support the Armed Forces community, which as an ex-submariner, is a project very close to me. I am extremely proud that as a University we are welcoming service colleagues as staff or students and that they can take up all the advantages that the university and the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services can offer.”
"The winners should all be proud of the life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick and their families."
Commenting on the announcement of the 2018 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, the Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, said: “I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. A silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefit to the Armed Forces community.
“The winners should all be proud of the life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick and their families. We’ve seen a record number of winners this year, which shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefit.”
Geoff Nuzum, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured to be able to recognise the level of support and commitment given to the Armed Forces by organisations in the region.
“Each recipient has demonstrated not only that they value the ethos of the Armed Forces but also that they are prepared to help reservists, former servicemen and women and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in the workplace. The experiences gained through both regular service and with the reserve forces, or volunteering with the cadet organisations, equip individuals with invaluable life skills – motivation, self-discipline, confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership – all of which make a positive contribution to any organisation.”