Latest News | 26 July 2021
University recognised for Armed Forces support
The University of Derby has received recognition from the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
It has been awarded Gold in the 2021 Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which encourages employers to support defence community and inspire others to do the same.
Gold award holders must have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, employ people from the Armed Forces, hold a valid ERS Silver Award and proactively demonstrate their forces-friendly credentials in their recruiting and selection processes.
Dr Paula Holt MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the university, who served as an army officer, has been appointed Armed Forces Champion for the institution and is working closely with a range of veteran and military support organisations and charities to ensure that there is support for veterans, reservists and cadet adult volunteers.
She said: “I am incredibly proud that the university has received this prestigious award for our work with serving and former Armed Forces personnel and their families.
“As well as engaging in research we actively support veterans and their families across Derbyshire and beyond.
“We have engaged in employability and resettlement activities and have ensured our own policies and working practices support and encourage staff commitment to reservist and cadet activities.’’
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the University of Derby has been awarded the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community.
“At Derby, we are keen to attract service leavers as employees, and to encourage them to start new careers, education and training with us, recognising the outstanding transferable skills that veterans bring that can be built on in a second career.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
