Edinburgh Napier University has been honoured by the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to the armed forces. The university is to receive a silver award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which encourages employers to support the defence sector and inspire others to do the same.
Last year the university signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing it to offering existing or former forces personnel a range of flexible entry paths on to degree courses which acknowledge prior qualifications and relevant experience.
As a forces-friendly employer, the university is also committed to supporting new or existing staff from armed forces backgrounds and investing in their future career development.
In April, Edinburgh Napier held a special all-day event to celebrate its proud links with the military. Activities included boot camp exercises, panel discussions and the showcasing of new research into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The event was held at the Craiglockhart campus, the site of a military hospital where shellshocked officers were treated during the First World War.
Recognition with the silver award shows an employer has made a demonstrable effort to support, recruit and develop armed forces personnel, and shown flexibility towards annual training commitments and the mobilisation of reservists.
Dr Sandra Cairncross, the university’s Assistant Principal Student Experience, said: “We are very proud that our commitment to the armed forces has been acknowledged in this way. Employees with an armed forces background bring valuable skills and experience to the business of the university, and also reinforce our commitment to wider diversity within our student population and workforce.”
Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, Chief of Defence People, said silver award winners had “turned their willingness to make a difference to our braved armed forces into effective programmes of support”.
He added: “Your actions mean our veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, our reservists, cadets and their families do not lose out from their military service and have the same opportunities as everyone else. Your commitment is highly valued.”
The award will be presented at a dinner in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle in November.
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