A significant honour awarded to the University of Central Lancashire from the Ministry of Defence has been extended for a further five years.
The University has retained its Gold Standard Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award, which recognises the support it gives to people with former or current links to the armed forces, after it became one of the first universities in the UK to receive this accolade in 2019.
The University’s continued Gold Standard accreditation, Led by the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (CMVES), is a reward for its ongoing commitment to advocating for members of the armed forces and their families.
"The hard work we have put in over the last few years has been instrumental in the University achieving this status bestowed by the Ministry of Defence."
— College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services Director Becky Steel
Since first receiving the accreditation, it has helped to launch the Lancashire Armed Forces Hub, re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022 and championed education as a pathway for veterans, spouses and service children through key projects focussed on improving educational policy nationally and across the North West.
The CMVES is currently working with The Lancashire Colleges on key regional projects underway with Further and Higher Education institutions to ensure the education and employment needs of the armed forces community are understood, and that education can be utilised as a pathway for transition when leaving the military.
Earlier this year, the CMVES organised and hosted the Lancashire and South Cumbria Armed Forces Covenant Conference, which explored ways to better support serving personnel, veterans, and family members through the Armed Forces Covenant.
In addition, it has worked closely with the Service Children's Progression Alliance (SCiP) to develop the North West’s plans to support service children to thrive.
"The University’s efforts continue to have a real impact on former and current members of the Armed Forces across the North West."
— Lieutenant Colonel Carman from The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
CMVES Director Becky Steel said: “The hard work we have put in over the last few years has been instrumental in the University achieving this status bestowed by the Ministry of Defence. Not only have we organised a host of events to support the armed forces community, but we also continue to develop evidence-based practice and impactful research.
“As an institution our People Team have been instrumental in updating our policies, procedures, recruitment practices, and support to former military staff and armed forces families in the University and our partner organisations.
“As we look to the future, we are already developing a staff network for the armed forces community, and we continue to work with many partners at the University and in our broader networks to ensure we have meaningful and impactful engagement.”
"The CMVES works tirelessly with the armed forces community to ensure they are given a voice and the right support to smoothly transition from military to civilian life."
— Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin
Lieutenant Colonel Carman from The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment based at Weeton Barracks in Preston, commented: “It is great to see the University of Central Lancashire reaccredited with this prestigious award. The University’s efforts continue to have a real impact on former and current members of the Armed Forces across the North West.”
University of Central Lancashire Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin added: “The CMVES works tirelessly with the armed forces community to ensure they are given a voice and the right support to smoothly transition from military to civilian life.
“It’s fantastic to see the University once again recognised for this outstanding support by retaining this well-deserved accolade.”