De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has pledged support for Armed Forces personnel along with eight other universities in the East Midlands.
The universities have updated an agreement, called the Armed Forces Covenant, which will see them commit to encouraging students to sign-up to join the military reserves as well as ensure paid leave for Reservists already teaching or working at the university, so they can fulfil their training commitments.
DMU has also joined the other universities to commit to collaborate in research which benefits the Armed Forces community, in areas such as social care, sports science and the justice system.
They will also consider how they can improve and facilitate access to higher education for service leavers, Reserves and military families.
Some further specific pledges include appointing an Armed Forces Champion, and registering with the Career Transition Partnership to establish a specific pathway to employment for service leavers. They also plan to provide work placement opportunities and supporting the accreditation of military training.
The Armed Forces Covenant was enshrined legally in the Armed Forces Act 2011 as a promise from the nation that its Armed Forces personnel will be treated fairly.
The Covenant can be signed by all UK businesses interested in showing their support for defence personnel.
Dr Simon Oldroyd, interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor for DMU, who was one of the signatories, said: “By signing this updated covenant, DMU is showing its commitment to support military personnel and their families.
“Not only are we pledging to support those already in the Armed Forces, and the many Reservists who work at DMU, but we are also recognising our responsibility as a university to help those who have recently left the military through our expert teaching, learning and research.”
John Wilson OBE DL, Director of Employer Engagement at East Midlands Reserve Forces an Cadet Association, added: “We are really thrilled to have this significant group re-signing take place, demonstrating the friendly and supportive dialogue between all the East Midlands universities.
“The Armed Forces Covenant is there to ensure that Armed Forces personnel are not disadvantaged by the commitment they make to their defence careers, and respected bodies like the universities can lead by example and best practice.”
Posted on Monday 10 February 2020