Silver seal of approval for “outstanding” support of veterans and their families
![The award will be presented at an event at Edinburgh Castle](https://www.gcu.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0020/37631/landscapeimage_302131_en..jpg)
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has been honoured by the Ministry of Defence with a Silver Award for its outstanding support of Armed Forces veterans and their families.
The University recognises the transferable skills of those leaving the Armed Forces and welcomes them to its workforce and student communities.
GCU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Valerie Webster said: “We are delighted to receive an Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in recognition of our outstanding support of veterans and their families, particularly during what can be a challenging time as they transition from service into a civilian life, seeking opportunities for further study or employment.
“Glasgow Caledonian University is a leading University in widening participation, recognised for its achievements in widening access to higher education and in supporting students to succeed. We look forward to welcoming more veterans and their families to join the GCU community.”
The University will be presented with the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award at a special event on November 14, 2019, in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country and it’s fantastic to see a record breaking number of organisations recognised for their support.
“We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”
Last year GCU received the Bronze standard for the Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.
Our Veterans and Armed Forces Champion Jim Castle said the University is immensely proud to have been supporting the Armed Forces community since 2013.
He added: “As the University for the Common Good, our core values of responsibility, confidence, integrity and creativity are at the heart of GCU. We recognise the qualities and transferable skills of those leaving the Armed Forces and welcome them to our workforce and student communities. For Reservists and CAFVs, as a forces-friendly employer, we recognise and support their commitments.
“As educators, we believe that everyone should, and can, maximise their potential. Those who have served, with their distinct core values and “can-do” attitude, bring a range of experiences and knowledge with them as students or staff which strengthens not only their own experience but that of their peers.
“Not all service men and women are able to go straight to University, so we developed a pathway with Further Education colleges to help transition them successfully through their learner journey. Through the University’s Recognition of Prior Informal Learning (RPIL) scheme, we recognise learning, knowledge and experience which has not previously been gained through formal qualifications.”