University maintains gold for Armed Forces support

Published on 10, December, 2025

The University of Sunderland continues to be one of the most supportive organisations for Britain’s Armed Forces.

It has once again met the gold standard in this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards.

Launched in 2014, the Employer Recognition Scheme recognises employer support for the wider principles of the Defence Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of defence personnel. This includes the reserves, service leavers, wounded injured and sick, cadets, and spouses. It encourages employers to pledge, demonstrate, and advocate support, ensuring members of the defence community aren't disadvantaged in civilian life, with awards signifying significant public recognition for their efforts. 

The University first received the Defence ERS Gold Award in 2020 and has now secured the award for another five years following revalidation. This will take the University to 2030, and over 10 years of being recognised as a Defence Employment Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.

Garry Heeson, Senior Lecturer in Military Education and Chair of the Armed Forces Staff Network at the University of Sunderland, who is himself a Reservist, said: “We are delighted and proud to have secured the Gold Award once again for the University. It’s a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team in supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans, Reservists and their families.

"This work is crucial because it strengthens our community, promotes inclusion and ensures those who serve have the opportunities and support they deserve, whether through tailored education programmes, additional leave for Reservists, or initiatives that recognise the unique challenges faced by service families.

“Maintaining this award for another five years reflects our unwavering dedication to the Armed Forces Covenant and the values it represents.”

For the recent award application, Garry and Terry McDermott-Moses, the University of Sunderland Armed Forces Champion, led a dedicated team to provide evidence of how the University supports the Armed Forces community. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as:

• Recruitment and retention of Reservists, who benefit from an additional 10 days’ paid leave to attend Reserve training.
• Strengthening community and resilience by collaborating on and designing programmes tailored for the Armed Forces community, including the Cert HE Health, which promotes widening participation across the whole community.
• Innovative partnerships, such as the Delivering Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare programme with the Land Medical Training Centre in York, where educators, mentors, and clinical validators enhance their expertise in simulation delivery to prepare for worldwide deployments.
• Support for service children, as an active member of the Northern Hub of the Service Children’s Progression Alliance, recognising the unique challenges service life can have on children and ensuring they are included in widening participation initiatives at Sunderland.

For more information on how the University of Sunderland supports students who are veterans or who are serving in the Armed Forces, click here. 

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