June 13, 2017
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The University of the Highlands and Islands has signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant.
In doing so it made a commitment to support the country’s servicemen and women wherever and however it can and to ensure no member of the Armed Forces should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service.
The signing – by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Clive Mulholland – took place in Inverness with the document co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Wing Commander Dr David Caddick RAuxAF, who is also a lecturer at the university’s Inverness College campus.
Professor Mulholland said: “As someone who has served with the armed forces, I know how important it is to support the people who serve our country. Many of our staff and students are part of the armed forces community and I am delighted to formalise our commitment to support them and to inspire others to do the same.”
Professor Mulholland was also presented with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze certificate for the University.
ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The prestigious Bronze, Silver and Gold awards are for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The University of the Highlands and Islands is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. Based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, it delivers its courses through a partnership of 13 independent colleges and research institutions. Its innovative approach to learning and distinctive research and curriculum are enriched by the people, natural environment, economy, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands and its communities.
The event was organised by Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and attended by the organisation’s Regional Employer Engagement Director Ron Macgregor.
He said: “We are delighted that the University of the Highlands and Islands has pledged to support the Armed Forces Community. The involvement of such a forward-thinking and respected organisation can only help to raise the profile of Regular and Reserve forces across Scotland. We very much look forward to working together with the university in pursuit of our common goals.”
