University pledges fair employment support for the Armed Forces

Edinburgh has been formally recognised for championing those in its community who have served in the British Armed Forces.

James Saville, Director of Human Resource (centre) and Sally Morgan, Technician Steering Committee Chair (right), accept the bronze award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. The award was presented by the Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

At a ceremony held at Edinburgh Castle on Monday 8 September, the University received a bronze award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. 

James Saville, Director of Human Resources, and Sally Morgan, Technician Steering Committee Chair, accepted the award during the event hosted by the Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. 

The award follows the University becoming a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2025. 

The Covenant is a national pledge which asks employers to provide support for the British Armed Forces community through fair employment opportunities and practices. 

It aims to redress the disadvantages that the armed forces community often face and ensure that in some circumstances, special consideration can be provided to those who have been injured or bereaved. 

Since launching in 2011, more than 12,400 organisations across the UK have pledged their support. 

Fair practices  

By signing the Covenant, the University has pledged to strengthen opportunities for serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. 

Commitments include supporting the employment of veterans, offering flexible working and leave arrangements for the partners of those deployed, and providing additional leave for staff serving in the Reserve Forces. 

Those who serve in the British Armed Forces make an enormous contribution to our country, and we are proud to support veterans and their families within our University community. Their experiences bring a huge range of skills and perspectives and this pledge will continue to support our efforts to ensure they feel valued while working here.

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2025