Brunel University London has a deep and longstanding relationship with the UK’s Armed Forces and the wider armed forces community. With the Brunel campus sharing the London borough of Hillingdon with 2 major military locations as well as the former RAF Uxbridge, the university works closely with existing staff, students and the wider Armed Forces community to offer support, engagement, recruiting and transition opportunities.
Brunel was really pleased to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in September 2016 – at the time, the only university in London to do so. As a signatory, Brunel has fully committed to upholding a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Alongside this, Brunel was awarded a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award in November 2016. The Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Amongst many areas of engagement, Brunel currently:
- Works with the Career Transition Partnership (the MOD's official provider of Armed Forces resettlement) to actively promote relevant job vacancies to Service personnel leaving the Armed Forces
- Promotes opportunities to serve in the Reserve Forces during our Staff Induction workshops whilst having an Armed Forces presence at student careers fairs and employment events
- Communicates with military establishments across London and the South East through our What’s on Guide, promoting Brunel’s academic programmes, cultural events and other activities
- Continues to provide a range of opportunities for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans to prepare for their competitive endeavours at the Invictus Games through use of our sports facilities and adapted on-campus accommodation
Mike Keighley, Brunel’s Armed Forces Covenant Champion and serving Army Reservist, has recently established an Armed Forces Network on campus. This, like many other existing networks operating at Brunel, brings people with shared backgrounds and experiences together to meet, talk and create an informal community. The membership extends to Reservists and Veterans, (from both the staff and student communities across all the Services), students currently serving in the Armed Forces, Adult Cadet Instructors and military spouses.