MOD Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award York St John has become one of only a handful of universities to receive the MOD ERS Gold award which recognizes commitment to developing opportunities for members of the armed forces and reserves. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards 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.
Since then, Nick has successfully delivered the Military Human™ training to more than 3,500 staff from the NHS and other public bodies across England and Wales; some of which have been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust fund.
With the support from the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) Yorkshire and Humber team, central to the award win is York St John University’s initiative the Military Human™ which supports and enables staff from a wide range of professions and community services to understand military culture and the complex transition to civilian life following time in the armed forces.
He said: “Being a veteran myself I am absolutely delighted to learn that our university has received the prestigious MOD ERS Gold Award. To be recognised in this way reflects the incredible hard work by our Continued Professional Development (CPD) team, HR in supporting our reservists, staff and students from the School of Science, Technology and Health and York Business School, student engagement staff and colleagues who are veterans themselves.
Nick Wood, Business Development Manager (Armed Forces and Uniformed Services), served in the Royal Navy in the Falklands in 1982, and subsequently launched the Veterans in Custody Support model in 2010 whilst serving in HM Prison Service, before joining the University in 2012.
“The Award resonates with one of the core values we work towards which is making a positive difference within our community and to engage with social and community issues to enhance people’s lives for the better. A significant and very proud day for York St John University.”
