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Veterans and Reservists Staff Network

Information on how the University of Sunderland's Veterans and Reservists Staff Network has run between 2022-23.

What is the Veterans and Reservists Staff Network?

The Veterans and Reservists Network aims to provide a safe space to share experiences and knowledge, discuss current topics, and make influence wherever possible.

The network has made great strides to address equality issues through monthly meetings with members and raises awareness of issues to a senior sponsor when necessary.

Our members have highlighted that they attend this network for the experience to connect with like-minded people. It is an opportunity to share interests and knowledge, while developing change throughout the University.

80% agree that this network gives them the feeling that they belong
80% agree that this network allows them to express their authentic self
80% agree that this network allows them to express their views without judgement.

Our Veterans and Reservists Network Chair

Simone Bedford is the Chair of the Veterans and Reservists Staff Network.

Simone Bedford

University of Sunderland staff and ex-armed forces personnel

Initiatives and actions that have impacted the University

Our network discussed the ways they have impacted the University positively. One of the biggest impacts that has taken place at the University in the last year is the introduction of the Certificate in Higher Education – Health course. After working with the Defence Medical Academy, we developed this course to help veterans build on their existing skills and experience for a career in the health profession.

Find out more about the Certificate in Higher Education – Health course.

Lecturer Simon Kendal dressed in armed forces uniform

Aims for the next 12 months

The aims for our network in the year ahead include:

Increasing the awareness of our staff network
Understanding how to better represent our members and their aspirations
Helping our veterans to involve the community through education and events to help support their everyday lives
Aiming to attract more members to our society, and setting up a mentoring scheme to help support each other.

A group of veterans in uniform and visitors at an Armed Forces event

Our senior sponsors

We receive support from senior sponsors at the University. Looking forward, we ask our sponsor to:

Commit to using their connections and knowledge to support the network in delivering great events, widening membership, and inspiring staff across the University
Work to feed the views of the networks to the EDI group and Executive
Create opportunities for members to use their skills to improve the network across the University
Encourage more people to join the network
Facilitate support when required by bringing awareness to our Executives.

A group of British soldiers dressed in uniform and camouflage

Does the network support the delivery of the University’s value of inclusion?

When our members were asked if the group support the delivery of the University's value of inclusion, 80% answered ‘Definitely yes’ and 20% answered ‘Probably yes’.

Our terms of reference

We asked our members their opinions on how we deliver our terms of reference:

Connections

To create connections, a safe space, shared purpose, interests, information, and sense of belonging for members.

Stairs outside the Prospect building at Sir Tom Cowie campus

To share problems, knowledge, ideas, situations, and lessons.

Solve problems

To help to solve problems and challenges by bringing resources, processes, and influencing change.

Christmas lights on the trees on City campus

Powerful voice

To be a powerful voice and source for positive change, embedded across the whole University.

Contact us

We welcome feedback on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Please contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team, inclusion@sunderland.ac.uk or the Students' Union at yoursu@sunderland.ac.uk.