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September 2026

University College Birmingham earns Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award

By Claire Huggins

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University College Birmingham (UCB) has been recognised for its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community after receiving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

The award highlights the University's dedication to supporting veterans, reservists, serving personnel and military families, while recognising the positive contribution they make across the institution. The achievement reflects the University’s commitment to inclusive employment practices, flexible support arrangements and creating opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community to thrive.

The recognition comes as University College Birmingham continues to strengthen its engagement with the Armed Forces sector and explore opportunities connected to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

UCB's David Paulson and Supinder Singh Varaitch pictured with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award.

David Paulson and Supinder Singh Varaitch pictured with the award

UCB has already played a role in highlighting the opportunities created by the Games, which will bring wounded, injured and sick service personnel from all over the world to Birmingham. The city and its residents are set to benefit from the impact and opportunities arising from its status as host city.

Representing the University at the award event, Dr David Paulson - Executive Dean Business School was joined by Supinder Singh Varaitch, Advanced Practitioner - Teaching and Learning and an Army Reservist.

"It was a real privilege to accompany David in picking up the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award on behalf of UCB at the beautiful National Remembrance Gardens,” said Supinder.

“The event ended with a moving remembrance ceremony, which gave the whole day a profound sense of purpose.

"This award reflects UCB's deep commitment and hard work in supporting veterans, reservists and military families who are such a valued part of our community."

"This award reflects UCB's deep commitment and hard work in supporting veterans, reservists and military families who are such a valued part of our community."

Supinder Singh Varaitch Advanced Practitioner - Teaching and Learning and Army Reservist

Recipients of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award stand in remembrance at the National Remembrance Gardens' service

Supinder Singh Varaitch (far right) joins silver award recipients in remembrance

The ERS Silver Award demonstrates the progress UCB has made in supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, while reinforcing the University's wider commitment to inclusion, opportunity and community engagement.

As Birmingham prepares to welcome the Invictus Games in 2027, University College Birmingham is keen to build on this momentum by strengthening relationships with Armed Forces organisations, recruiters and veterans' networks, helping ensure that service personnel and their families can access meaningful opportunities in education and employment.

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