Veterans, ex-armed forces and their families

The vision is for each university and college in Scotland to have a dedicated Veterans & Armed Forces Champion (VAFC) within their institution, responsible for establishing and leading a small team of knowledgeable individuals (familiar with the Armed Forces community). There are no definitive numbers, other than a minimum of two; it is for the institution to decide in light of their resources, but as a guide please refer to the VAFC team guide.

The purpose is clear and straightforward. Each University and College is encouraged to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. This demonstrates the institutions’ commitment to ensuring those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. If each university and college in Scotland signs the Covenant this is presenting a clear education sector message to the Armed Forces community that the sector cares. The sector is not creating advantage but removing disadvantage. (Selection of the VAFC is usually part of this process, although there are examples of the AFC being signed ahead of VAFC appointment).

The VAFC:

• Can be any member of staff who demonstrates a passion for supporting the Veterans and Armed Forces community. The VAFC should have a desire to ensure the institution is working towards fulfilling the pledges they agreed to when signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Will be the main point of contact for the institution and be responsible for ensuring questions/enquiries are dealt with, either directly or redirected to the most relevant team and/or directed to University staff such as Programme Leads/Directors. (The VAFC should always enter into initial dialogue with the enquirer before redirection).
• Will be responsible for:
  • Engagement across the Community. This can be via the military centres local to the institution; through the 3rd sector organisations; local government; partner colleges; RFCA; within your institution; and others.
  • Establishing promotion of the institutions work, such as via a micro website within the institution’s web page. This will include regular liaison with the stakeholders within the institution.
  • Preparation and dissemination of guidance to existing and new staff.
  • Identifying Veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, within both the staff and student body.

The above are what might be considered as the primary roles. It is likely that other roles will develop organically according to the need of the Community and your institution.

Ideally the team in each institution will include a representative from each of the following areas, (but not exclusively limited to these groups):

• Student Recruitment – be familiar with the Armed Forces community and transition process from military to civilian life and the qualification learning pathway (SCQF model). Willing to have 1:1 meeting with potential student’s from the armed forces community to explore areas of prior learning and experience.
• Widening Participation – be familiar with the Armed Forces community and transition process from military to civilian life and the qualification learning pathway (SCQF model). Willing to have 1:1 meeting with potential student’s from the armed forces community to explore areas of prior learning and experience.
• HR – be familiar with the Armed Forces community and transition process from military to civilian life and willing to have 1:1 meeting with potential candidate from the armed forces community to explore areas of prior learning and experience and relevance for the jobs available.

Community Engagement – be familiar with the Armed Forces community and open to exploring areas of possible collaboration.

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner (SVC) works to improve the lives and opportunities of the veterans community in Scotland by engaging with members of the ex-Service community, as well as the public, private and voluntary organisations that represent them.

Veterans Scotland’s aim is to establish cooperation and coordination between Veterans organisations in Scotland, to act as a focal point for all matters concerning the ex-service community within Scotland and to represent those matters to Government at all levels.

Forces in Mind Trust – toolkit development for University and College Champions.

The Veterans Employability Strategic Group sits in this Scottish Government Directorate.

The SCiP Alliance brings people together to improve educational outcomes for children from military families so they can make informed and confident transitions through further and higher education into thriving adult lives and careers.

UCAS has worked with the SCiP Alliance to create resources for students writing personal statements, schools and colleges supporting service children, and more recently, a guide for HE admissions departments.

With regard to the Commission on Widening Access, UCAS has also produced information about entry requirements in Scotland, created in consultation with the Universities Scotland language sub-group.

Careers Transition Partnership (CTP) is the official provider of Armed Forces resettlement. The CTP provides resettlement services for those leaving the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines. Regardless of time served, all members of the Armed Forces can benefit from CTP support when leaving Service.

The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an agency of the Scottish Government giving financial support to eligible students doing a course of higher education in the UK. They receive over 150,000 applications annually from undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as applications for the Disabled Student Allowance, NHS Bursary Scheme and Part-time Fee Grant. Their website provides information on all types of student funding available and allows you to apply for your financial support.

There are special arrangements for military personnel and their families who may be temporarily absent from Scotland for periods of time due to being posted abroad or posted elsewhere in the UK. In most instances they should apply for support to the country in the UK in which the family member in the military was ordinarily resident when they joined up.

See the latest Further Education Residency guidance.

The College Development Network (CDN) leads on innovation, creating CPD opportunities and sharing best practice.

Universities Scotland is a membership organisation working for the Principals and Directors of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions. It develops higher education policy and campaign on issues where its members have a shared interest.

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) helps people of all ages and circumstances to access the education and training that is appropriate to them over their lifetime. It can help you plan your learning and develop progression routes to follow, whatever your situation may be.