Northumbria named in UK's top 50 employers of veterans

Northumbria University has been named one of the 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026 - the definitive national ranking of Forces Friendly organisations in the UK.

Now in its fourth year, the programme recognises employers who demonstrate measurable, sustained commitment to veterans, reservists and military families across recruitment, development and retention. Inclusion in the Top 50 is determined through a rigorous independent assessment by a judging panel of senior business leaders, veterans and subject matter experts.

The recognition reflects a long-standing commitment by Northumbria to the Armed Forces community. In 2017, the University became the first in the North East to sign the Armed Forces Covenant - a formal pledge to support serving personnel, veterans and their families and was awarded the Bronze Award from the Covenant's Employer Recognition Scheme, achieving Silver status in 2018 and renewing that status in 2023.

The University also recognises military training and qualifications for entry into degree programmes, enabling serving personnel and veterans to access higher education without relying solely on traditional academic routes.

At the heart of Northumbria's approach is the Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, a multi-disciplinary team of academics, peer researchers and PhD students conducting translational research across health and social care, psychology, public health, social policy and nursing. The Hub works with government bodies, local authorities, NHS organisations and third sector partners - including the Royal British Legion and NHS England - on major projects shaping national policy and service provision. Veterans and military family members contribute not only as employees but as peer researchers, with their lived experience recognised as a form of expertise.

The Hub's profile within the sector has brought further national recognition this year, with Professor Gavin Oxburgh, Assistant Director of the Northern Hub, Highly Commended for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 British Forces in Business Awards gala at Grosvenor House London - one of the most prestigious categories in the programme - in recognition of his exceptional contributions spanning military service, academic excellence and public service. Selected from a record-breaking field of more than 1,000 entries, the award ceremony was attended by more than 1,200 business and military leaders.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University, said: "Being recognised as one of the UK's top employers of veterans reflects the genuine, long-term commitment that runs across our institution. From signing the Armed Forces Covenant to housing one of the country's leading research hubs dedicated to the veterans' community, it is a deeply held part of who we are as a university. We are proud to stand alongside organisations setting the standard for how the Armed Forces community is valued and supported in civilian life.”

Professor Gavin Oxburgh, Assistant Director of the Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research at Northumbria University, said: “This recognition means a great deal to everyone involved in the Northern Hub. Our work is grounded in the lived experiences of veterans and their families, and it is only possible because of the University's wholehearted support for that mission. Being named in the Top 50 sends a clear signal that Northumbria does not just talk about its commitment to the Armed Forces community, it demonstrates it through research, policy and practice, day in, day out."

The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026 ranking was published on 25 June ahead of the ninth annual British Forces in Business Awards, held at Grosvenor House London, the world's largest business celebration of the military community.