Four ceremonies took place on Wednesday 15 July, with the partnership front and centre throughout.
The day was attended by Brigadier Shaun Chandler, Head of the Leadership, Education and Development Group within Army Individual Training Command, whose visit came weeks after the University announced the recommissioning of its Ministry of Defence contract, a new six-year programme delivering Level 6 Leadership and Management apprenticeship training to upwards of 700 service personnel.
The military connection was felt beyond the stage too, with graduates and guests entertained by The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band.
It is the latest milestone in a partnership built on five years of collaboration, and part of a decade of public sector workforce development that has seen the University train more than 10,000 professionals since 2018 across defence, policing, the NHS and local government.
Speaking at the ceremony, Brigadier Shaun Chandler told graduates: “The degree you receive today is much more than just a certificate. It represents the confidence to think differently. The discipline to persevere, and the humility to continue growing.
“One of the greatest strengths of any organisation, is its people. But people do not develop by accident. They develop because individuals choose to improve. And because organisations create the opportunities for them to do so. That is why partnerships such as this between the University of Staffordshire, employers and professional communities, are so important. They bring academic knowledge together with practical experience, ensuring that learning has real impact.”
Among the graduates, Clare Veal’s final project secured formal approval for an immersive on-site medical training facility within the military, overcoming significant organisational and infrastructure challenges to deliver a lasting improvement in training capability and operational readiness.
Jamie Gillighan examined how transition programmes can better support service leavers into civilian employment, while Jake Berridge explored the impact of organisational stress within a military headquarters – research with real and immediate relevance to the institution they serve.
Beyond the military cohort, the day celebrated success stories of every kind. Clare Courtney, a mature student supporting a husband serving in the military, balanced microplacements, open days, Unitemps and the Go Abroad programme with her studies – all while getting married along the way.
Malvina Maxinese has already established her own accounting, auditing and tax consultancy firm in Stoke, and Elina Valentinova Angelova graduated with a First Class degree and a 96% attendance record, having progressed from London Underground cleaning duties to Supervisor.
The day also saw Rob Barber KFSM, former Chief Fire Officer of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, receive the University’s highest honour, an Honorary Doctorate, in recognition of a 28-year career in the fire service and the King’s Fire Service Medal awarded to him in 2024.
University of Staffordshire's Chief Operating Officer Ian Blachford, who delivered the closing remarks at the graduation ceremonies, praised the breadth of achievement on display.
He said: “Days like this are what a university is for. Watching hundreds of our Institute of Business and Innovation graduates cross the stage, many of them balancing families, careers and real personal challenges alongside their studies, is a privilege.
“We are especially proud to mark this milestone alongside our partners in the Ministry of Defence, whose renewed six-year commitment to train the next generation of military leaders is a real vote of confidence in what the University of Staffordshire does best.”
Dr Carol Southall, Head of Staffordshire Business School, said: “Every one of today’s graduates has a story, whether that’s balancing military service with study, changing career direction, or building the confidence to mentor others through the same challenges they once faced themselves. That range is exactly what the Institute of Business and Innovation is about, and our partnership with the armed forces is a brilliant example of the real-world impact this work has.”