Universities in Support of Wounded, Injured and Sick (UNSWIS) was established in 2012 and has grown to a network of 36 Universities across the UK providing short unpaid work placements, taster visits, open days and education and training advice for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) personnel assisting them in their transition to civilian employment. Veterans, spouses, partners and close family members may also need support in gaining employment in order to address changed family circumstances.

Before UNSWIS there were no formal partnerships with universities designed to support rehabilitation and resettlement of WIS personnel through work experience placements. Universities are a major contributor to the UK economy. Higher education in the UK generates £73 billion per annum and directly and indirectly employs over 750,000 people.

Universities are diverse businesses requiring staff at all levels to keep them functioning efficiently and productively making them ideally placed to offer meaningful rehabilitation work experiences and subsequent full time employers for WIS personnel, veterans, their spouses, partners and close family members.