Trust achieves Gold Armed Forces recognition award

We are pleased to have been awarded the Gold Award in the 2023 Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

The Gold Award of the MOD’s ERS scheme acknowledges employers who pledge, demonstrate and advocate their support for the Armed Forces and wider forces communities.

This award, which is the highest standard in the scheme, was received by the Trust in recognition of our commitment and work to support staff and patients who are reservists and veterans, forces families and other local people who have links to the Armed Forces.

It shows our commitment to being a ‘forces-friendly’ organisation and is testament to the way we have embedded this into recruitment and selection processes, HR policies and advocacy work. We also have a bespoke policy that specifically supports and promotes the interests of reservists, veterans, and families who work for the organisation.  

We have conducted initiatives to promote both external and internal advocacy, including setting up an internal Armed Forces Network to support ex-service personnel, reserves, and their families and friends amongst employees.

We have also raised awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant by encouraging other local businesses, including Nationwide and the National Trust, to pledge their support.

In the last year, two Defence Medical Welfare Officers have also been appointed, who provide daily specialist support and signposting services to patients with links to the forces.

Lisa Cheek, Chief Nurse, said: “We are delighted to have received this award, which shows the organisations ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces; something that we take great pride in.

“The skills and experience of those who have served, or continue to serve, in the Forces has helped shape us as an organisation, diversifying our workforce and bringing together local communities.

“Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to help us reach this great achievement.”