National Gold Award for supporting hospital staff with military backgrounds
The Ministry of Defence has recognised an NHS trust with a top award for its work supporting hospital staff from armed forces backgrounds.
The Trust has been given the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises wide-ranging support for staff members who are reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers, or partners of serving personnel.
Christine Blanshard, Executive Officer Lead for the Armed Forces Staff Network at the Trust, said: “We are proud to offer support for colleagues so that they can thrive in both their NHS roles and military commitments as well as recognising the service our veterans have given.
“Our network plays an important role in shaping policies, such as paid leave for reservist training and flexible working for staff whose partners are deployed, injured or bereaved. This award is a real tribute to the care and commitment shown by so many people across the Trust over the years.”
A ceremony will take place in November on HMS Belfast, where those receiving the award from across the UK will be honoured.
The Trust, which has three main hospital sites in Southend, Basildon and Broomfield, works closely with the 254 Multi-Role Medical Regiment and the Royal British Legion, planning events recognising Armed Forces Week and Remembrance Day, as well as other commemorative days, which are open to staff, patients and visitors.
The network also works closely with Colchester Garrison and the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Registered with the Career Transition Partnership, a programme for all service leavers, the Trust advertises its vacancies and encourages applications from service leavers via the partnership, as well as promoting working in the NHS on the Forces Families Jobs website.