East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust has been recognised as a top employer for people who have served in the armed forces, and those who are reservists.
The trust is the only NHS organisation in Hertfordshire to achieve the highest Gold Award status from the Ministry of Defence, under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The award is given to those employers who demonstrate exemplar support to the armed forces community – including flexible working, paid leave for reservists and a guaranteed interview scheme for ex-forces personnel who meet essential criteria for a role.
Nick Carver, chief executive at the trust, said: “We are incredibly proud of our staff that have come from the armed forces, and those currently serving as reservists.
“As a large local employer, we recognise the importance of supporting our armed forces community – we believe that we have a moral duty to support those who defend our nation, but we also believe their skills and experience make a unique and valuable contribution to our trust, and to the care we give our patients.
“I’m really pleased that our work to support our defence staff has been recognised with this prestigious Gold Award.”
Palmer Winstanley, divisional director for planned care at the trust and a Major in the Army Reserve, said: “The trust does a lot to support veterans, reservists and forces family members – including advice around career transition, guaranteed interviews, flexible working and recognition of how your skills can benefit patients. I feel my experience is really valued here.”
Notes to editors
Nationally, 100 Employers will receive an ERS Gold Award 2019. The scheme continues to grow year on year with awardees doubling in the last 12 months taking the total to 228.
Employers have won awards for initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists. Included are 23 Local Authorities, 13 NHS Hospitals and Trusts and 29 SMEs.
The winners will receive their ERS Gold Awards at an exclusive Ministry of Defence ceremony being held on 12 November 2019 at the National Army Museum in London.
