We are celebrating after being awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for its outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
Representing the highest badge of honour, ERS Gold Awards, a scheme launched through the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant, are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
With approximatley 120,000 working age veterans currently seeking employment in the UK, our trust has become part of national programme which pledges to support employment opportunities for Military Veterans in the NHS. The Trust proactively raises awareness of vacancies through the Community Transition Partnership, so that individual and their families can gain an understanding of the roles within the health service, including apprenticeships.
Working in partnership with neighbouring Trusts, local Armed Forces organisations, NHS Employers and Bay Healthcare partners, we are currently working to expand support and recruitment opportunities for Veterans, Reservists and Cadets. We will soon be launching welcome sessions for ex-service personnel who may wish to consider working in the NHS at the trust.
Over the last 12 months, our Military Veterans Team has established an Armed Forces Champions Group, which enlisted Trust employees to provide a single point of contact, information, training and support for staff working with Veterans and their families. In addition, as part of the NHS’ Step Into Health programme, LSCft’s HR team has helped people gain access to career opportunities through one to one sessions, organising placements within Trust services and encouraged applicants to sign up to dedicated career events for the Armed Forces Community.
Caroline Donovan, Chief Executive said:
“Our dedicated clinical and HR team for our military veteran services should be very proud of this achievement, so much hard work has gone into securing a Gold Award.
Here at LSCft we are committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, and to providing high quality care and support to veterans accessing our health care services, or those working within our organisation. We look forward to continuing the great work that the team has accomplished so far.”
For more information on Military Veterans’ Services for Lancashire, contact the team here.
