Trust receives award from Ministry of Defence for work with military personnel
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has been commended by the Ministry of Defence with a special award for its work with military personnel.
The Trust’s involvement in the Step into Health programme, designed to encourage military leavers to pursue opportunities in healthcare, was this week recognised with a Silver Award in the MoD’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
Having won the Bronze award in 2017, the Trust’s HR team has over the last year worked hard to further improve the experience of former military personnel working in its hospitals. This has included setting up a ‘buddy system’ whereby current Trust staff with a military background support new recruits as they settle into the organisation.
“We’re really proud to have won this award,” said Dawn Sullivan, deputy director of people and organisation development at the Trust.
“We benefit hugely from the expertise of the staff we recruit with military experience. Whether they are trauma surgeons, lead nurses or security staff, the specialist training and skills they bring makes an invaluable contribution to the running of our hospitals, and ultimately, providing the best possible care for patients. We’re lucky to have them as part of our team.”
As part of its commitment to working with the military, the Trust is looking into ways to expand its support to staff who currently serve in the reserve forces and cadets.
The Employer Recognition Scheme was set up in 2014 to recognise employers who support the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures fair treatment of current and former military personnel.
Commenting on the awards, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans Tobias Ellwood MP said: “A Silver Award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefit to the Armed Forces Community.”
