Our Trust has received the Defence Employer Recognition Gold Award. This is the highest badge of honour awarded by the UK government and recognises the commitment of organisations to those who have been or are in the armed forces and their families.
Just under 200 organisations received this award in 2023.
We have been recognised for our support for veterans and their families employed by our Trust, as well as people from the armed forces community who use our services.
It has inclusive and supportive recruitment policies in place for people working or volunteering at our Trust and also works with third sector partners to support the Armed Forces community.
Susan Tilley, Veteran Lead and Practitioner of our Veterans Service, said:
"We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this prestigious award, which demonstrates the support we provide to our veterans and their families, and championing the recruitment of reservists, cadet adult forces volunteers and supporting them in employment. We are extremely proud and will strive to continue the champion this initiative."
Raj Rutah, Chartered Director of our Lead Clinical Engagement and Service Transformation, said:
"We have a very close and committed veterans’ community who meet regularly and we’re proud to be recognised for championing their bespoke needs in this, the most prestigious of all employer recognition awards in this arena."
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourage employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. Gold Award holders are the highest accolade an organisation can achieve within the ERS and there are a number of steps such organisations must have taken in order to be awarded this prestigious award.