Trust recognised by government for armed forces work

Date: 09 September 2019

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Medway NHS Foundation Trust has received a national award from the Ministry of Defence for its work in supporting the armed forces community.

The Trust was presented with an Employers Recognition Scheme (ERS) ‘Silver Award’ by Rear Admiral Mike Bath, Assistant Chief of Navy Ships Personnel, at a special ceremony on board the historic ship HMS Victory in Portsmouth last week (Wednesday 4 September).

Staff members, including Head of Equality and Inclusion Alister McClure and Armed Forces Champion Representative Graeme Hallows, were congratulated for their work in enabling the recruitment and retention of armed forces reservists, and supporting reservists and the family members of regular armed forces personnel.

The ERS was launched to reward employers for their support of armed forces personnel and their families, and encompasses awards for organisations that pledge and demonstrate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust Executive Director of HR & OD, Leon Hinton, said:

''We are delighted to accept the award and it was a real honour for Medway to receive this recognition from the Ministry of Defence at the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Victory.

‘’The Trust is extremely proud to support employees who are members of HM Reserve Forces and Cadet Service volunteers, and we really appreciate the service they provide to their country, our patients and our local community in Medway and Swale.

The government's Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, added:      

“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.

‘’Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.” 

  • Summary:

    Medway NHS Foundation Trust has received a national award from the Ministry of Defence for its work in supporting the armed forces community.