News and events

Newcastle Hospitals has received a ‘gold award’ for its outstanding support to the Armed Forces.

The Trust was one of 50 organisations in the UK to receive the highest badge of honour in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their long-term commitment to the armed forces community.

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, which each has signed.

Currently, Newcastle Hospitals has 34 reservists, 48 known veterans and a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer in its employment and some of the steps taken to support them include:

• Developing a dedicated Reserve Forces training and mobilisation policy which includes additional paid leave to enable them to attend their annual camp.
• Offering flexibility for spouses to take time off before, during and after a partner’s deployment, injury or during bereavement, in line with the Trust’s special leave policy.
• Offering a guaranteed interview scheme to those who identify themselves as a reservist or veteran, where they meet the minimum criteria.
• Working closely with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to offer bespoke work attachments to service leavers, taking into consideration the service leavers experience and where their interests lie to develop an attachment which will help to guide them towards a career they will enjoy and be successful in

Chief Executive Dame Jackie Daniel said: “This is fantastic news for us all but particularly the team who have dedicated their time to supporting our Armed Forces of which we are truly fortunate to have working in our Trust.

“We have taken a number of steps to ensure this community are not disadvantaged by the sacrifice they make in helping to keep this country safe and are honoured to be recognised by the Ministry of Defence for the work we do.

"It is important for us to celebrate the contribution made, particularly by our staff, who also serve as Reservists or our ex-forces and we very much value the extra skills and experience that they bring to our organisation.”

It is the second award for the Trust in recent months, having recently been named as the Winner of the Excellence in Support Armed Forces Talent at the CIPD Awards 2018.

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood added: “The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”

The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2014 by then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Defence Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, Service Leavers, Wounded Injured and Sick, Cadets, and spouses.

For a full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme