University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has been recognised for its outstanding support and advocacy of the Armed Forces by being re-awarded Gold in the Employer Recognitions Scheme (ERS).
The Trust was first recognised in 2018 and the revalidation of the gold award means we have maintained the highest badge of honour for organisations who employ and support military personnel, service leavers, and their families.
Kirstie Lawrence, Regional Employer Engagement Director, East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust richly deserve this re-validation. Retaining Gold is just as momentous an occasion as winning it in the first place because it requires organisations to maintain that initial momentum and demonstrate, sustained, long-lasting support. They are an exemplar organisation for their ongoing work to build better workforces and working relationships as Defence employers.”
Clare Teeney, Chief People Officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “I’m extremely proud to retain our Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award. This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the armed forces community. It’s important we support veterans, reservists and cadets and show them the commitment they’ve shown to the country.”
Armed Forces Champion and Non-Executive Director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Ballu Patel, added: “I feel really strongly about our Armed Forces and their representation in our hospitals. This is excellent news and it highlights our support to the armed forces whether it’s caring for veterans who use our services, creating employment opportunities for people coming out of the forces or supporting colleagues who are reservists or involved with the cadets.”
The ERS recognises employer organisations that advocate support for the armed forces community, and UHL is one of only a few NHS Trusts to have achieved and retained a Gold award. In June 2023, the Trust re-signed the Armed Forces covenant which contained new commitments, including, increasing paid leave arrangements to reflect 12 paid days for reserves, 6 paid days for cadets and 2 paid days for regular spouses to accommodate unforeseen military delays. The Trust has also established its Armed Forces Network and has implemented a guaranteed interview scheme for the armed forces community.
