Wirral University Teaching Hospital Celebrates Silver Award in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Wirral University Teaching Hospital has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This accolade highlights the hospital's commitment to supporting defence personnel and aligning its values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

 

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect. It aims to prevent disadvantage in accessing public and commercial services, provide special consideration for the injured or bereaved, and is supported by businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public sector. Key areas of focus include healthcare, education, housing, and employment, ensuring that military personnel and their families receive the support and opportunities they deserve.

 

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. It comprises Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, recognising organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for the defence and armed forces community.

 

To achieve the Silver Award, Wirral University Teaching Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and built upon the foundation laid by previously receiving the Bronze Award. This recognition underscores the hospital’s dedication to ensuring that service personnel and the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged in recruitment and selection processes. Additionally, the hospital has shown proactive support for Reservists demonstrating a strong HR policy in favour of defence personnel.

 

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This achievement reflects our commitment to supporting those who serve in the armed forces and integrating these values into our workplace culture. Our dedication to the Armed Forces Covenant ensures that we continue to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the defence community.”

 

Mark Chidgey,  Chief Finance Officer and Executive Partner of the Armed Forces Network added: “To receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver award is a huge honour and a fitting recognition of all who have worked across the Trust to build our armed forces network and ensure support for all in our armed force community This award highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that recognises the contributions of our armed forces community.”

Mike Larsen, Armed Forces Staff Network member and Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer with the Sea Cadets across Merseyside added “I am incredibly proud to be part of a workplace that actively supports the armed forces community through the Employer Recognition Scheme. I have worked for the NHS for 13 years and in that time and have seen the Trust increase their support to all members of the armed forces community, including veterans, reservists, cadet forces adult volunteers and family members. It's inspiring to see our commitment to supporting those who have served our country”