The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has been awarded a coveted Gold Award by the Ministry of Defence as part of their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Gold Award follows the trust’s successful receipt of silver in June 2023 and recognises the organisation’s on-going commitment to supporting the whole armed forces community including serving personnel, their families, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and veterans.
Organisations are awarded with either a bronze, silver or gold award for pledging, demonstrating and advocating support to the armed forces community as well as upholding the Armed Forces Covenant. The trust joins 200 organisations across the county in winning the Gold Award.
Parker: Strengthened commitment and improved support
Isle of Wight NHS Trust Medical Director and former Royal Navy Medical Officer, Steve Parker said,
“We are delighted to have been awarded the Gold Award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
“Over the last 12 months our organisation has strengthened its commitment and improved the support we can provide to the armed forces community here on the Island.
“This award is recognition of the improvements we are making and I am really proud of the team who have worked hard to help us realise this achievement.”
Over the last year
The trust has attended a number of events including the Island’s Armed Forces Day in June, held in Ryde. It has also hosted events such as a recent training day where all cadets were invited to learn lifesaving skills including how to treat anaphylaxis and how to perform CPR.
Colleagues from the trust also delivered training on CV and personal statement writing as well as the chance for cadets to practice interview techniques and learn how to promote their transferrable skills.
The trust has also held internal training events such as for those colleagues who work in St Mary’s Hospital urgent and emergency care teams as well as the ambulance service, in order to raise awareness amongst its employees that those with military service may have different needs and could experience triggers within healthcare settings.
The trust also has a new policy to improve its support to employees who are also Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. The policy includes paid support for them to be able to attend and complete their military training requirements.
Most recently
The trust has developed an innovative Island-wide Armed Forces Blue Light Partnership by working with colleagues from the Island’s Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Police Force and HM Prison and Probation Service.
They have come together with Veterans Outreach Support and the Isle of Wight Council to establish how the organisations can improve their support to the whole armed forces community. A Joining Forces event open to former members of the armed forces, their spouses, partners and carers will take place on Wednesday 18 September at the Riverside Centre, Newport.
Carns: Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, said,
“Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.
“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”
Joining Forces event
The trust’s work to support the Island’s armed forces community will continue throughout the summer months with it hosting the Joining Forces event on Wednesday 18th September at the Riverside Centre, Newport.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
