Published on: 8 October 2024
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services NHS Foundation Trust have jointly won a national award as a result of their employees’ success in raising awareness of the needs of the Armed Forces community. 
The two NHS Trusts run a joint Armed Forces staff network which works to break down the barriers for people who have served in the Armed Forces in accessing health services and working for the NHS. And last week, the two Trusts won a Step into Health Award in recognition of the staff network’s efforts.
The award came in the ‘Forces-Friendly Employer’ category. This award recognises an NHS organisation that has excelled in creating a supportive environment for NHS employees from the Armed Forces community.
Step into Health is a long-standing national programme that provides support and guidance for NHS organisations to review and enhance recruitment practices, so they are able to attract members of the Armed Forces community, benefit from the transferable skills and values they bring to the workforce and showcase the NHS as the employer of choice.
The joint staff network’s approach in collaborating across two Trusts means that the network now boasts a membership of almost 60 people across Derbyshire, 30% of which are veterans. There are also four reservists, two cadet leaders and colleagues who have family members serving in the Armed Forces. The network has worked with senior managers at the two NHS Trusts to ensure that armed forces personnel are encouraged to apply for jobs and, if successful, are then supported as they make the transition to ‘civvy street’.
Both Trusts have worked hard to advocate for the rights of those from the Armed Forces community through focused engagement across a range of platforms, including both local and national events targeting veterans and those associated with the forces. Direct support has also been provided for service personnel who leave the military and need significant adjustments such as signposting to available mental health services. This has helped to create a sense of belonging for the community, ensuring people ‘feel seen’ and understood during this challenging time.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was pleased to hear the news about the network gaining national recognition for their efforts. He said: “A huge well done to both Derbyshire Community Health Services and our Trust for the support shown to the Armed Forces community.
“This national award win is a testament to the hard work of our fantastic Armed Forces Staff Network, particularly for promoting the good work of both Trusts and raising awareness of the support available both locally and nationally. The two Trusts are also eagerly awaiting some more positive news as finalists for the HSJ Awards for supporting the Armed Forces community.”
The award winners can be found on the NHS Employers website.
