Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust has achieved two prestigious accreditations in recent weeks. Both recognising the Trust as an employer who actively demonstrates its support to current and former members of the Armed Forces community and aligns its values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Covenant is the nation’s commitment to serving armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, that they will not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of healthcare.
Achieving both the VCHA Veteran Aware accreditation and most recently Silver level in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), means that the Trust has been formally recognised as a NHS healthcare provider committed to providing the best standards of care for the armed forces community. This commitment is based on the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrates the Trust’s support of Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.
Trust Chief Executive Karen Howell said: “We are thrilled to have achieved these fantastic accolades. We are committed to supporting our veterans and the wider Armed Forces Community and ensuring that they are treated fairly and do not face disadvantages.
After signing the Armed Forces Covenant last year we have gone from strength to strength, undertaking a variety of work with our clinical services, our Human Resources Department and throughout the Trust. Achieving Veteran Aware status and gaining our Silver level in the ERS means that we have been recognised for our ongoing efforts and we are able to demonstrate our commitment to the Armed Forces Community, both as a care provider and an employer.”
The Trust has formed a Working Group to drive further developments and has partnered with other local NHS organisations and The Poppy Factory Wirral.
You can find out more about the Trust’s work and commitment to be recognised as an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and find a directory of verified support services on the Trust website.
The Poppy Factory is a national charity that supports veterans with health conditions and their families into employment, helping them overcome any barriers.
