22 August 2024

We have 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. We join 200 organisations across the country in winning the Gold Award.

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 we have attended a number of events including the island’s Armed Forces Day in June, held in Ryde. We have also hosted events such as a recent training day where all island 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.

We have 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.

A new policy has also been put in place 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.

More recently we have 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. We 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.

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.”

Our work to support the island’s armed forces community will continue throughout the summer months as we host the Joining Forces event on Wednesday 18 September at the Riverside Centre, Newport.

More information about the Gold Award can be found on the UK Government's website: Organisations 'win gold' for supporting armed forces community - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)