Bronze award accolade for supporting the armed forces community

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) has presented Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) with the bronze award recognising their work to become an armed forces-friendly organisation.

In December, KCHFT signed the Armed Forces Covenant witnessed by representatives from Royal British Legion colleagues.

Developed by the Armed Forces Community Staff Network, human resources and patient and carer participation teams, the covenant includes eight pledges which outline ambitions to employ and support colleagues from the armed forces and improve the patient experience for people from this community.

Chief People Officer Victoria Robinson-Collins said: “This is a great step towards our goal to achieve gold in the scheme. This award acknowledges the work we are doing to support our armed forces community, while recognising the potential they bring to roles in healthcare.

“We already employ people who have served and those from military families. They are key to helping us improve essential training and importantly provide support to each other with an understanding that only someone within that community has.”

The DERS scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

View the signed Armed Forces Covenant and list of pledges.

You can also read more about our colleagues who are sharing their journey from working with the military to joining the NHS.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - bronze award