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United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) has recently pledged to support its Armed Forces community with Step into Health

Chief Executive of ULHT presenting to an audience.

In late 2022 ULHT took the proud step of re-pledging to Step into Health. Since then, the ULHT Armed Forces staff network team has developed policies and activities to increase support to those who perhaps had not previously considered a role within the NHS.

In January, ULHT delivered an inaugural insight day. The inspiring and inclusive event was sold out and attended by delegates who represented almost all cohorts of the Armed Forces community; service leavers, veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, wounded, injured and sick and family members.

Andrew Morgan, chief executive at ULHT, welcomed the audience and reiterated the importance of their transferable skills. He highlighted their resourcefulness and ability to cope with ambiguity alongside their leadership, management and communication skills.

The day showcased the employment and training opportunities within ULHT, East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, the NHS Reserve and wider NHS. It included top tips on the application process from the organisations HR specialist and personal stories from those who have made the transition from the Armed Forces into the NHS workforce.

Abbi Quinn, vice chair of the Armed Forces staff network, explained how trust policy has been reviewed and developed to support family members of regular personnel and highlighted the benefits of flexible working opportunities.

ULHT recognise their role as an anchor organisation, and understand the importance of reducing barriers to employment and the difference this makes to our community. For members of the Armed Forces community these barriers can include:

  • Gaps in employment resulting from multiple relocations in support of regular service
  • The inability to translate or recognise where skills and experience fit within an organisation.

The next step for ULHT is to offer work placements and roll out a guaranteed interview scheme in the coming weeks, with more Armed Forces insight days planned as biannual events to build on our success and broaden participation within the community.