RCHT awarded Gold Employer Recognition Award 2023

The award reflects the RCHT’s support for colleagues from the Armed Forces community.

Organisations from across the country have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community.  This is a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013.  The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.

To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations need to demonstrate they are actively promoting their support for veterans and the benefits of employing people from the forces, as well as offering paid days leave for reservists as part of supportive HR policies for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Kim O’Keeffe, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer for the RCHT, said: “The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has a proud record supporting those who have served in our armed forces.  Throughout our history we have helped colleagues from the RAF, Army and Royal Navy to find fulfilling careers here at RCHT and have seen the many transferable skills these valued colleagues bring to our hospitals.  To be among those awarded this prestigious award reflects our very real commitment to providing Cadet Force adult volunteers, veterans, reservists and their families every opportunity to build a fulfilling career with us.  A fantastic achievement for RCHT, and something we can all be really proud of.”

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards.  I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”

This year, organisations across a range of sectors including transportation, education, finance, and healthcare have been recognised in the awards.  Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees.  This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring to our organisations.