Supporting veterans' healthcare
We’re committed to helping our veterans in every way possible. Their mental and physical health, supporting them and their family and carers to live a healthy and happy lifestyle, and ensuring that they have equal access to any employment opportunities within our organisation.
Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award
In July 2022 we were awarded a prestigious Gold award by the MoD (Ministry of Defence) in recognition of our efforts to become an armed forces friendly employer. Only 643 organisations in the South East hold the accolade - out of 5 million businesses.
Visit GOV.UK to read more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (opens new browser tab)
We’ve signed the Armed Forces Covenant
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant showing our commitment to people from the armed forces and stipulates a range of requirements from us as service providers and employers.
In the video below, Major Dawn Saunders, Officer Commanding of 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron, and our Chief Executive, Julian Emms, talk about the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant.
You can also watch the video on our YouTube channel
Watcher our Armed Forces Covenant announcement video on YouTube (opens new browser tab)
The Armed Forces Covenant, which was enshrined in law in the Armed Forces Act (2011), ensures that service personnel, veterans, and their families aren’t disadvantaged by their service and that special provision is made for those who have sacrificed the most, including the injured and the bereaved.
Visit the Armed Forces Covenant website to find out more (opens new browser tab)
If you’re a veteran or member of the armed forces, please let us know on your first visit to our services or as part of your referral so we can get you the care you need.
We also support our staff who are members of reserve forces, through flexibility around working hours, and additional leave for deployment and training commitments.
We're Veteran Aware
We're part of a growing number of Trusts who have volunteered to be part of the Veteran Aware accreditation scheme to help us deliver the best possible healthcare and support to veterans and their families.
Read our news story about our Veteran Aware accreditation to find out more
Op COURAGE: NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
Our veterans’ service supports former servicemen and women living in the South Central region of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, who are experiencing challenges following discharge.
These may be mental health difficulties, problems adjusting to life out of the armed forces, including housing, finances and employment and difficulties accessing services. We also provide support to families of service people and their carers.
Veterans criminal justice support
Our Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion (CJLD) team provides support to UK veterans, regular and reserve - including those who have served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary - involved in the judicial system, either with the police or the courts.
Find out more about our Veterans CJLD service (opens new browser tab)
Supporting staff from the Armed Forces
We recognise the transferable skills and cultural values that Armed Forces personnel have developed, and how these skills and values are compatible with working in the NHS and actively encourage applications from people who are currently employed in the armed forces.
Read about our Armed Forces Staff support commitment (opens new browser tab)