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Healthcare trust proves commitment to support members of Armed Forces Community in five-year accreditation renewal

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has had its Gold Award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) revalidated until the end of 2029.

The ERS recognises employers who have pledged to support members of the Armed Forces community, including their families, regardless of their commitments to serving their country.

Initially awarded Gold in 2019, the trust has continued to prove its dedication to supporting veterans, meeting the updated criteria to become re-accredited for another five years. One of the key requirements to achieving this was having signed the Armed Forces Covenant which was actioned in 2023.

The signing of the covenant supports the Armed Forces Act, 2021, and states by law that no member of the Armed Forces community will be disadvantaged when accessing or receiving healthcare. This applies to members and their families who have relocated to Northumberland or North Tyneside.

In addition, the trust demonstrates its forces-friendly accreditations throughout the recruitment process and welcomes applications from members of the forces. For those who currently hold the position of reservist, policies are in place to support their mobilisation and continued mandatory training to maintain the role.

Not only has the trust had this accreditation revalidated but its Veteran Aware status by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) has been renewed until 2026. The programme provides a foundation for NHS trusts to understand and meet the needs of members of the Armed Forces Community.

Birju Bartoli, Chief Executive of Northumbria Healthcare, said: “The renewal of this accreditation proves our commitment here at Northumbria to supporting members of the Armed Forces. We recognise their contributions within our communities and understand the need for us to provide support throughout their careers in the forces.”