Silver Award highlights commitment to Armed Forces
St George’s has been recognised for its commitment to providing and promoting NHS career opportunities to Armed Forces leavers. The Trust has been named as a Silver Award winner in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Just 34 employers across the private and public sector in Greater London are being given this accolade. During the past year St George’s has hosted insight seminars for veterans, service leavers and service spouses at our main site and in the city of London; attended various awareness and education events; provided tailored work experience opportunities leading to employment; and promoted specific routes into NHS careers for Armed Forces staff.
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and offer 10 days’ paid leave to Reservists. Our local 256 Field Squadron has attended a number of events at the Trust including Nursing Recruitment Open Days.
The government’s Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one. Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country. We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”
Our Chairman, Gillian Norton (pictured), has led many of our efforts working alongside our Recruitment team, including giving speeches and representing the Trust at major events, helping encourage other employers to embrace forces-friendly policies.
Sarah Mortimer, Recruitment Manager, said: “We know the huge contribution service leavers can make to our teams – as evidenced by the outstanding clinical and operational colleagues working here who have Armed Forces experience. Through actively promoting jobs here and supporting people to become reservists we are proud to support people who have done so much for their country.”