LCHS collects Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has been formally recognised for the support it provides to the Armed Forces community.

In a ceremony at Beaumanor Hall in Leicestershire, LCHS was among the organisations to receive a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver award in recognition of its support for Defence personnel.

John Wilson, the Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director, explained: “This special presentation event was a great success; 33 organisations received a Silver award, confirming the strong commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community throughout the East Midlands.

“Employing military trained personnel is beneficial to employers; the skills and experiences developed through military training help employers to fill skill gaps in their businesses. These Silver award winners recognise that and actively seek to take advantage of it.”

The awards were presented by Air Commodore Simon Edwards MA RAF.

LCHS Chair, Elaine Baylis QPM, explained: “Supporting our Armed Forces community is really important to us both as an employer and in our active role in delivering healthcare to military families across Lincolnshire. We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year and to now receive the Silver Award. We look forward to continuing to forge strong links in our communities, in support and acknowledgement of Lincolnshire’s rich military heritage.”

To achieve a Silver Award employers need to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, shown flexibility towards the annual training commitments and deployment of reservists, whilst also supporting the employment of Cadet Force instructors, service leavers and military spouses/partners.