LCHS pledges to support armed forces community
Posted on: 26th September 2023
Representatives from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) renewed the Trust’s commitment through the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Trust received the silver award revalidation for its work to support armed forces personnel, their families and veterans within LCHS and the community.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise made to ensure those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
LCHS received the award to acknowledge its work in maintaining support for the armed forces community over the previous five years, since it last received the silver award.
The Employer Recognition Scheme Awards recognise organisations who have actively demonstrated their support for the armed forces community, for example through implementing practical staff policies in the workplace. This includes commitments such as paid time off for reservists and cadet force adult volunteers.
Matthew Smith, Wing Commander, from the Royal Air Force attended the re-signing event alongside Andrew Morgan, Group Chief Executive for LCHS. Both men signed the covenant.
Andrew Morgan, Group Chief Executive for LCHS said: “Lincolnshire has a proud history and strong links with our armed forces.
“This is not about just signing a piece of paper; we live and breathe what we’re signing up to and we continue to play a vital part in supporting our armed forces.”
The Armed Forces Staff Network at LCHS is relatively new and growing quickly. It provides a space for staff with connections to the military to come together and feel united. The group uses its armed forces knowledge to suggest positive change to the organisation and also fosters relationships with the armed forces community outside of LCHS. This includes visits to local military bases and attending armed forces employer engagement events.
Donna Baxter, Chair of the Armed Forces Staff Network at LCHS said: “We are very pleased to re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant and receive the revalidation for the silver award.
“We are continuing to make changes to ensure our military community’s needs are accounted for at LCHS and we are working towards gaining the gold award in the future.”