NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board recognised for its support of the Armed Forces community

An NHS group has been awarded for its support to defence and of the armed forces community.

NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), which arranges the provision of health services across the county, is celebrating being awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) silver award.

Established on July 1 2022, the ICB had already shown its support by achieving the bronze award under the ERS and by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

“The bronze award was the first step for us and recognised that, as an organisation, we have pledged to support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the armed forces community,” explained Jacqui Bunce, programme director and armed forces lead, NHS Lincolnshire ICB.

“Naturally the silver award represents a step up in our commitments including demonstrating that we are proactively supporting those who are serving or have served, as well as other members of the armed forces community, to work for the local NHS.

“We have a wide range of roles and opportunities and we are working with the other NHS organisations in Lincolnshire to encourage those leaving the armed forces, or family members of currently serving personnel, to see the NHS as their next employer of choice”.

The Armed Forces Covenant itself is focused on helping members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.

This support is provided in a number of areas including education and family wellbeing, having a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare, financial assistance, and discounted services.

Next month all of the new Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award winners will be celebrated at an event at the National Space Centre, Leicester.

“We are proud to support our armed forces community across the county and I am looking forward to representing the ICB at the event in September,” added Jacqui.

“Lincolnshire has a proud history with the military and continues to play a vital part in today’s Armed Forces.

“All of the NHS organisations in the county have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we are keen to build relationships with our local military community and to support service leavers with an interest in an NHS career.”