The James Paget has been awarded a prestigious Gold Award in the 2023 Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – one of just 11 employers in East Anglia to win a Gold Award.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Covenant is a promise that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Since 2017 the Trust has held Silver Award status and this was renewed in 2022, however we have now achieved Gold standard after a focus on improving services offered to armed forces personnel and veterans, including the appointment of an Armed Forces Advocate (AFA), who has developed a range of initiatives to provide support.
Chris Blyth was appointed as AFA in May 2022 and since then has arranged coffee morning information sessions, established links with veteran organisations and helped veterans with everything from financial support to housing.
Chris said; “As an employer, the James Paget team recognise the values and skills service personnel bring to the NHS and we work to support both staff and patients who are veterans. This award is recognition of the work being done and we’re pleased to have achieved the Gold Award, which highlights the ongoing steps we’re taking to ensure the hospital is a welcoming place for those who have served in all branches of our Armed Services.”
The team will officially receive their Gold Award at a ceremony in London at the end of September.