On the eve of Armed Forces Day – a national celebration of the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community – NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
This accolade – an upgrade on last year’s Bronze Award – is a testament to the ICB’s “unwavering commitment to supporting the armed forces community”, firmly aligning with the values and principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The ERS Silver Award is given to organisations that not only pledge but also demonstrate significant support to the armed forces community through their policies and practices. It recognises employers who actively promote and advocate for the employment of veterans, reservists, and military spouses and partners.
Jayne Adamson, Executive Director of People for the ICB, expressed her pride in this achievement. “We are immensely proud to have achieved the Silver Award. We have been working hard to be a fully inclusive employer and understand the importance of ensuring that all our colleagues, from all backgrounds, are supported and treated fairly,” she said.
“Our ICB has been recognised for its significant efforts to support our Armed Forces colleagues, alongside proactive measures to encourage and welcome applications from individuals within the Armed Forces community. We believe that the diverse experiences and skills brought by those with a military background greatly enrich our organisation and the services we provide.”
The recognition as a Silver Award holder emphasises the ICB’s proactive stance in creating a supportive workplace for all employees, particularly those from the Armed Forces community.
Looking ahead, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB is setting its sights even higher. “We are now aiming for the Gold Award”, Adamson stated. “This next step will involve further embedding our support mechanisms, expanding our outreach efforts, and continuing to foster an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive.”
The ICB’s journey toward achieving the Gold Award will involve continuous improvement and engagement with the Armed Forces community, ensuring that the organisation meets and exceeds the standards set by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant, visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.