The Ministry of Defence has awarded NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
Recognition of exceptional support to the armed forces community
The Gold Award is given in recognition of exceptional support to the armed forces community in Lincolnshire and marks the latest step in its progress to boost links with the thousands of serving and former personnel in the county.
“We are incredibly proud to have received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence,” comments Clair Raybould, Chief Executive, NHS Lincolnshire ICB.
“This builds on our previous success gaining the bronze and silver awards and is recognition of outstanding support to the armed forces community, which is so important to us in Lincolnshire.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises employers who go above and beyond in supporting defence to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve or have served and the Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers.
Working together
The ICB was one of just 12 organisations in the East Midlands to be awarded the Gold Award so far this year, and is in good company with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust also receiving the Gold Award, and United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust having previously received it.
The NHS system in Lincolnshire is one of the first in the country where ICB, mental health and hospital trusts are all in receipt of the Gold Award.
Strengthening our commitment
“The Gold Award also recognises our role as active advocates for the armed forces community, as well as demonstrating our commitment to support reservists for training commitments. We now look forward to continuing to align with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant as we further strengthen our commitment,” adds Clair.
Values-led leadership, creating more inclusive, resilient and dynamic organisations are all hallmarks of this year’s recipients of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
“Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, reservists, military families, cadet force adult volunteers and the cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation defence needs. I congratulate them and thank them for their outstanding commitment,” says Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP.
NHS Lincolnshire ICB and the Armed Forces Covenant – Lincolnshire ICB.