Hospital trust earns award for backing armed forces

South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for its commitment to the nation's armed forces.
Jamie HughesJamie Hughes
Jamie Hughes

The organisation has been awarded a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme silver award after it signed the Government’s Armed Forces Covenant in March and gained the Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award.

Kath Griffin, director of human resources & organisational development, said: “The Silver Award is fantastic news for South Tyneside. Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust receive an additional 10 days’ paid leave for annual camps and training. The Trust also has strong links with the Careers Transition Partnership which provides resettlement support, career transition advice and training opportunities for those leaving the forces.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Griffin added: “It is important to us as an employer that we support defence and the armed forces community and inspire others to do the same. Being a forces-friendly employer enables us to benefit from the wide range of skills and experiences of reservists and veterans.”

South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust wheelchair services administrator and staff governor Jamie Hughes served for eight years with the RAF and was a corporal in air traffic control.

He now volunteers with the RAF Air Cadets at 324 (South Shields) Squadron as a pilot officer.

He said: “I’m thrilled the Trust has been awarded a silver award. It shows that the Trust is supportive of staff in the reserve and cadet forces who, like our colleagues in the armed forces, do a fantastic job.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have been with the Trust for 10 years and I’ve found that the skills I learned in the RAF are transferable. I would encourage anyone looking to become a reservist to take up the challenge. They won’t regret it.”