Stockport NHS is one of nine organisations from across the North West of England who have been awarded Silver under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to reward employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to do the same. This includes employing serving and former members of the Armed Forces community, and demonstrating flexibility towards training and mobilisation commitments for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community health services across the area. The hospital includes one of only three stroke centres for Greater Manchester, and this centre has been independently recognised as the best in the country. It is the second largest hospital in this region for orthopaedic surgery, and is also one of only four ‘specialist’ sites in Greater Manchester for emergency medicine and specialist abdominal surgery.

The trust offers a pre-employment programme for veterans and their families. This supports veterans looking for entry level employment within the NHS. They have a four week block of Health and Social Care Level 1 accreditation pre-employment training then six weeks of work based training within Stockport Foundation Trust. The trust also supports nationally-led campaigns including Reserves Day and Armed Forces Week by encouraging staff to wear their military uniforms to work.

The award winners will be presented with certificates signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff during a ceremony in October.

Commenting on the announcement of the 2019 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards, Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:     

“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.

“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said:

“Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country and it’s fantastic to see a record breaking number of organisations recognised for their support.

“We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”

Adrian Belton, Chair of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Board Champion for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, said:

“We recognise the enormous contribution made by reservists on our workforce, and for this reason we do our level best to give them the support they need, as part of our overall commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.  We’re both proud and delighted to have been awarded the Ministry of Defence Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award in recognition our efforts, and we intend to live up to it by keeping up our support in the future.”

Chris Ashworth, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said:

“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured to be able to recognise the support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by employers in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Each recipient has demonstrated not only that they support the Covenant and the Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in the workplace with, for example, additional leave to meet their training commitments.  The experiences and skills gained through service in the regular forces, with the Reserve Forces, or with the Cadet Forces, equips people with valuable life skills – motivation, self-discipline, confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership – all of which are in demand by employers.”

This year the following employers from across the North West of England have been awarded Silver:

• Ainscough Training Services, Lancashire
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Northern Care Alliance, Greater Manchester
• Onward Homes, Merseyside
• Step Forward RP Ltd, Greater Manchester
• Whytelight Solutions Ltd, Greater Manchester
• Wigan Council, Greater Manchester