NHS Orkney Gold Award
NHS Orkney has been given a coveted award by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognising the board’s support of the armed forces.
A total of 50 businesses and organisations are receiving Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards. Now in its fifth year, this scheme represents the highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families.
The 50 winners have been recognised for their long-term commitment to the Armed Forces, with companies from the public and private sector achieving the top grade. Each has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and where possible, engages with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to promote the recruitment of service leavers, as well as honouring individual pledges of support.
Gerry O’Brien, Interim Chief Executive, NHS Orkney said: “Everyone working for the board is delighted by this honour. We take our commitment to supporting the armed forces very seriously. Current and former servicemen and women bring with them a wealth of expertise which we can use to maintain and improve the health of people across the county.”
NHS Orkney’s Armed Forces Champion, David McArthur said “NHS Orkney is an enthusiastic supporter of Armed Forces events and was the largest employer in Orkney to host the Army Recruiting and awareness event this year on its premises
The Armed Forces Champion has in the past year provided a co-ordinating function within the Third Sector to provide support to Orkney’s 1200 Veterans. In addition, this role has raised the awareness within NHSO of the priority treatment scheme for Veterans and for the Veterans to self-identify their Veterans status to GP’s and other Healthcare Professionals”
The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: “The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”
