Published on: 23 July 2025
The Trust received the award for their incredible ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, an ongoing promise support to those who have served and their families.
Initiatives the Trust have introduced as part of this commitment include free community health checks for veterans and their families, introducing a policy which allow an additional ten days paid leave to cadet leaders and reservists and guaranteed interviews to veterans who apply for roles at the hospital.
Sara Macleod, Acting Chief People Officer for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, said: We are extremely proud to receive this award in recognition of our hard work.
“This is testament to the hard work of our colleagues, particularly our Armed Forces Community Network, in providing continued dedication and commitment to supporting veterans, those who currently serve in the Armed Forces and their families.”
“To receive the Gold Award only a year after the Silver Ward is further proof of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and we will use this to look to provide further ways we can support the armed forces community.
The Trust has recently launched a recruitment campaign to encourage more armed forces veterans into healthcare and benefit from the skills they have gained during their military careers. Alongside developing a strong partnership with local barracks, 202 squadron.
The Armed Forces Community Network have also attended cadet events to further strengthen links with the local military community as well as organising the annual Festival of Remembrance.
To be awarded a Gold award, workplaces must be an exemplar in their local areas, advocating for the Covenant and the Armed Forces community.
Siamha Butt, Head of Engagement West Midlands RFCA, said of the award: “On behalf of the Defence Relationship Management, we are proud to have successfully supported 19 employers through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards for 2025.
“This achievement marks these 19 employers as true exemplars in their support and dedicated advocates for the Armed Forces Community. Their commitment makes them excellent employment choices for reservists, veterans and spouses or partners of those currently serving.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to them and look forward to continuing this vital collaboration with them in the years to come.”