The Trust is proud to have been presented with the silver award in the defence employer recognition scheme.
Steve Aumayer, Deputy Chief executive and Chief People Office and Sarah Feather, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, attended an event at Admiralty House, residence of the 2nd Sea Lord, HMNB Portsmouth to be given the award by Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Sir Neil Atkinson.
The Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award is part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s initiative to encourage employers to support the armed forces community. It recognises businesses and organisations that demonstrate a significant commitment to supporting the armed forces, including current and former military personnel, their families, and reservists.
To achieve the Silver Award, employers must meet specific criteria, such as:
- Actively demonstrating support for defence and having supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, and their families.
- Communicating their commitment to defence by publicising their support through various channels, such as events or company policies.
- Encouraging other employers to support defence by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a public pledge to support the armed forces.
Sarah said: “Receiving the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme award is significant for ESHT as it underscores the trust’s commitment to supporting the armed forces community. This award highlights ESHT’s dedication to inclusive and supportive practices that benefit employees with military backgrounds, showcasing the trust as a forward-thinking and military-friendly employer. Achieving Silver is also a step toward the trust’s ultimate goal of gaining Gold recognition.”
One of the ways that the trust supports the armed forces community is by offering remote roles so individuals whose families who have to move frequently can still work here and be part of a supportive team.
Ganga Burathoki joined the Trust in 2021 as part of the Clinical Coding team, she spoke about her experience of working for the Trust whilst being a member of the Armed Forces Community:
What attracted you to working at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust?
I was actively looking for remote clinical coding job where I could have long term commitment to one NHS Trust. When I saw this home-based opportunity, I was very interested as I would be able to apply my coding experience and knowledge from anywhere in UK.
How has flexible (remote) working helped during your employment?
Being able to work remotely has immensely helped me. It has significantly improve better work-life balance. This balance has led to reduced stress level, higher overall job satisfaction and increase work productivity.
How has your manager supported you in being a member of the Armed Forces Community?
I really appreciate the flexibility my manager has shown since I have been working here. It’s really comforting that my manager’s door is always open and that I can approach her with any questions or issues that I may have. I am very grateful for their support and guidance.
Do you feel supported as a member of the Armed Forces Community by the trust?
Being in a military family, we move every few years to different places. And it is very challenging to get a job. Some employers are hesitant to hire an individual who will be working to leave within 1 to 3 years. However, I believe the trust is unbiased and is supporting a member of the Armed forces and their families who has to move frequently by becoming a flexible employer that understands the needs of employee.