On Monday 11 August NHS Lanarkshire reaffirmed its support of the Armed Forces Community by holding a formal meeting of senior management and Defence representatives to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
While previously working under the pledges set by NHS Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire worked its way up the ranks of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), earning the prestigious Gold Award for its dedication to Reservists, veterans and military families not just within its workforce, but across the wider Lanarkshire community.
By signing its own Armed Forces Covenant during Monday’s event, the Health Board was keen to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to providing employment and healthcare support for local Defence personnel. Its pledges include active recruitment of veterans and service leavers, flexibility and training leave for Reservists, and ongoing awareness raising of veterans’ needs across its healthcare services.
The Covenant was signed on behalf of NHS Lanarkshire by its incoming Armed Forces’ and Veterans’ Champion Claire Ritchie, and on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Wing Commander Derek Read, Air Regional Employer Engagement Officer for the Lowlands of Scotland and former Officer Commanding of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron RAF Reserves.
Additionally, the signing was witnessed by NHS Lanarkshire’s Chief Executive Louise Long, Non-Executive Director Ally Boyle, and the outgoing Armed Forces’ Champion Craig Cunningham, who also holds the title of Head of Commissioning and Performance for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership. As a result, the meeting also provided an opportunity for Craig to formally hand over his role as the Health Board’s Defence representative to Claire.
Claire, who also serves as NHS Lanarkshire’s Interim Director of Interface, said: ‘I’m really looking forward to taking on this role, it’s a great honour to be able to work towards more positive action for veterans, Reservists and all other members of the Armed Forces Community, particularly with regard to their health and social care.’
When asked about his own legacy as Armed Forces’ and Veterans Champion, Craig commented: ‘The biggest highlight for me has simply been helping to support those who serve and who have served in our Armed Forces, and it’s been my pleasure and privilege to try and ensure that they all get the healthcare and fair treatment that they rightfully deserve.’
To find out more about becoming an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and getting involved in the Employer Recognition Scheme, click here.
