In a significant recognition of their ongoing support for the Armed Forces community, the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been awarded the Silver Award by the Ministry of Defence. This accolade reflects the ICB’s dedication to serving military personnel, veterans, and their families.
The Ministry of Defence’s Employment Recognition Scheme (ERS) aims to encourage employers across the UK to acknowledge the vital contributions made by members of the Armed Forces. The Silver Award is presented to organisations that not only commit to signing the Armed Forces Covenant but also implement necessary policy changes and workplace adjustments to support serving personnel and their families.
The Armed Forces Covenant promises that those who have served or currently serve in the Armed Forces, along with their families, will be treated with fairness and respect. It ensures that their contributions are recognised and valued in both society and the workplace. Organisations that align their values with the covenant demonstrate a commitment to welfare and employment facilitation.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive Officer of BSW ICB, expressed her pride in receiving the award, stating, “We are delighted to receive the ERS Silver Award, which recognises our unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces. As a Royal Navy veteran, I know that this cohort is reliable, resilient, resourceful, and committed.”
She further highlighted the unique and invaluable skills the Armed Forces community brings to the NHS, underscoring their key values, including compassion and a willingness to serve others. “We are pleased to provide long-term careers for our ex-forces colleagues and thank them for their service to the country,” Harriman added.
The Silver Award was presented during the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for Wiltshire, hosted by the Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association on Thursday, 17 October, at Devizes Town Hall. Dee Runciman, the ICB’s Strategic People Manager and a reserve RAF mover, collected the award on behalf of the organisation. She remarked, “It’s an honour to collect this award for the ICB. It reflects the efforts of everyone who has worked to ensure that our policies and practices support the Armed Forces community.”
The ICB has introduced various initiatives aimed at supporting military personnel and their families, including active recruitment opportunities, flexible employment policies, and bespoke support packages. A notable initiative is Op Community, which provides an accessible NHS single point of contact for families and carers of current and former Armed Forces personnel, offering free advice and support related to health and care.
Harriman concluded, “The Silver Award builds on our long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. We are proud to be a ‘forces friendly’ organisation, and Dee is an excellent example of how our employees are our greatest assets.”
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire boast strong military connections, with the 2021 Census revealing the highest proportion of UK armed forces veterans in the South West region. With over 17,000 personnel stationed in Wiltshire, the Armed Forces Covenant highlights the importance of collaboration between local organisations and the Armed Forces community.
