The Trust is pleased to show its support for the Armed Forces and, to cement that support and enduring commitment, the CEO signed the Armed Forces Covenant in the presence of witnesses at a ceremony on Remembrance Day, 11th November 2019.

The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is an enduring promise from the people of the United Kingdom to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, including their families, that:

• They should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services and,

• In some cases, special consideration is appropriate, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.

Simultaneously, the Trust was invited to join the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA); a group of NHS providers – including acute, mental health, community and ambulance trusts – who have agree to be exemplars of the best care for, and support to, the armed forces community (be they regular, reserves, veterans, spouses or dependants).

Member Trusts of the VCHA will achieve full accreditation through the pursuance of eight manifesto standards listed as:

For its work with the VCHA, the Trust was awarded accredited status in June 2021 and is now able to display the Veterans Aware Kite Mark.

With the Trust committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and the VCHA, it shows its support routinely through supporting:
•    Armed Forces Week when UHCW proudly displays banners at both our sites to show our support and thanks to the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from our regular serving troops and members of the reservists to service families, veterans and cadets
•    Armed Forces Day which takes place on the last Saturday of June with celebrations taking place nationally. 
•    Reserves Day which is the Wednesday ahead of Armed Forces Day which celebrates their contribution to the Armed Forces.
•    Remembrance Day when The Trust holds and streams a Service of Remembrance to acknowledge and respect those who sacrificed their lives in all wars, and also to acknowledge the commitment of those who have and continue to serve.

Being identified as a veteran in your NHS medical notes will ensure you are able to access specific veterans’ health services, such as those for mental health, hearing loss, limb amputation and wheelchairs. Please ensure that you are also registered as a veteran with your GP.

Veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care for injuries or conditions sustained as a result of their service within the armed forces.  However, this is always subject to clinical need and does not mean you will automatically be treated ahead of others who have a more urgent clinical need.

The NHS and our Trust recognises the transferable skills and cultural values that the armed forces community develop and how they are compatible with those required within NHS roles.

Consequently UHCW:
•    Has signed up to the 'Step into Health' national programme, designed to help all ex-Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their spouse/partner to join the NHS and we are a member of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) of which we proudly hold the silver award.
•    Operates a guaranteed interview process for those leaving military service, military veterans and their spouses or recognised partners, providing they meet the essential criteria for the post.
•    Has a positive policy towards employing reservists including an additional 10 days paid leave to allow reservist members to undertake their annual military training.
•    Will, if requested, provide resettlement support/opportunities for those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Several part-time and full-time vacancies and apprenticeships exist at our Coventry and Rugby hospital sites and we are looking for like-minded individuals that share our passion for providing the best service we can for our patients. 
Find more on the benefits of working for UHCW, click here.