University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has been awarded gold by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its commitment to honouring and supporting the armed forces community.

The Gold award is given to organisations who proactively demonstrate that service personnel and the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged during the recruitment processes, or in their career. It also highlights UHD’s commitment to understanding the needs of reservists and ensuring they do not lose out financially or professionally due to reservist training or being called up. 

Rob Hornby, armed forces community advocate said: “It is great news that UHD has been awarded Gold for their efforts towards the Employer Recognition Scheme. We received the Silver award in 2022 and to receive Gold a year later shows a true commitment to supporting reservists and veterans.”

Peter Wilson, chief medical officer, added: “We are honoured to have received this award and we will continue to work hard to ensure that service personnel and the armed forces community feel they are welcome and are not unfairly disadvantaged throughout their time working across our hospitals.

“The award highlights the work we continue to do to acknowledge the contribution of the armed forces community. For example, we have recently created a UHD reservist policy to ensure they are given the time to undertake training and service, which we recognise enables them to develop skills and abilities that directly benefit both the individual and the trust.”