Supporting Armed Forces Reservists in healthcare

Armed Forces reserves are employed across healthcare organisations. We assist employers in ensuring that these military colleagues can thrive.

Reservists are dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to serve as members of the Armed Forces and take part in military and civil relief operations.

Providing a supportive work environment and publicly showing your commitment as an inclusive, forces-friendly employer helps to create a positive staff experience for these individuals.

Armed Forces Reservists in the NHS toolkit

This toolkit is designed for all colleagues who support reservists working in the NHS. It provides practical guidance to help understand their duties and establish a support system that can be extended to reservists in the workforce.

Supporting Armed Forces Reservists in the NHS toolkit

Access the toolkit

Support for your Armed Forces reservists agenda

An army service member standing at a parade.

Guidance

Key facts about employing reservists in the NHS

Download our factsheet to help you understand and manage the reservists in your NHS organisation.

4 March 2020

Infographic

Becoming a forces-friendly employer

Follow our five simple steps to help you on your journey to establishing yourself as an inclusive, forces-friendly employer.

9 March 2021

Armed Forces Covenant. Employer Recognition Scheme. Bronze Award, Silver Award and Gold Award.

Article

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme awards

An overview of the Ministry of Defence-led awards programme which recognises organisations for their support to the Armed Forces Community.

9 January 2020

View all resources

Latest blogs and case studies

Case Study

Salisbury NHS Trust's gold-standard commitment

Find out how this trust has improved its commitment to its Armed Forces community.

19 June 2023

NHS staff and Armed Forces personnel standing with a banner outside a hospital.

Case Study

Trust sets the pace on gold-standard military support

Milton Keynes University Hospital raced to the Defence silver award for its work supporting the Armed Forces, with sights now firmly set on gold.

6 January 2023

Portsdown Group Practice – Defence ERS award – Armed Forces

Case Study

Recognising the Armed Forces in a primary care setting

A primary care provider in Portsmouth is making good on its pledge to support the local Armed Forces community while championing military employees.

20 December 2022

Army service personnel standing with a banner and stand at an Armed Forces event.

Case Study

Achieving Defence gold standard across newly merged trust

Learn how a trust merger initiated a gold-standard approach to supporting the Armed Forces across the entire workforce.

30 September 2022

Step into Health

The Step into Health programme works to actively promote the NHS as an ideal employer to members of the Armed Forces community.

Step into Health

Find out about the Step into Health programme, the benefits of recruiting from the Armed Forces community and how to pledge.

Join the Armed Forces mailing list

Receive regular updates on our work with the Armed Forces community, hear about latest resources and upcoming events, and learn how you and your organisation can get involved.