Supporting the Armed Forces community

The NHS employs a significant number of healthcare professionals and non-clinical staff who are members of the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces community encompasses individuals who have served in the Armed Forces and those affiliated with them, including service leavers, veterans, reservists, members of the wounded, injured & sick community, family members and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

The values held by members of the Armed Forces community closely align to the NHS ways of working and values, with particular emphasis on service, commitment and respect.

Support for your Armed Forces agenda

Signing the Armed Forces covenant

An overview of the Armed Forces covenant, what it means to sign and the expectations.

1 September 2020

Creating an Armed Forces policy

An overview of how to create an Armed Forces policy and what it should include.

1 September 2020

Identifying an Armed Forces champion

Find out more about the importance of having an Armed Forces champion in your organisation.

1 March 2021

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

Latest resources

Step into Health programme update

Read about the work of the Step into Health programme and its impact.

15 July 2021

Inclusion and representation: our Armed Forces journey

How one NHS trust is celebrating Armed Forces Week and how it continues to excel in supporting its Armed Forces Community.

22 June 2021

The Armed Forces community

An overview of the different people and roles which make up the Armed Forces community and how they can support your organisation.

1 April 2021

View all resources

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

Pledge your organisation and support the Armed Forces community to gain employment in the NHS.

Step into Health employer engagement surgeries

Join the Step into Health team’s virtual employer engagement surgeries.

19 April 2021

Join our mailing list

Receive regular updates on our work with the Armed Forces community, new resources, events and how you can get involved.