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 includes regular personnel, reservists, veterans, adult cadet force volunteers and families of regular personnel, reservists and veterans.

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

A close up of the British Army uniform, with a UK flag sewn on.

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

A handshake during an interview.

Step into Health programme update

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

15 July 2021

An army service member standing at a parade.

Reserve and Cadet Forces model policy example

Use this model policy example for employing staff in the reserve and cadet forces.

17 March 2020

An army service member standing at a parade.

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

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.

A close up of the British Army uniform, with a UK flag sewn on.

Step into Health

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

A close up of shiny army shoes.

Step into Health employer engagement surgeries

Join Step into Health's regular engagement event for health and care employers.

29 June 2022

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