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.

Supporting Armed Forces Reservists in the NHS toolkit

Access the toolkit

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.

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

An image of Robert Salaman on deployment

Blog post

From the operating room to the battlefield: A consultant surgeon’s experience as a Reservist

Hear from Rob Salaman, a consultant vascular surgeon at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) and a Reservist.

4 March 2025

Case Study

Becoming a national leader in supporting the Armed Forces

Read how East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust became a leader in supporting Reservists and the whole Armed Forces community.

20 December 2024

An image of the Circle Healthcare team receiving their gold ERS award

Case Study

Circle Health Group, an independent provider, commited to supporting reservists

Discover how supporting reservists enriches an organisation and creates a more inclusive and resilient workforce.

26 February 2025

Sharon Stewart and a group of colleagues receive their silver ERS award

Blog post

A nurse’s experience in military and civilian healthcare 

Navigating two worlds: Bringing reservist skills and training to support roles in healthcare.

26 February 2025

Join our virtual community

Join our quarterly virtual meeting where we discuss best practise for supporting Reservists in your workforce and the skills and training that Reservists bring to your workforce.

Armed Forces Reservists Community Connect

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.