Armed Forces Reservists in Healthcare

Support Armed Forces Reservists in healthcare with practical guidance, resources and tools for NHS employers and workforce leaders.

Why supporting Reservists matters

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

Our toolkit provides practical guidance, resources and advice for anyone supporting Reservists in the NHS.

Learn more about their duties, build effective support systems, and create a more forces-friendly workplace.

Visit 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.

15 January 2026

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

A close up of a row of military personnel.

Three ways to become a Forces-friendly employer

Discover how Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust have supported Reservists to access support and build a community in the trust through simple, easy to replicate steps.

1 April 2026

View all resources

Latest blogs and case studies

Close-up of a person in camouflage uniform standing with hands clasped behind their back

Blog

Balancing service: From commando gunner to NHS physiotherapist and Army Reservist

Op-RESTORE's Ryan Cross shares how the skills he developed as a Reservist support his NHS role.

20 May 2026

An image of Robert Salaman on deployment

Blog

A consultant surgeon’s experience as a reservist

From the operating room to the battle field, hear from Rob Salaman, a consultant vascular surgeon at 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

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.