Creating an inclusive and coordinated route from the Armed Forces to the NHS

Key benefits and outcomes

• Broadening the recruitment base and strengthening the organisation’s skills mix
• Enhancing retention by positioning the trust as a supportive, Forces-friendly employer
• Embedding Armed Forces policies within wider inclusive workforce practices.

What the organisation faced

Members of the Armed Forces community often encounter barriers when seeking NHS employment – from translating military experience to navigating unfamiliar recruitment processes.

At the same time, they bring significant strengths including leadership, resilience, teamwork and a strong sense of purpose.

Berkshire Healthcare’s programme acknowledges both the challenges and the opportunities. It removes barriers while recognising the unique value the Armed Forces community brings to the NHS workforce.

What the organisation did

In 2024, the trust formally launched its Armed Forces people programme, aligned with the NHS Employers Step into Health initiative. The programme is underpinned by a co‑produced Armed Forces strategy, developed in partnership with Defence Medical Services and launched at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst – a symbolic demonstration of the trust’s commitment to meaningful collaboration.

The programme is championed at executive level by Dr Kathryn MacDermott, Director of Strategy and Armed Forces Senior Responsible Officer, and delivered by a dedicated team led by Dan Brooks, Armed Forces Lead, and Rachael Hitch, HR Manager.

Their shared ambition is clear: to make Berkshire Healthcare a place where the Armed Forces community feels recognised, supported and able to thrive.

The trust has transformed a complex landscape into a clear, accessible and supportive pathway. This structured approach guides candidates from initial enquiry through to long‑term employment success.

Key elements include:

• pre‑application guidance and mentoring
• support with applications and interviews
• tailored onboarding and in‑work support
• guidance and resources for recruiting managers
• a guaranteed interview scheme
• an active Armed Forces staff network
• alignment with national frameworks and accreditation schemes

This joined up model ensures candidates feel supported throughout and prevents individuals from falling through gaps in the system.

Rather than treating Armed Forces initiatives as standalone activities, the trust has integrated Step into Health, Veteran Aware (including employment standards) and the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award into one coherent programme.

By embedding these frameworks into everyday practice, Berkshire Healthcare has moved beyond statutory Armed Forces Covenant due regard and created a values driven, compassionate and effective model of support.

The trust also offers support at a HR level, supporting staff to navigate partner deployments, avoid unpaid leave, and secure internal transfers when relocation was unavoidable.

Results and benefits

The trust’s approach is already delivering measurable impact:

• 20 Armed Forces community new joiners in the last 12 months
• a strong and growing recruitment pipeline
• 50 per cent increase in Armed Forces staff network membership
• improved understanding of the Armed Forces community across the workforce
• enhanced staff engagement and satisfaction
• recognition as a leading forces friendly NHS employer
• contribution to Berkshire Healthcare being seen as a great place to work.

These outcomes reflect not only activity, but meaningful cultural change.

To support continuous improvement, the trust monitors:

• applications, appointments and retention
• staff experience and engagement
• network growth and participation
• feedback from candidates and managers.

These insights are increasingly aligned with wider workforce and organisational performance measures, ensuring the programme remains strategic and embedded.

What’s next

Berkshire Healthcare is now focused on:

• scaling the programme across all services
• strengthening data, reporting and evaluation
• deepening partnerships across the NHS and defence.

The trust’s ambition is to remain a consistently forces friendly employer where every member of the Armed Forces community feels valued, supported and able to thrive.

Takeaway tips

Berkshire Healthcare’s experience highlights several key lessons for organisations developing or strengthening their forces friendly approach:

• Leadership matters – visible, informed champions drive momentum
• Integration is essential – embed Armed Forces support within core workforce strategy
• National frameworks add value – but must be adapted to local context
• Support must be two sided – candidates and line managers both need guidance.