Posted on: 23 June 2023
Ahead of Armed Forces Day 2023, we held a meeting to introduce an Armed Forces Network at CNWL.
It was an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss how the Trust can better serve those who are or have been involved in the armed forces, as well as anyone who has an indirect link, such and those with family members or partners who have served.
This meeting was an informal way to gauge what a staff network should be providing and brainstorm how to encourage staff to sign up.
It was also a chance for those with an Armed Forces connection to meet, and hear about the work being undertaken towards Veteran Aware accreditation.
Dom Fraser-Shaw, one of the coordinators for the network, said: “We want to do this as a democracy, which I know doesn’t normally happen in the Armed Forces – we’re all in it together.”
“This is not just about service personnel, but also reservists, families of deployed personnel, families of non-deployed personnel and veterans.
“Basically, anyone with any form of link to the Armed Forces – even if it’s tenuous. In fact, I’m looking forward to hearing some tenuous links.”
Earlier this year, CNWL showed our support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging our commitment as an employer and healthcare provider in making sure veterans, reservists, and military families are supported by our services (this includes our staff).
The Covenant raises awareness about the impacts of service life, asking public bodies to consciously consider the Armed Forces community when making decisions and developing new policies and programmes.
You can also watch a short film from staff who shared messages and pictures from their time in the armed forces: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/news/life-armed-forces-community-film-cnwl-staff
We will be sharing more information on how to get involved with the network soon!