Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has received accreditation from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The bronze award formally recognises the Trust as a forces-friendly employer that supports the recruitment of ex-armed forces personnel and their partners.
EPUT was able to apply for the accreditation after signing the Armed Forces Covenant in November last year.
The covenant represents a commitment to treating serving personnel, veterans and their families with fairness and respect and recognises the Trust’s work in helping ex-service men and women with mental health needs.
The Trust’s Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) aims to re-integrate service users into everyday life by helping them access therapy for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Accreditation from the Ministry of Defence also recognises EPUT’s support of Step into Health, an initiative that aims to connect the armed forces community with potential career opportunities within the NHS.
Sean Leahy, Executive Director of People and Culture at EPUT, said: “Schemes like these provide excellent opportunities for armed forces personnel to explore new career opportunities within the NHS and for us to benefit from the vast array of skills and experiences they bring.
“This accreditation not only demonstrates the Trust’s support of prospective employees from the armed forces community but also that of existing employees who may be reserve members of the forces.
“I am proud that EPUT is working to support the armed forces community and their families in this way. They have, after all, given everything for us.”
The Trust plans to work towards silver accreditation in the future.