Health Trust recognised by MOD for supporting armed forces

Pennine Care army reservist Phil Broad with Warren Smith, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has received a national award for its support of staff from military backgrounds.

The trust, which provides community and mental health services in six boroughs of Greater Manchester, was among 14 businesses from across the North West that received Silver Awards under the government’s Employer Recognition Scheme for their support to the Armed Forces community.

The awards, signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff, aim to encourage employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The award means the Trust has demonstrated its commitment to military veterans and reservists as well as the spouses, partners and families of serving personnel, and creates a positive working atmosphere for them.

It also recognises the Trust’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise to all those who serve or have served, and their families to ensure they are not disadvantaged by their service to their country.

The certificates were presented by Warren Smith, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, during the annual Armed Forces Business Awards held at the Monastery, Gorton.

Phil Broad, a Pennine Care employee and army reservist of 25 years, attended a regional awards ceremony to collect the prize on behalf of the Trust. He said: “It was an honour to represent Pennine Care at this event.

"The award is a testament to the work we’ve put in to ensure the Trust is a welcoming employer for military personnel and their families and to promote public understanding and awareness of the valuable work of our armed forces.”

Michael McCourt, Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to show our continued commitment to supporting staff in the armed forces, veterans and their families in any way we can.”