DHU Healthcare has been honoured with the Ministry of Defence’s Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for 2024, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
This recognition is the highest accolade available for employers who demonstrate exceptional support for Reservists, Service Leavers, Cadets, Cadet Volunteers, Military Spouses, and Military Families.
Having previously attained the Silver Award, DHU Healthcare has continuously built upon its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The Gold Award acknowledges the recent steps DHU Healthcare has taken to integrate Forces-friendly practices into its recruitment and employment processes. This includes offering Reservists a minimum of 10 days of additional paid leave for training, ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are valued and supported within the organisation??
Zahra Leggatt, DHU Healthcare’s Director of People and Organisational Development, says "We are incredibly proud to receive this prestigious Gold Award. It's tangible recognition of our commitment to the Armed Forces community and our belief that supporting those who serve is our duty and a privilege."
She continues: "I would encourage anyone reading this who is involved in the Armed Forces now, or who has served, to reach out. We support and advocate for reservists, service leavers, military spouses and partners and military families. I am proud of everyone working in DHU to make our partnership with the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme a success. This is a real accolade and we are honoured to achieve it."
The Gold Award is an example to DHU Healthcare’s long-term commitment to the values protected in the Armed Forces Covenant. The organisation looks forward to continuing its support for the Armed Forces community, ensuring they are welcomed, valued, and given the opportunities they need to thrive.
Head of Talent Acquisition, Chris Rowe transitioned from the Army and brings a unique insight to DHU. "This is a tangible demonstration of the pledge DHU made when we signed the Covenant in 2023," he comments. "It represents our commitment to treat the armed forces community with fairness and respect - values very much at the heart of our business.
"Leaving the forces is a big step, but at DHU we are fortunate to benefit from the attributes former service people bring with them - like resilience and adaptability. We are also proud to support colleagues who are reservists and those with family members serving today. Hopefully we can inspire other businesses to be part of the scheme and that our Gold Award is seen as a positive proposition for anyone seeking a new career path outside of the service they have given to their country."
For more information about DHU Healthcare’s commitment to the Armed Forces, please visit Our Armed Forces Commitment.