The Ministry of Defence has recognised Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) for its support of the armed forces.

It was given the Silver Award by the Ministry of Defence for its dedication to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

The accolade is part of the Ministry of Defence Employment Recognition Scheme, which aims to inspire employers across the UK to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the armed forces community.

The Silver Award is presented to organisations that sign the Armed Forces Covenant and make relevant policy changes and workplace adjustments in support of the military community.

Sue Harriman, chief executive officer of BSW ICB, said: "We are delighted to receive the Employment Recognition Scheme Silver Award which recognises our unwavering commitment to the armed forces.

"As a Royal Navy veteran, I know this cohort are proven to be reliable, resilient, resourceful and committed members of our team."

The ICB has made efforts to support military personnel and their families through active recruitment opportunities, flexible employment policies, and bespoke support packages.

One of their initiatives, Op Community, provides an easily accessible NHS single point of contact for families and carers of current and former armed forces personnel, offering free help and advice for health, care, and navigating the local NHS pathways.

Ms Harriman added: "The armed forces community brings a unique and highly valuable set of transferable skills to the NHS.

"They demonstrate key values including compassion and willingness to serve others, which makes them a huge asset to us as we commission services in the area to improve health and enrich lives of the public."

The award was collected by Dee Runciman, the ICB’s strategic people manager and reserve RAF mover.

She said: "It’s an honour to collect this award on behalf of the ICB.

"It is a testament to the efforts of everyone who has worked to ensure that our policies and practices truly reflect our dedication to the armed forces community."

The 2021 Census reported Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire had the highest proportion of UK armed forces veterans in the South West, with more than 17,000 personnel stationed in Wiltshire.

Ms Harriman said: "We are pleased to be able to deliver long-term careers for our ex-forces colleagues and thank them for their previous service to the country.

"The Silver Award is an accolade which builds on our long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant."

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