Circle Health Group, an independent provider, commited to supporting reservists
Overview
Circle Health Group is the UK’s largest independent hospital group, comprising over 54 hospitals nationwide and offering a wide range of clinical and surgical specialties. Circle Health Group is deeply committed to fostering strong connections with the Armed Forces community, particularly reservists, and has been a proud recipient of the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.
Key benefits and outcomes
- In 2022, the organisation earned the ERS Gold Award, recognising years of consistent efforts to create a military-friendly environment.
- By supporting reservists, Circle Health Group not only enriches its workforce with unique skills and experiences but also fosters an agile, resilient team culture that directly impacts patient care.
- Their reservist policy, has allowed employees to balance their military and civilian roles effectively. Whilst ensuring minimal disruption to the workforce and maintaining operational efficiency, allowing the organisation to retain its commitment to high-quality care.
Challenges faced
Circle Health Group was contracted by NHS England to provide care to military personnel. As part of this, they were required to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, which they did in 2017. After the acquisition of BMI by Circle Health Group, the covenant was reaffirmed in 2022, reflecting the new ownership's dedication to supporting the military. This shift marked the beginning of a broader commitment to reservists, ultimately leading the organisation to set its sights on achieving the ERS Gold Award.
As part of the Covenant, the organisation was required to implement forces-friendly policies. The main obstacles to implementing reservist policies the organisation faced were financial, especially covering temporary staffing costs when reservists were absent. However, strong communication, support, and fostering a culture that values military commitments allowed the organisation to overcome these challenges without compromising its operations.
Actions taken
Circle Health Group took several key actions to strengthen its support for reservists and military personnel:
- Introducing a reservist policy. A formalised reservist policy was introduced, offering flexible leave for military training and related obligations, ensuring that employees could balance their dual roles effectively.
- Establishing a dedicated leadership role. The appointment of a board-level armed forces champion (AFC), currently the chief operating officer, highlighted the organisation's commitment to supporting military personnel. This leadership ensured alignment across departments and kept the focus on achieving ERS Gold Award status. The AFC role ensures that the reservist policy is followed, and that the organisation continues to promote itself as a military-friendly workplace.
- Engaging with defence networks. Circle Health Group has partnered with organisations such as the Career Transition Partnership (CPT) and local military bodies, providing work placements for transitioning service members and strengthening recruitment pathways for military leavers.
Results and benefits
The involvement of leaders like Lt. Col. Sharon Stewart, director of clinical governance and quality improvement, who also serves as a Reservist, further underscores the value of military experience in leadership roles. Sharon’s dual role shows the value of integrating military skills into healthcare leadership, inspiring both internal employees and external stakeholders.
The organisation has also benefited from learning from other ERS Gold Award recipients, including Scottish Power and BNY Mellon, refining its approach and sharing best practices to enhance its military initiatives. This has helped them develop best practices and supported a positive public image. By offering placements to reservists and other members of the Armed Forces community, the organisation was able to boost the skills mix and life experience of their organisation.
The Gold ERS Award was a significant achievement. This award reflects the organisation’s dedication to supporting the Armed Forces, including reservists and service families. By investing in reservists, Circle Health Group has cultivated a stronger, more resilient workforce, which contributes directly to improved patient care and organisational performance.
Employers that support reservists don’t just gain skilled employees—they gain leaders trained to handle crises, work under pressure, and bring a disciplined, problem-solving mindset to their teams. Hear more from Sharon Stewart, in her blog about her dual roles as a reservist and at Circle Health.
Looking ahead
Circle Health Group is committed to building on its success by further strengthening its support for reservists and military personnel. Future plans include increasing collaboration with defence partners, offering more work placements for military leavers, and expanding the organisation’s engagement with local barracks and military services. Circle Health Group aims to sustain a focus on the Armed Forces Covenant principles while continuing to refine its policies to ensure they meet the evolving needs of reservists.
Key takeaways
Circle Health Group’s approach to supporting reservists offers valuable lessons for other organisations looking to achieve recognition in the ERS:
- Dedicated Leadership. Appointing a champion or team at the board level to drive military engagement ensures consistent commitment and focus on military support initiatives.
- Clear communication. Establish strong communication networks to facilitate open dialogue between reservists, line managers, and HR, ensuring that military commitments are balanced with work responsibilities.
- Long-term commitment. Supporting reservists is a long-term initiative that requires persistence and adaptability to ensure continued success.
- Maximising the benefits. By embracing reservists, organisations can enrich their workforce with valuable skills, resilience, and leadership, leading to stronger performance and innovation.
Circle Health Group’s journey has proven that supporting reservists not only enriches the organisation but also contributes to the wider community, creating a more inclusive and resilient workforce. The organisation encourages other healthcare providers and businesses to follow suit, fostering a culture that values the unique contributions of military personnel.
