Celebrating our Step into Health award winners

Celebrating a member of the Armed Forces community employed by an NHS Organisation who has shown dedication and has contributed in an exceptional way to their team or organisation’s culture. 

Winner: Steve Martin, United Lincolnshire Hospitals

Steve has shown unwavering commitment to supporting veterans, plus outstanding dedication to both the NHS and the Armed Forces community. His mentorship and guidance helped a Service Leaver gain employment in the trust. He was there every step of the way, dedicating his personal time to provide invaluable advice, resources and support and to help navigate the transition into the healthcare sector. Steve is a dedicated chair of United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust’s Armed Forces Network, showing remarkable dedication and leadership to ensure the Armed Forces community has a space to share experiences, access support and find camaraderie.

Highly commended: Billy Kelly, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust

Recognising an individual who has come through Step into Health, and is now advocating for the programme, and doing exceptional work in their organisation in support of the Armed Forces community.

Winner: Gavin Jones, Kings Facilities Management

Having come through Step into Health, Gavin now advocates for the programme.

Through his role as Armed Forces Champion, Gavin attends Career Transition Partnership (CTP) job fairs and those hosted by JobCentre Plus, particularly in areas with large Veteran communities. 

Through his advocacy, Gavin helps hiring managers understand the skills of ex-forces applicants and coaches these applicants in translating their military achievements into civilian roles. Gavin collaborates with KFM’s HR and procurement teams to promote the Armed Forces Covenant among suppliers, encouraging their commitment through initiatives like breakfast briefings. 

His work extends beyond KFM, mentoring organisations like Barnet Council and British Military Fitness to develop their own Armed Forces policies and support programmes.  

Highly commended: Rachael Hitch, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Acknowledging an organisation that has provided exceptional support to Service Leavers transitioning into NHS careers.  

Winner: United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) has supported over 135 Service Leavers. By engaging with Service Leavers quickly, early, and often outside working hours, the trust highlighted opportunities for placements and guidance on roles available. 

Placements are fully supported at ULHT, and Service Leavers gain first-hand experience and invaluable insights into roles of interest. 

ULHT regularly offers Step into Health insight days, which were recently expanded to become a system-wide event. The full-day events feature a comprehensive itinerary that provides a complete understanding of the many facets of the NHS in Lincolnshire.

Service Leavers are also supported in their roles, including through a robust staff network, policies to support staff in the Reserves or Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers, and inclusive events held throughout the year. 

Highly commended: Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Recognising an NHS organisation that has excelled in creating a supportive environment for NHS employees from the Armed Forces community.

Winner: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Community Health Services.

In Summer 2023, Derbyshire combined two Armed Forces Staff Networks to form one united Armed Forces community trust group. 

This successful collaboration now has almost 60 members, 30 per cent of whom are Veterans, four Reservists and two Cadet Leaders. There is a monthly informal tea and coffee online meeting where the Armed Forces family can meet and connect, as well as regular in person events.

The trust’s celebration for Reserves Day and Armed Forces Week was attended by over 50 people and the trust also provided a space for staff to be able to mark Armistice.

Highly commended: NHS Business Services Authority