Webinar: How volunteers are supporting the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. In many areas of healthcare, education and housing there is a legal obligation to uphold the principles of the Covenant.

“We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country”

Our speakers

Anna-Marie Tipping, Veteran Aware Regional Lead (London & South East) Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Anna-Marie talks about Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) which is a national programme designed to improve the treatment and care of patients in the Armed Forces Community so that if they receive care in one hospital, they will receive the same level of care at a different hospital and will not have to join a new waiting list.

RNOH also have their own separate project; The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) which is a group of NHS providers, who have agreed to be exemplars of the best care for, and support to, the Armed Forces’ community. This has now been expanded to hospices, care homes, independents, the third sector and air ambulances

A PDF of Anna-Marie's presentation slides can be found at the bottom of this page.

Anne Howers, Veteran Aware Lead Champion The Royal Marsden

Anne talks about how The Royal Marsden proudly became a Veteran Aware Trust in November 2021 and that supporting the Armed Forces is a big part of their Trust’s culture. Volunteers from Forces backgrounds are encouraged to use their wealth of experience within a hospital setting.

In Anne’s presentation she also talks about the Trust’s achievements so far and important lessons learnt.

A PDF of Anne’s presentation slides can be found at the bottom of this page.

Kerry Gospel, Armed Forces Covenant Lead Frimley Health Foundation Trust

Kerry talks us through how at Frimley Health they recognise and engage with patients who are from the Armed Forces Community so that they can be offered the right support. He also mentions how veterans are encouraged to volunteer so that they can in turn support others in their community.

The Trust’s goal is:

“To make sure that their patient experience, their employment, be that as a volunteer or paid member of staff is to the highest standard possible.”

The Veteran Aware accreditation model is a set of eight standards which grade success. These standards cover Organisational and Strategic Development; Employment, Recruitment and Staff Practice; Patient and Community Support.

Mark Burrett, Volunteer to Career Programme Manager Helpforce

Mark would like to have your thoughts and ideas on developing a bespoke version of the Helpforce Volunteer to Career programme for the Armed Forces Community.

Things to consider:

• Is there a need?
• What should be considered?
• If found to be beneficial, would you like to support both creation and delivery of the programme?

More information can be found in the recording and if you would like to share your thoughts with Mark, he can contacted on mrb@helpforce.community

View the recording of the webinar below