Published on: 25 March 2025
A new campaign highlighting how skills gained in the armed forces can be utilised in a healthcare setting has been
The campaign, called ‘Where your military experience makes the difference’, encourages armed forces veterans, reservists and cadet leaders to consider bringing their military skills into a career in healthcare.
It also highlights the benefits employees can expect from working at the Trust, including 10 days extra leave for cadet leaders and reservists to take part in duties, and guaranteed interviews for veterans who meet the essential job requirements.
Chris Blundred, Clinical Director at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust joined the NHS after serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Chris explains that the most notable skills that he learnt when he transitioned into the NHS was the leadership skills: “Every soldier is a leader in some capacity but also I learnt about self-belief and resilience. I would absolutely recommend joining the NHS. It has a role for everyone, academic or not. The NHS, like the armed forces is a diverse employer and seeks to find the best for everyone! Go for it.” Dr Catherine Free, Managing Director at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust said: “We are extremely excited to launch this brand-new campaign to encourage the military community to come and work with us.
“As an organisation we value the knowledge and experience that our colleagues, from all walks of life, bring to their roles and have already benefitted from the skills and expertise our armed forces colleagues bring to our workforce daily. We look forward to welcoming future employees from the Armed Forces community to our workforce.”
The campaign is part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. As well as being recently recognised with a silver award by the Employer Recognition Scheme from the Ministry of Defence the Trust has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant. The hospital also has a dedicated Armed Forces Community Network providing support for staff.
George Taylor-Farren, Co-Chair Armed Forces Community Network, said: “Our well established network plays an important part in supporting our colleagues making sure that the skills they have developed in their armed forces careers is successfully transferred into their roles in the NHS. If any jobhunters are interested in finding out more about the network welcome them to contact us.”
A new free service offering tailored health checks to allow veterans to live healthier and more active lives was also recently launched by the hospital, in collaboration with Veterans Contact Point, Warwickshire County Council, North Arden Primary Care Network and Nuneaton and Bedworth Primary Care Network.
Further information about the campaign and the support George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust offers to the Armed Forces Community can be found here: https://