A VETERANS support programme in Oxford is one of the 2018 Silver Award recipients of the Ministry of Defence employer recognition scheme.

The ‘Step into Health’ employment programme, run by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, was launched in 2014 and is designed to celebrate and reward UK employers who actively support the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The scheme seeks to help veterans of the Armed Forces explore their transferable skills and identify possible training and career opportunities within the NHS.

This year has seen the trust improve from a Bronze award to Silver.

Director of strategy and chief information officer at the trust Martyn Ward, said Oxford Health was delighted to receive the recognition.

He added: "I am looking forward to representing the trust at the award presentation ceremony on board HMS Victory on September 5 alongside Shaun Mclaughlin, who recently joined us after retiring from his role as a senior officer in the RAF.”

Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, the Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP said: “A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefit to the Armed Forces Community."

For more information on the Oxford Health's Step into Health Programme, visit the trust website at www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/careers/career-events