Armed Forces Volunteer to Career programme

At Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, we're proud to support our Armed Forces community. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant - a public pledge of support to the armed forces community - and we were awarded silver for the Employer Recognition Scheme and are actively striving for gold.

This support continues with our launch of a dedicated Armed Forces Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme. Through this initiative, we will invite active members of the Forces, veterans, and military spouses to gain experience in what a career in healthcare might look like through volunteering. 

Volunteer to Career (VtC) offers individuals a “try before you buy” approach to allow those interested to experience what a career in the NHS may look like through volunteering. This follows from the successful Volunteer to Career programme launched last year, thanks to the support from Helpforce, the charity focusing on establish high impact volunteering services.

Thanks to us partnering again with Helpforce for this Armed Forces VtC programme, we will be offering individuals a taste of NHS careers via volunteer roles. This new VtC programme will enable individuals to volunteer in one of many available roles at our hospitals for 2-4 hours a week, for a period of at least six months, with us offering support to build on the experience for those wishing to then apply to substantive roles or gain further education.

Throughout the development of this programme, we have established a number of partnerships with Armed Forces organisations, such as the London Armed Forces Network and The Poppy Factory. Through these relationships, we have listened to the experiences and needs of the Armed Forces community. We resonate with the desire to have a meaningful career and feel that healthcare is a great place to fulfil that need for purpose. We have heard from members of the Armed Forces that there are natural parallels between working for the Armed Forces and the NHS:

“There are many similarities between the Armed Forces and the NHS which can make the transition easier. The NHS offers a strong sense of camaraderie, purpose, and the chance to continue serving in a meaningful way.” 

— Jonathan Thompson, Deputy General Manager of QEH Emergency Department and HM Armed Forces Veteran

 

Dr Jennifer Berg, Consultant Anaesthetist and Medical Officer in the British Army Reserves also speaks to the rewarding nature of this transition from the Forces to healthcare: 

 

“In both the NHS and the military, every role plays a vital part in achieving a larger mission. The core values of discipline, teamwork, and selfless service naturally extend from a career in the NHS to the military, fostering a seamless transition between the two.” 

— Dr Jennifer Berg

 

If you are ready to take on your next challenge in healthcare, please apply below and we can help find a role suited for your success.

To find our more and to get involved visit our Voluntary Services page or contact our Voluntary Services team via email: LH.VoluntaryServices@nhs.net.