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Military March is a month-long campaign, run by NHS Employers, which highlights the value members of the Armed Forces community bring to the NHS, and the importance of employer support within the workplace.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare is proud to be an inclusive Armed Forces friendly organisation and a long supporter of the Armed Forces community. We recognise the valuable contribution, wealth of experience and skills that armed forces personnel and their families bring to the organisation.

During Military March, we’re showcasing stories from our colleagues who share why they joined the NHS after the Armed Forces and how it compares to army life.

Wendy’s story

Wendy Smith is a Senior Research Compliance Facilitator in the Research and Evidence Department at the Trust. She shares her story of living life in the Armed Forces and how she came to work in the NHS.

“Had I not joined the military, I believe I would have joined the NHS at some point’ explains Wendy. “My mom was a psychiatric nurse for many years, and I was fascinated when she shared her experiences with me. 

“I joined the army as a member of the Intelligence Corps providing advice to senior leaders and organisations on the application of security measures to protect sensitive intelligence, equipment and personnel.  I was also a Trade Training instructor for recruits joining the Corps once they completed their basic training. 

“When I left the army and became a “wife-of”, it meant that I travelled wherever my husband was posted, so it was difficult to have a second career that fitted in with that lifestyle.  We settled in our own home when my children reached senior school age and this is when I joined the NHS in 2013, in an administrative role.  My role has evolved over time, and I am now the Senior Research Compliance Facilitator in the Research and Evidence Department.

“The qualities and skills that I’ve transferred from army life to working in the NHS is life skills! I left the military as a senior non-commissioned officer and believe the skills I learnt both as a manager and leader shaped me to the person I am today. I have also completed my Armed Forces Champion training and I am currently Co-Chair of the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Network.

“I was also excited and fortunate to be invited to Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party with my husband, through his unit when he served at Chetwynd Barracks in 2007. I had left the Army at this point and accompanied him in my role as “wife of”.

“Although I left the service twenty years ago, it still feels like that part of my life was yesterday. So as a veteran, knowing there are like-minded people I can turn to if I need to is re-assuring.”

The Trust has re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant showing its commitment to ensure staff who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.  We also hold a Gold Award for the  Defence Employer Recognition Scheme  and are a  Veteran Aware  organisation in recognition of our commitment to improving NHS care for the Armed Forces community which includes regulars, reservist personnel, veterans, bereaved family members, spouses and family members.

If you are currently employed in the armed forces and interested in exploring future employment opportunities at the Trust, why not check out of vacancies:  recruitment.nottshc.nhs.uk/

For further information about careers in the NHS  Working in health | Health Careers  

For further information about the NHS Employers’ Step into Health programme, visit the  Transition into an NHS career | Step Into Health (militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk)  or email  armedforces@nottshc.nhs.uk