Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB signs Armed Forces Covenant

Representatives of Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) have today signed the Armed Forces Covenant; reaffirming the local NHS’ support, and the ICBs commitment to the Armed Forces community.

This includes those with serving partners or spouses, military families, veterans, reservists, and voluntary leaders in military cadet organisations. 

The ICB has a statutory duty under The Armed Forces Act (2021) to show ‘due regard’ to the unique obligations of and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces, which it plans to achieve through the pledges outlined in the Covenant, as both a major employer in the region and a planner and commissioner of services.

The next major milestone for 2024/25 will be to secure the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award and build on this ‘foundation’ year into 2025, as an ‘anchor’ health organisation, by creating opportunities for colleagues to share learning, knowledge and best practice.

ICB chief executive Kevin Lavery, who signed the Covenant alongside ICB chair Emma Woollett at the ICB Board meeting in Preston earlier today, said: “I am proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant today, demonstrating our support for military veterans and their families and our commitment to being a forces-friendly employer.

“Our focus is two-fold, both as an employer of over 900 people across the region, and as a planner and commissioner of NHS services.”

Of the 1.8 million people living in Lancashire and South Cumbria, approximately 65,500 are veterans, who are significantly more likely to have a long-term illness, disability, or suffer with poor mental health, when compared to the general adult population. 

A recent survey of veterans found that more than half found it difficult to speak up about mental health issues and are often unsure how to access help when they need it.

The ICB is developing strong, collaborative links with third sector organisations in the region, who agree that one of the most fundamental areas for action is around identifying members of the armed forces community when they access services.  This opens up a wealth of resources, information, activities and support tailored to, and often provided by the Armed Forces community. 

ICB chair Emma Woollett said: “It is important for us to look after our veterans from a health and wellbeing point of view, removing barriers to accessing the help and support that is available.

“The ICB commissions dedicated physical and mental health services for veterans and service leavers across Lancashire and South Cumbria, such as specialist mental health support, designed specifically for those due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.

“Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB is committed to ensuring that our armed forces community, both patients and staff, can continue to access the right care when they need it, in line with the duties and principles set out in the covenant.”

Photo caption: (left to right) ICB chair Emma Woollett; ICB senior programme manager Lisa Roberts; ICB Armed Forces lead Jane Cass; ICB chief executive officer Kevin Lavery; Captain Stephen Tickle from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment