HI NENC hosts the Armed Forces Business Forum at Citygate

The Armed Forces Business Forum and The Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Business Forum (AFBF) is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) initiative. It is designed to strengthen collaboration between the Armed Forces and civilian employers. The initiative is connected to the the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), providing a platform to support Covenant principles within the business community.

Over 12,000 organizations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating their commitment to these principles. HI NENC is a bronze member of the Covenant. The covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and our Armed Forces. It recognises the national obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families.

The Armed Forces Business Forum at Citygate

On 14th May, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria were pleased to open their doors to host the monthly Armed Forces Business Forum. The event was organised by the regional North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association team.

Our Director of Digital Transformation, Dave Belshaw, kicked off the event with a short presentation. He highlighted the close links between innovation in healthcare and the battlefield before showcasing some recent successes. HI NENC looks forward to supporting the DRM team in in the future and maintaining the links that were forged when HI NENC signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Robin Bolton of the North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association said, “People who are signing up for the Armed Forces Covenant are indicating that they are forces friendly.

“In many cases the first step onto what we call the, ‘the defence employer recognition scheme’ we try and encourage companies to apply for those awards. And they see the real benefit for employing former service folk.”

“We were delighted to host the May Forum at Citygate and to showcase some of the innovative developments that have been made in the health and life sciences sector over the last few years,” said, HI NENC’s Digital Transformation Director, Dave Belshaw.

He added, “it was brilliant to see representatives from companies that work in the same sector as us and meet the Armed Forces Lead from one of our member trusts. We look forward to maintaining our close relationship with the forum in future years.”