Armed Forces Day is an annual celebration to show support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community. From those currently serving to veterans, reservists and the families who support them, their contribution is significant and valued.
Transitioning to civilian life after service can bring big changes. At The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), we want to do everything we can to make that move into a new career feel easier. Whether you're exploring a new direction or building on the skills you gained in service, we're here to help you take that next step with confidence.
SaTH's commitment to the Armed Forces community
SaTH is proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This is a promise that we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have serviced in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be trated with fairness and respect in the community, economy and society they serve with their lives. We have also achieved Gold Award status in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We recognise the unique skills and experiences that the Armed Forces community brings to our workforce, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. We actively support veterans, reservists and military families throughout the recruitment and onboarding process.
This is reflected in the practical steps we take, such as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for those who declare they are a member of the Armed Forces community, provided the minimum essential criteria have been met.
Additionally, the Trust recognises previous service and experience from members of the Armed Forces community when agreeing starting salary and annual leave entitlement. We will also consider equivalent experience in lieu of qualifications, where appropriate.
Should support be required with interview preparation, the Trust has a useful guide available to help you understand what to expect from an interview at SaTH.
For Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, the Trust is committed to granting additional paid leave of up to 10 days per annum to enable attendance at their annual minimum compulsory training.
There is also ongoing support available once you join us, through our Armed Forces Champions and our dedicated intranet resources. Our Champions can help you settle into your new role, understand how the NHS works and adjust to a new working environment.
Military Skills to NHS Roles
The Armed Forces community brings a wealth of experience and skills that translate easily into NHS roles. Many of the qualities gained through service - teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, working under pressure - are exactly the strengths required in a busy role in the NHS.
For example, those with leadership or command backgrounds might suit an NHS role in operational management or service improvement, using their clear decision-making and coordination skills. Those with medical, first-aid or trauma experience may choose to build on that foundation in roles such as healthcare support, nursing, paramedic practice or operating department practice.
Technical and engineering skills gained in service also translate well into areas like estates and facilities, medical engineering or IT and digital services. All these roles are vital in keeping our hospitals running safely and efficiently.
Although there may not always be a direct match between military and NHS roles, many Armed Forces careers develop skills that are highly transferable. Below are some examples, and further guidance on mapping skills to NHS roles is available through the Step into Health website.
1. Leadership and Command experience
Skills: calm decision-making, working under pressure, excellent leadership, team coordination
NHS Roles:
- Operational Manager - leading services, managing teams
- Ward/Department Manager - overseeing staff, safety, and organising smooth running of the ward and daily operations (professional registration required)
- Project Manager - delivering various projects across the Trust, such as improvement projects
2. Medical and Clinical experience
Skills: First Aid training, compassionate patient care, good communication and listening skills
NHS Roles:
- Paramedic - frontline emergency care
- Healthcare Support Worker - supporting patients with personal care (entry route into clinical careers)
- Nurse / Operating Department Practitioner - patient care with structured training (clear progression routes available)
3. Engineering, Technical and Mechanical experience
Skills: problem-solving, technical ability and knowledge, attention to detail, health and safety
NHS Roles:
- Multi-Skilled Technician - maintaining building systems, carrying out repairs and installations
- Medical Engineer - servicing and repairing clinical equipment
- Estates and Facilities roles - ensuring safe, efficient hospital environments, including catering, portering and cleaning
4. Communications, Intelligence and Information Handling
Skills: clear communication, situational awareness, data discipline, attention to detail, accuracy
NHS Roles:
- Communications team - internal and public communications
- Information/Workforce Analyst - using data to improve services and provide reports
- Governance roles - protecting patient information, managing information governance queries, and handling freedom of information and data subject access requests
Armed Forces Day 2026
As we mark Armed Forces Day today, we want to extend our thanks to our Armed Forces colleagues for everything that they do - both in service and beyond it.
At SaTH we are proud to be a Forces-Friendly employer and to offer employment in a place where veterans, reservists and military families can use their skills, grow their careers and feel supported whilst doing so.
If you're thinking about your next step, why not explore our current vacancies - either through our dedicated Find a Job page or through Forces Familes Jobs.
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