Members of the Armed forces are being encouraged to apply to join the NHS and use the skills they have learned in service in the health sector.

Developed in conjunction with The Royal Foundation and Walking With The Wounded, the Step into Health project provides a dedicated pathway for the Armed Forces community to access the numerous career opportunities available in the NHS.

After a full career in the Army, serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq, Richard Lloyd joined the Step into Health programme in order to begin a career in the NHS.

He explains: “I served in the Army for 28 years, joining as a private soldier, being promoted through the ranks before being commissioned as an Officer. My final post, as a Major, was as Senior Instructor Command Leadership and Management.

“I left the Army in 2012 and moved to the Lake District to set up a small family business. However, after four years I was missing being part of a large service team and didn’t feel I was making full use of the qualifications and experience I had acquired during my military career.

“In July 2016, I applied for the post of Business Manager with Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust. Senior Managers from Northumbria supported with advice for the recruitment process and interview. Two hours after the interview I was offered the post and my NHS career began.

“My role is diverse and demanding and is mostly concerned around business plans, performance, contracts and efficiencies where I find myself involved in a wide range of projects.

“My experience, ability to analyse, prioritise, formulate plans and communicate effectively are core to my role. It is healthy for any organisation to welcome in new blood and fresh eyes and my ability to constructively question issues or propose improvements is accepted well.

“I am extremely happy with my move to the NHS and my family has benefitted from the stability and career potential that it offers.

“Although I am less than 3 years into my new career, I very much hope to move onto new challenges and roles within the NHS.

“You don’t need to have a clinical background as there is such a wide range of roles and services available to you.”