Can I apply retrospectively for an award?

Regardless of the time that has passed since you have hit a long service milestone, if you feel you are eligible for an award, we would like to invite you to apply.

The number of years’ service will be calculated on the basis of the total number of years employed in the NHS; two years of which must have been continuous service within UHB, or its predecessor organisations.

We apologise for requesting you to apply personally, rather than us approaching you, however due to the size of the organisation, there is no single information source that would provide us with accurate information about your service.

What will my award be?

The new scheme is Trust-wide and replaces all previous long-service schemes in place at UHB. It recognises 5, 15, 25 and 40 years of aggregated NHS service. Colleagues can apply for an employee service award providing they have two years continuous service within UHB at the point of submission. Please see details of the awards below:

What happens once I have submitted my application form?

Once the completed form has been received by HR and authorised, you will be advised of your entitlement to the Employee Service Award and the steps that will follow. Service is verified using the Trust’s payroll and pension system. If service dates do not match Trust records, it is likely that further evidence will be requested and it is the staff member’s responsibility to provide this upon request (please see guidance for examples of acceptable documentation). Any other documentation submitted which is not specified in the Employee Service Award guidance will be subject to an assessment of validity.

Will I be invited to an awards ceremony?

All colleagues receiving service awards will be invited to an annual ceremony, where they will be presented with their recognition certificate by the Chief Executive or Chair.

If you are unable to make the ceremony for any reason, the HR Team will contact you to ensure that you receive your recognition certificate.

Colleagues who submit their applications by 31 December 2023 will be invited to our ceremonies in 2024.

I received a long service award at my previous Trust, can I receive an award for the same years’ service under this scheme?

Please note that anyone who has received a service award previously under the old UHB award scheme, its predecessor, or from another NHS employer, will not be eligible for a further award for the same years’ service, or lesser, under this new scheme.

For example: If you have applied and received a 25-year service award under the previous UHB scheme, you will not be eligible to apply for a 5- or 15-year award under the new scheme.