Hywel Dda University Health Board re-signs Armed Forces Covenant
6 July 2026
Hywel Dda University Health Board has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re‑signing the Armed Forces Covenant at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event in Pembrey Country Park on Saturday 27 June 2026.
The covenant was signed on behalf of the organisation by the Health Board’s Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board member, Michael Imperato and Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.
Lisa Gostling said: “We are proud to re‑sign the Armed Forces Covenant and reaffirm our commitment to those who serve, have served, and their families.
“As a Health Board, we recognise the valuable contribution the Armed Forces community makes to society and to our organisation. This pledge demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring they receive the support, fairness and recognition they deserve.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families. A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces for at least one day.
By re‑signing the covenant, Hywel Dda University Health Board has reinforced its ongoing support and its role as an Armed Forces‑friendly organisation.
The Health Board’s commitments include:
- Promoting recognition of the Armed Forces community and being an Armed Forces‑friendly employer
- Supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans and recognising military skills and experience
- Supporting reservists within its workforce, including additional leave for training and deployment
- Supporting service spouses and partners through flexible employment practices
- Working with partners such as the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs
- Supporting cadet organisations and Armed Forces charities, as well as national events such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance activities
- Improving healthcare access and experience for veterans, including encouraging self‑identification and ensuring fair access to NHS services
Michael Imperarto, Independent Member and Armed Forces Champion at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We are committed to ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage compared to other citizens, recognising that special consideration may be appropriate in some circumstances, particularly for those who are injured or bereaved.
“The re‑signing of the Armed Forces Covenant highlights Hywel Dda University Health Board’s continued commitment to strengthening its support for the Armed Forces community across west Wales, both as an employer and a provider of healthcare services.”
Should anyone who is currently serving or who has served in the armed forces like further information on the support available, please visit hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/armed-forces-covenant (opens in new tab).
The Armed Forces Staff Network is also open to any member of the armed forces community working for Hywel Dda University Health Board and if any staff would like further information about the network, they can contact StrategicPartnerships.HDD@wales.nhs.uk.
Pictured left to right: Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE; Michael Imperato, Hywel Dda University Health Board Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board member; and Lisa Gostling, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.