Hayley Lawrence, senior clinical nurse educator at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been named a winner at the British Forces in Business Awards for her exceptional contributions to clinician education and her leadership of the Trust’s Armed Forces Staff Network.
Award Recognition for Support to Veterans and Education
Hayley was honoured at the awards ceremony for her work supporting veterans, service members, and their families, alongside her role in training future psychiatrists and mental health professionals at the trust. The British Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of military veterans who have achieved excellence in civilian careers, recognising the contributions of the Armed Forces community to British employers and the wider economy.
Military Background and Transition to Civilian Healthcare
Hayley brings over 20 years of experience from her military service, where she served as both a combat medical technician and a mental health nurse. Following a serious incident during her service, she was medically discharged and successfully transitioned into a healthcare career outside the army.
Hayley said: “I didn’t expect to win so I feel incredibly honoured. Being shortlisted was already such a proud moment, but to go on and receive this award is very special. I’m really proud of the work we do, both in the Psychiatric Teaching Unit and through the Armed Forces Staff Network. In both roles, I feel very lucky to work with such amazing people who are committed to supporting others, sharing knowledge and making a positive difference. Leaving the army was tough; I wasn’t ready, but my health forced me to. Now I’m a Clinical Nurse Educator at the Trust, teaching future psychiatrists and mental health professionals, which I am extremely grateful to have.”
Leadership of the Armed Forces Staff Network
Hayley is chair of the Trust’s Armed Forces Staff Network, an employee support network run jointly with Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust. The network supports colleagues who are ex-forces or reservists, as well as people leaving the Forces, through proactive recruitment and tailored support. It is also open to reservists, veterans, cadet instructors, family members, and allies, in line with the NHS commitment to prioritise care for veterans and beyond.
Praise from Trust Leadership
Justine Fitzjohn, director of corporate affairs at Derbyshire Healthcare and Executive Sponsor of the network, praised Hayley for her achievement and ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community. Justine said: “We are incredibly proud to see Hayley win this national award. It is a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition of the impact she continues to have across the Trust and for the wider Armed Forces community. Hayley leads the network with compassion, determination and a real commitment to supporting others. She uses her lived experience to help colleagues feel understood, connected and supported, while also helping the Trust strengthen its support for veterans, reservists, service leavers and their families. Derbyshire Healthcare is very lucky to have Hayley’s support and guidance, both as a colleague and as dedicated Chair of the Trust’s Armed Forces Staff Network.”
