19 employers from across the Lowlands of Scotland have received a prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence for their outstanding support for the Armed Forces Community.
- Aardvark Clear Mine Limited
- Aggreko
- City of Glasgow College
- Clearwater DC Limited
- Curtis Moore (Cladding Systems) Ltd.
- Edinburgh Airport
- Edinburgh Trams
- G&S Vehicle Repair
- i3Secure Ltd
- Industrial Pumps & Gearboxes Limited
- Lucid Interiors
- NG Homes
- North Lanarkshire Council
- Portkil Seaview Estates Limited
- Prolek Auto Electrical Services Limited
- QTS Group
- Respray Your Kitchen & Furniture Ltd.
- St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation
- Who Dares Cares
The recipients were presented with their Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award by Commander 51 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, Brigadier Jody Davies MBE at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Thursday 5 October 2023.
Accompanied with outstanding musical performances by Reservists from the 6 & 7 SCOTS Band, the guests were lauded for their dedication in supporting their employees who have served or continue to serve in the Armed Forces.
Also in attendance among the many distinguished guests at the event was Charanjit Singh, whose late father Naik (Corporal) Gian Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for his incredible bravery while serving with the Allied Forces in 1945. The medal was recently valued at £250,000 on an episode of the BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’, and is due to go on display for two years at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 6 November.
The ERS Silver Award is a prestigious accolade and is the second highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support Reservists, service leavers, Veterans and their families.
Each Silver Award winner has begun their ERS journey by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to supporting Defence through services, policy and projects.
Employers have gone above and beyond with their support through engaging with initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists with regard to training and mobilisation.
Councillor Bob Burgess, Armed Forces Champion for North Lanarkshire Council said: ‘As a council, we are delighted and honoured to have been awarded the prestigious Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award. This recognition reflects our commitment and support to the men and women who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.
‘As proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are focused on helping members of the Armed Forces Community to access the same support and services as everyone else.
‘We are also part of the Lanarkshire Armed Forces Community and Veterans Covenant Group, which was created in partnership with our colleagues at South Lanarkshire Council following a request by the Royal Regiment of Scotland for an Armed Forces Covenant to be established. This covers areas including education, financial advice, housing, employment opportunities, careers advice, and health and wellbeing.
‘Our communities share a strong affinity with the Armed Forces, and we believe it is vital that those who have selflessly dedicated their lives to protecting our nation, and their families, deserve our support and gratitude. At all levels of our organisation, we work hard to not only ensure that we value the skills and experiences of service personnel, but also actively support their transition into civilian life.
‘Being awarded the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme demonstrates our commitment to the Armed Forces and our determination to go above and beyond in providing them with the opportunities and support they deserve.’
Jane McFadzean, Armed Forces Champion and Workforce Development Coordinator for the QTS Group, was equally delighted to receive the Silver Award on behalf of her organisation: ‘As a keen supporter of the Armed Forces Community and the transferable skills these individuals can bring to the rail industry, the QTS workforce includes a mix of Reservists, Veterans and Armed Forces spouses.
‘We recognise the impact of having people from the Armed Forces in our business and value the skills and attributes they can bring. We are a diverse and inclusive employer who strongly believes in helping all our staff reach their full potential. We want to be known as a business that has recruitment and employment policies that attract and ensure Reservists, Veterans and their families are supported.
‘We are absolutely thrilled to receive the prestigious ERS Silver Award in recognition of our ongoing efforts to support the Armed Forces Community. We will continue to pursue our commitment to reach the Gold standard in the near future.’
Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL, Chief Executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: ‘This year’s Silver Awards recognise the tremendous support that these Lowland businesses and organisations give to the Armed Forces each and every day. All of us in Defence thank you – we couldn’t do what we do without you. Well done all!’
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme, click here.
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