The UK’s top supporters of the armed forces have been revealed today, with four organisations in the lowlands of Scotland achieving the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for proactively demonstrating their advocacy and support for the armed forces community.
Financial Services giant Standard Life Aberdeen plc, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Glasgow-based James McVicar Print Works and Edinburgh’s Future Sales Factory have each receives the highest awards and will be invited to a formal presentation event later this year.
Now in its fifth year, the Ministry of Defence’s ERS Awards represent the highest badge of honour available organisations that employ or support those who serve, veterans or their families.
Tobias Ellwood, The Minister for Defence People and Veterans said: “The breadth and diversity of this year’s winners shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to flourish. Their commitment is a testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by service, and each of these employers is a setting an example as meaningful advocates for those protecting the nation.”
Colin Vooght, Head of Engagement at Lowland RFCA, said: “This is the first time four organisations in the lowlands of Scotland have achieved a Gold Award in the same year. The mix of SME, local authority and FTSE-100 financial services giant shows that organisations of all sizes and sectors can play their part in supporting the armed forces community in Scotland.
“I am delighted that these employers have been recognised with the Ministry of Defence’s highest award and look forward to continuing to work alongside each of the award winners in the future.”
Visit our ERS Awards page to find out more about the scheme and how your organisation could support Defence personnel in the workplace.
