Last Thursday 19 organisations received their Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award at Edinburgh Castle.
Presented by General Officer Scotland Major General Robin Lindsay CBE, the guests were treated to a special supper at the castle with a musical accompaniment by the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland.
Winning Gold this year were:
- Animo et Fide
- Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce
- Brodie Engineering
- City Cabs
- East Lothian Council
- Elprosys UK Limited
- Heriot-Watt University
- Press: Heriot-Watt
- Lochlie Construction Group
- Loganair
- Lothian Buses
- Press: Bus and Coach Buyer
- Press: Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
- Menzies Aviation
- Mister Singh’s India
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
- Officers’ Association Scotland
- RB Safety Consultants
- Scotia Surface Hardening
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies (EAST)
- Wilson Auto Repair
In total 193 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.
Representing the highest badge of honour, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award identifies businesses that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said:
‘I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.’
This year, organisations across a range of sectors including transportation, education, finance, and healthcare have been recognised in the awards. Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees.
The ERS encourages employers to support Defence and inspire others to do the same. The Gold Award is the highest accolade granted under the Scheme, reserved for businesses and organisations with the strongest commitment to supporting the military community.
To receive the award, organisations must demonstrate that they have supportive policies in place for Defence people, which includes: Reservists, Regulars, Veterans, Cadet Force Volunteers and Spouses.
Lowland RFCA were delighted to host the event and to celebrate the tremendous efforts of this year’s winners.
‘It’s a fantastic scheme to be involved with. We’ve got lots of Reservists within the business and the experience they bring from the military is second to none. We will continue to keep building on our support to the Armed Forces community; winning this award is certainly not the end of the story for us.’ – Lyndsay Kennedy, Head of HR at Loganair
‘We’ve gained an awful lot from being part of this ERS network, meeting plenty of new businesses and potential new customers along the way.’ – Mark Singh, Director Mister Singh’s Indian Restaurant
‘The level of commitment and dedication from this community is unrivalled. Someone with a Forces-background always brings a mindset of ‘failure isn’t an option’ which means they’re great at getting jobs done.
‘If you’re Forces-minded, then don’t hesitate to engage with Lowland RFCA. The opportunities within the Reserve and Veteran workforce are hugely significant and as an employer you can tap into that.’ – Douglas Aitken, Director Lochlie Construction
