14 Scottish employers from the Lowlands have received the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award from the Ministry of Defence for their outstanding support for the Armed Forces.
A total of 193 organisations from across the UK have been recognised this year, the eleventh year of the awards scheme.
This year organisations of all sizes, from all sectors and from across the UK have been successful. In total, 33 sectors are represented from Healthcare and Education to Recruitment and Food and Beverage.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns said:
‘Our Armed Forces Community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace when they leave service. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.
‘I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces Community are given opportunities needed to flourish.’
To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.
The recipients of this year’s Gold ERS award from the Lowland region are:
The Aardvark Group specialises in designing mechanical land mine clearance equipment, and counts six NATO armies, including the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces, among its clientele.
Aggreko delivers energy solutions globally, providing their customers with power, heating and air conditioning when, where and for however long it’s needed.
Clearwater DC Limited enjoys a reputation as one of the UK’s leading waste management companies, aiming to meet client requirements in an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally safe way.
Curtis Moore (Cladding) Ltd. is a family-run business that has grown substantially since its establishment in 2000, and that believes firmly in delivering quality projects to the highest professional standards.
Fares4Free is a not-for-profit organisation offering free transport to more than half a million veterans living across Scotland, many of whom live with physical and mental health conditions. Fares4Free’s friendly and mental health first aid trained drivers (including Reservists and CFAVs) are always on hand to give veterans the support they need. The organisation has carried out 17,351 free journeys, covering 272,633 miles, at a value of £512,280 to date.
G&S Vehicle Repair is a Glasgow-based car repair and maintenance business boasting 50 years of combined experience. Though small, the company is committed to honouring its Armed Forces Covenant pledges with help from Lowland RFCA.
Industrial Pumps and Gearboxes Limited
Since achieving the Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award, Industrial Pumps & Gearboxes Limited has gone above and beyond to establish itself as a Forces-friendly employer.
NG Homes is the largest community-controlled housing association in Glasgow and provides accommodation in the Springburn, Possilpark, Balornock and Parkhouse areas of Glasgow. NG Homes is wholly committed to providing a ‘community where people can flourish and prosper’, and is keen to ensure that current and former members of the Armed Forces are included in that community.
North Lanarkshire serves just shy of 350,000 people over 181 square miles, containing many of Glasgow’s commuter towns and villages. At the request of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, North Lanarkshire Council has partnered with South Lanarkshire Council to ensure Armed Forces Covenant pledges are fulfilled.
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Prolek Auto Electrical Services Limited
For over 40 years Prolek Auto Electrical Services Limited has been dedicated to providing high quality auto repairs and services from its base in Springburn, Glasgow.
As one of the UK’s leading railway contractors, QTS Group covers a range of specialist services including Vegetation Management, Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Services. The organisation has been a regular presence at Lowland RFCA events and has a specialised Armed Forces recruitment page on its website.
Respray Your Kitchen & Furniture
Respray Your Kitchen & Furniture is a Glasgow-based employer with a sound understanding of the work and contributions of the Cadet Forces in Scotland, as the owner’s children are themselves involved in the RAF Air Cadets.
St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation
Based in Paisley, St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, is the charity wing of the community-owned football club. The organisation is committed to implementing positive change in the local community and providing a brighter and more hopeful future.
Independent school for children aged 3-18 years, aiming to become a world-class provider of education. The Glasgow Academy is wholly committed to helping their students to aim high and enjoy their learning experience, and equally extends these values to any members of the Armed Forces community within their workforce. They have pledged to fully support Reservist employees at all stages of the mobilisation process, and has welcomed military instructors to deliver recruitment and leadership presentations for students and staff alike.
