Highland Council honoured for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces

The Highland Council is one of 140 organisations to have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community, Defence Minister Leo Docherty announced today.

Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

This year’s awardees brings the total number of Gold holders to 493.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said:

“I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.

“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”

To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Highland Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans' Champion, Councillor Roddy Balfour, said:

“It is a great honour for Highland Council to have received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for supporting the Armed Forces community in our area especially during these difficult times of the pandemic. The continued support to Armed Forces personnel past and present and their families is vital to the wellbeing of our whole community. This is tremendous news, reflecting on the excellent work that staff in Highland Council have carried out with colleagues in Highland and Moray and in the Military Liaison Group. I would like to thank them all for their excellent achievements working on through lockdown and COVID times.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here.