The Highland Council is presented with Gold Award

Pictured accompanying Cllr Balfour to receive the Gold award presented by Lieutenant General James Swift OBE, The Ministry of Defence’s HR Director. are Jim McCreath and Jane Henderson from the Council’s Human Resources team.

Last week Cllr Roddy Balfour, The Highland Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans’ Champion was invited to a reception held at Edinburgh Castle to receive the Council’s Gold award for the Defence Employers’ Recognition Scheme. 

To win an award 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.

They must also 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.

The event’s principal host was the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce OBE and the Council’s Gold Award was presented by Lieutenant General James Swift OBE – Chief of Defence People, The Ministry of Defence’s HR Director..

Speaking after his trip to Edinburgh to collect the Award, Cllr Balfour said: “It was a huge honour to be presented with this award as it recognises the work that staff in Highland Council have carried out with colleagues in Highland and Moray and in the Military Liaison Group.

“The continued support to Armed Forces personnel past and present and their families is vital to the wellbeing of our communities.

“The gold award represents the highest badge of honour, and everyone involved should feel very proud.”