News

Employers from the Highland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCA) area gathered at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth recently to receive prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver awards. 

NHS Western Isles was delighted to be one of the organisations to receive a Silver award on June 22. Hospitals Manager, Lachlan Mac Pherson, Hospitals Manager & Armed Forces Veterans Champion, attended on behalf of NHS Western Isles. 

The reception and presentations, hosted by Highland RFCA, formally recognised the support the 29 organisations give to the Armed Forces community. 

The evening began with employers and their guests being piped into the venue by Cadet Hay and welcomed by Highland RFCA Chief Executive Brigadier (Retd) Mark Dodson. An opportunity for networking followed before guests were invited outside to enjoy an outstanding musical performance from the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force, under the guidance of Connor Pratt. 

Prior to the presentions, Major General Wright said: “I am delighted to have been invited to present the awards to you tonight, and have a chance to meet you all. 

“The success of our Armed Forces in delivering defence capability is entirely dependent on our relationship with the society from which we come. Key to this relationship is the role played by employers, who not only support members of the volunteer reserve forces, but also the wider armed forces family including veterans, spouses and partners; as well as the adult volunteers who are so important to the viability and vitality of our service cadet organisations. 

“We are here this evening, to give recognition to Employers as part of the Defence Employer Recognition (ERS) Scheme. You may be interested to know that the number of companies joining the Scheme is rising rapidly – the milestone 10,000th Armed Forces Covenant was signed in April of this year and the number continues to rise. 

“So, on behalf of Defence, I thank you for your commitment and for all that you are doing for us.” 

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises those who demonstrate or advocate support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge from the nation that those who serve or who have served and their families are treated fairly. 

Silver winners must meet certain criteria, including: employing at least one individual from the Armed Forces community, actively ensuring that their workforce is aware of their positive policies, demonstrating support to mobilisations of Reservists and providing at least five days’ additional leave for training. 

Lachlan said: “NHS Western Isles is proud to have been awarded the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. Achieving the Silver Award, provides recognition of our position as a veteran/reservist friendly employer, and confirms our support for armed forces staff and their families, ensuring that they are treated fairly. 

“NHS Western Isles recognises the invaluable transferable skills that veterans bring to our organisation. 

“We also support reservists and have policies in place to support training and mobilisation." 

Notes for Editors