As May draws to a damp and drizzly close, the Engagement team are reverting to winter wear and wondering if they can persuade someone to turn the heating back on. Even Sgt Major George has gone back into hibernation! If ever the word “dreich” was appropriate . . .
George is hoping for better weather.
However, resolute as ever, the REEDS have been out and about, meeting employers and arranging for Armed Forces Covenants to be signed by companies large and small.
OSP Cyber Academy put pen to paper to sign the Covenant at the national Cyber Security Conference in Aberdeen.
This was a fascinating – and terrifying – event which brought home the realities of the perils of social media and internet security. Presentations from ethical hackers had everyone frantically changing passwords and wiping search histories. There was great interest in recruiting ex-forces and Reservist personnel into careers in Cyber, so watch this space for more news on that.
OSP Cyber Academy signed the Covenant in Aberdeen.
This month has also seen a lot of engagement with our NHS Boards, key employers of Reservists in both clinical and non-clinical roles. NHS Highland and NHS Grampian have been working with our team to re-draft their AFC pledges of support, and REED2 joined our colleagues in Lowland RFCA to take part in the NHS Conference in Glasgow. Coincidentally, one of the speakers was Jim Dickie from the Scottish Ambulance Service, who will be joining us in his new role as REED1 next month. We are looking forward to welcoming him to the team in time for Armed Forces Week – our busiest week of the year.
On that note, we hope you are all ready for Reserves Day on 26 June. If you want to show your support for Reservists in your workplace please click on the link https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/events-toolkits-resources/ to find a host of toolkits and resources which you can use. Remember to let us know if you are holding any events and we will promote them for you.
As well as attending events across our patch from Fort George to Dunbartonshire, HRFCA is taking part in the inaugural ChamberSTRETCH hosted by Dundee and Angus Chamber and 225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment. Our brave boys and girls will form one of eight teams being put through their paces in Dundee’s Slessor Gardens on Reserves Day. Challenges will include a climbing wall and inflatable assault course. Come along and watch the mayhem and meet local Reservists to find out more about what they do, and how they can benefit your workplace.
Hopefully, we will have some lovely sunny days to cheer us as we hit the road in June. In addition to ChamberSTRETCH you will spot our trusty gazebo and staff at Armed Forces Day in Dundee on 22 June, Elgin on 25 June, and in Stirling at the Stirling Show on 29 June. Come and say hello – we do love a good blether!
