Employers celebrate Gold Awards

Nine employer organisations had their outstanding commitment to the Armed Forces recognised at the 2024 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards.

The Highland RFCA-organised event was held at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth on 14 November with the recipients representing a wide range of organisations and companies.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award recognises the positive role employers play in supporting Defence and inspiring others to do the same. Nationally, nearly 200 organisations were recognised in 2024 by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community.

The winners have all been powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant by actively engaging with their peers, encouraging them to employ Armed Forces personnel, Veterans, and their families, and providing robust and sustained support for Reservists.

There are now more than 1,000 organisations that hold Gold Awards. The Scheme is delivered by Defence Relationship Management (DRM). Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.

Principal guest at The Black Watch Castle and Museum was General Officer Scotland, Major General Robin Lindsay.

General Lindsay presented the Awards and delivered a speech on the Employer Recognition Scheme and the value of members of the defence community to society.

He said: “I’m delighted to be here on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence to present employers with Gold Awards that have been well earned. The Awards recognise a willingness on behalf of those organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting the defence family and advocating on its behalf.

“Over 13,000 organisations have signed the Covenant, which continues to grow daily as more and more employers reap the benefits of employing a member of the defence family. Consequently, the number of Employer Recognition Scheme awardees grows at all levels.

“All 13,000 are dedicated, valued essential partners for us, but I would note that you Gold Award winners have risen right to the top and I thank you hugely for all you do now and in the future.”

A meal followed with informative speeches delivered by a Royal Naval Reservist, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and, lastly, the view of an employer.

The speakers were: Lieutenant Matthew McPherson RNR (Unit Recruitment and Information Operations Officer); Flight Lieutenant Matthew Smith (Officer Commanding 2288 Montrose Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets); and Sharon Faulkner of Angus Council. Sharon is also the Chair of HRFCA’s Highland Gold Network.

Other military representatives in attendance included Brigadier Jody Davies MBE (Commander 51 Infantry Brigade & HQ Scotland), Lieutenant Colonel Gary Giles (Chief of Staff at Royal Navy Regional Command Scotland and Northern Ireland), Surgeon Commander Rob O’Donnell RNR (Commanding Officer HMS Scotia), and Wing Commander Paul Carrier (Royal Air Force Regional Employer Engagement Officer, Scotland). Neil Jackson (Director of DRM) was also in attendance.

Music was provided by piper Private Kieran Murray from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

2024 ERS Gold Award winners in the HRFCA-area:

BEAR Scotland

Eclipse (IP) Ltd

Falkirk Football Club

HorseBack UK

Lochgilphead Medical Centre

Serica Energy

Simplicity in Mind

Stirling Highland Games

The UKSI Limited

Commercial Director Mark Godsell said: “This Award is a testament to our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including Veterans, Reservists, and their families. At BEAR Scotland, we recognise the invaluable skills and experience that Service personnel bring to the workplace and we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for them.”

Director Neil Alexander said: “Eclipse (IP) is honoured to receive the Gold Award. Supporting the Armed Forces community has not only been a privilege but a responsibility that we encourage. We are inspired every day by their dedication, courage and sacrifice, and we remain committed to supporting them as they have supported us.”

Falkirk Chief Executive Officer Jamie Swinney said: “The Club has a proud history and tradition with regards to supporting the Armed Forces. We achieved Silver status a few years ago and supported our Foundation to reach Silver more recently. It was an ambition of the Club to reach the highest standard, which I am delighted we have now achieved with the Gold Award. Falkirk FC will continue to pay tribute to Armed Forces personnel and Veterans as well as maintaining and, where possible, increasing our support to those within our area as it is an important part of our history and tradition.”

Richard ‘Taff’ Teague, HorseBack UK’s Team Programme Coordinator for The King’s Trust, said: “The team at HorseBack UK are deeply honoured and grateful to have received the Gold Award. This prestigious recognition is a testament to our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, and it is incredibly rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged in this way.

“This Award would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our entire team, who have consistently shown their support for those who serve. It is our privilege to contribute to the welfare of the defence community, and this Award strengthens our resolve to continue this important work. Thank you once again for this significant honour. We are truly proud to stand alongside others who share our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.”

GP Partner Dr Andy Barlow said: “Lochgilphead Medical Centre is delighted to have been awarded Gold. This highlights and confirms the work we do in our region for the Armed Forces and Veteran communities. We are so proud to have received this Award and look forward to collaboration with local companies in the future and furthering the experience for our community.”

Karen Clarkin, Chair of Serica Energy Armed Forces Support Group & Co-Chair of OEUK Industry Armed Forces Forum, said: “Serica Energy is proud to receive the Gold Award. We will continue to champion and support the Armed Forces community, recognising the invaluable contribution Service personnel, both Regular and Reservist, Veterans and military families can make to our organisation, the wider energy industry, our community, and our country.”

Simplicity in Mind owner Dave Hill said: “I am delighted that Simplicity in Mind has been selected for the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. As a Veteran and business owner, I feel it is vitally important to support Service leavers, Veterans, Reservists and their families in the civilian workplace. While Simplicity in Mind is a very small company, I hope that our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant will help spark conversations and awareness with other businesses to highlight the talents and transferable skills the military community brings to organisations.”

President Matt McGrandles said: “We are delighted to have achieved the ERS Gold-level standard. Stirling Highland Games will continue to both embrace as well as promote opportunities for Armed Forces personnel as part of our commitment to the pledge.”

Director Graham Bettany said: “The UKSI is elated to receive the Gold Award. We view supporting the Armed Forces as a responsibility that we actively promote. We are continuously inspired by the commitment and bravery of members within the Armed Forces community and we remain dedicated to supporting them as they support us.”

Our congratulations and thanks go to all the winners for the support they give to the Armed Forces; and to the staff at The Black Watch Castle and Museum for helping to organise a successful evening.

Find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme.

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