HRFCA had a three-day employer engagement visit to Salisbury Plain during the 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7SCOTS) Annual Camp, Ex Highland Fury 3.
Our Regional Employer Engagement Director, Roy McLellan, visited 7SCOTS at the Army’s training grounds in Imber, Wiltshire.
Accompanying him were four of our employers who are Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award winners: Aberdeenshire Council, John Clark Motor Group, Score (Europe) Ltd and Moray Digital Ltd/3rd Pixel Ltd.
The aim of the visit was to gain more insight into the Reserve Forces and a better understanding of service personnel’s transferable skills. It was a chance to introduce several employers to reservist training and skill development.
Showing our employers around and representing 7SCOTS were Commanding Officer Duncan Mackinnon (pictured, left, in cover image) and Regimental Operations Support Officer Captain Alan McEwen MBE. Representing 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland was their Commander Brigadier Ben Wrench (also pictured in cover image).
One of our Armed Forces Covenant signatories and ERS Silver Award holders, John Clark Motor Group, was represented by their Group Training & Development Manager, Colin McAllister. When asked what he hopes to achieve with the visit, he said: “To look at how the military identify future leaders and develop them. Also to have some fun!”
Jim Savege, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, Covenant signatory and ERS Gold Award holder, was hoping to underline the commitment to supporting regulars, reservists and veterans.
He said: “To understand some more about the reality of the training and commitment required as a reservist, both in terms of what support those serving need from their employer, and what it means they can give back.
“I would want to understand even more about what needs to be done to support regulars, reservists and veterans – and their families – in terms of their day-to-day lives. We provide so many services and are a major employer – I would welcome some opportunity to talk and listen and understand some more on what more we could do.”
Covenant signatory and ERS Bronze Award holder, Score (Europe) Ltd, was represented by their Global Apprenticeship Manager, Stevie Wilson. As an Armed Forces advocate and supporter, Stevie wanted to get “an understanding of the training undertaken, see the operations first-hand, and meet the personnel training and supporting our reserves, to build further insight in the reserves, the structure, and the activities undertaken.”
One of the employers on the visit, Shaun Moat, was representing two of our Armed Forces Covenant signatories. He is the Managing Director of Moray Digital Ltd, one of our ERS Silver Award holders, as well as Moray Digital’s sister company, 3rd Pixel Ltd.
Ahead of the visit, he said: “I want to get a better understanding on how our reserve forces are supporting our regulars. I’m really excited to see and experience it from the other side instead of being in it. So I will be really happy to see and do anything!”
The three-day visit was a success, allowing important discussions about the relationship and support between employers and reservists, regulars, veterans and their families. It was an invaluable opportunity to hear individual reservists’ perspectives and needs.
To learn more about The Royal Regiment of Scotland click HERE.
