ERS Silver Awards 2022

15 organisations in the Highland RFCA-area have been awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2022, with seven existing Silver holders having their awards revalidated.

The award from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is in recognition of the support the organisations give to the Armed Forces community.

The winners in the HRFCA-area (including the Silver Award revalidations) are:

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 Award 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.

A ceremony will be held at Scone Palace on June 16 to present the 15 winners with their awards.

The Managing Director of 3rd Pixel Ltd, Shaun Moat, is already familiar with Silver status as his other company, Moray Digital Ltd, has already achieved an ERS Silver Award. He said: “Achieving ERS Silver is an amazing milestone for any business and shows their commitment to the Armed Forces community. Having both my companies achieve this prestige level I am over the moon. I served for eight years in the RAF before being medically discharged and have managed to set up two very successful companies.

“I believe that every business should be encouraged to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and work towards Silver and even Gold. By doing so, they will see how they can unlock a wealth of experience from the Armed Forces community that want to work for Forces Friendly employers.”

Darren Perrie, Managing Director at Bespoke Resourcing Solutions, said: “We are delighted to accept this Silver Award. We will continue to pledge our support to all current and ex-service men and woman across the world.”

Pamela MacKenzie, Managing Director, Bon Accord Care, said: “We are absolutely delighted and privileged to be receiving the Silver Award and to be supporting the Armed Forces community. We look forward to being able to develop our support in the future and very much value the contribution our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families make, not only to our country, but in workplaces across Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

Neil Ebberson, UK SAR Director, Bristow Helicopters Limited, said: “The past year has seen a significant number of veterans from across the services join Bristow Helicopters, both in oil and gas and UKSAR Operations. Veterans find the same sense of purpose and teamwork at Bristow that they enjoyed in their previous military life. In particular, UKSAR has benefitted immensely from a number of experienced hires, who have transitioned smoothly into a second career.”

Mandy Doran, who is part of the Management Team at Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre, said: “We are delighted to receive Silver in recognition of our support of Defence.

“As an organisation, we highly value the skills and unique qualities Armed Forces personnel can bring to our business. As an Armed Forces family, it is of great importance to us that we do all we can to support our veterans and serving personnel.”

Zelda Franklin-Hills, Director Organisational Development & HR at Fife College, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in gaining a Silver Award under the ERS scheme which recognises our ongoing support to the Armed Forces Community and Defence people. It demonstrates the value we place on all our people and celebrates our diversity as an employer.”

Gerard Paton, Operations Manager at Highland Training Group, said: “It’s a massive honour to be considered for such a prestigious award and continue to employ and support our ex-service personnel in our security industry.”

Adam Riley (ex-RE), Service Director at IES Callenberg/Trident Maritime Systems, said: “IES Callenberg is a proud supporter of the UK Armed Forces community and therefore is delighted to have achieved Silver. With an eclectic mix of ex-forces personnel employed in various roles throughout the company, we realise what many of these exceptional individuals have to offer. As an Army veteran, I recall the daunting feelings I had when my time came to make the transition into civilian life and work. It is therefore a privilege to be working for an organisation that is committed to supporting our ex-service men and women who are pursuing a post military career.”

Chris Hockley, Chief Executive Officer at The MacRobert Trust, said: “Supporting the Armed Forces, in all its guises, is a fundamental part of The MacRobert Trust’s DNA. As such, we are absolutely delighted to receive this award and to join, and be recognised, alongside a group of other organisations, that are equally keen to do so.”

Fiona Alderson, Service Manager at Networks of Wellbeing, said: “Networks of Wellbeing Ltd is both proud and honoured to receive the ERS Silver Award from the Ministry of Defence for the support we provide to those who give, and have given, so much to their country throughout their time in the services. Receiving the Silver Award for doing something we care deeply about means a great deal to every member of our team.”

Rob Diver, Operations Director at Praesidio, said: “Praesidio is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and we are delighted and humbled to be awarded ERS Silver. As both founding directors are veterans, we make it our priority to employ veterans and reservists through our active recruitment approach.

“We remain committed to breaking down the barriers that veterans, reservists and military families face when seeking employment. Praesidio welcomes the unique skills and experiences they bring. We offer them equal opportunities to thrive across all areas of our business, accommodating their needs and requirements, so we can utilise their significant transferable skillset.”

Lorraine Westley, Owner and Managing Director at Recruitment Bee, said: “We are delighted to receive the ERS Silver Award in recognition of the support we provide to our Defence Community. As Recruitment Bee’s owner and founder, I am also a veteran, having served with the Royal Air Force, and been part of the military community as a spouse of a serving member for over 22 years. I therefore feel it is in Recruitment Bee’s DNA to help others in our Armed Forces Community who are transitioning through today’s challenging job market. We work closely with local employers across Moray and the Highlands who are looking to attract talented people. We are able to provide them with a strong understanding of the military skills and personal attributes our Defence community bring to the world of work. This has resulted in successfully helping many service leavers, reservists, cadet instructors and military partners find their next role, and we strive to help many others over the years to come.”

Sam Shillingford, co-owner at Shilling & Fitz, said: “It is an honour and absolute privilege for us to receive the Silver Award this year. As an organisation, Shilling & Fitz will continue to support our serving members, veterans, reservists and their families and actively promote the Armed Forces Covenant throughout our network.”

Dave Hill, Transformational Coach at Simplicity in Mind, said: “I am delighted that Simplicity in Mind has been selected for the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme 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.”

For more information on the ERS Awards, click here.