Highland RFCA’s Highland Gold Network (HGN) met on 2 February to once again share best practice in advocacy and support for the Armed Forces.
The meeting was held at Discovery Point in Dundee. Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award holder Dundee Heritage Trust operates the tourist attraction.
The meeting was the largest since the formation of the Highland Gold Network in 2022, with many of the 39 member organisations represented either in person or virtually.
Topics covered during the meeting included a discussion on the revalidation process for ERS Gold and Silver Award holders, with an update on recent changes to the process.
There was also a focus on the HGN Constitution with a vote taken to decide the democratic voting system to be used for electing the network Chair and Deputy Chair in future.
The meeting also saw current Chair Stephen Massetti, Director of National Operations for the Scottish Ambulance Service, chair his last meeting before handing over the role to Deputy Chair Sharon Faulkner. Sharon is the Head of HR, IT and Organisational Development at Angus Council. Ian Clark from IED Training Solutions stepped up to take over the Deputy Chair role in support of Sharon.
A buffet lunch and an opportunity to tour the attraction’s museum and the RRS Discovery followed the meeting.
Discovery Point will also host Highland RFCA’s Annual Association Meeting on 20 April.
◼︎ The Highland Gold Network consists of the current 39 Gold Employer Recognition Scheme employers in the Highland RFCA area of responsibility. The aim of the group is to advocate for Defence people, while sharing best practice and ideas, and to encourage and mentor Bronze and Silver employers to gain Gold status. The group meets quarterly.
