Highland RFCA’s Regional Employer Engagement Directors (REEDs) Roy McLellan and Ray Watt held a Business Breakfast with Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
The event took place at Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel in Inverness on 26 March.
Squadron Leader Chris Beckley, Officer Commanding 2622 (Highland) Squadron RAuxAF Regiment at RAF Lossiemouth, gave the invitees an insight into life as an RAF Reservist and the importance of Reserve Forces to Defence.
The REEDs discussed the work of Highland RFCA, explained what the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) are, how organisations can support these, and in turn, how they can benefit business and how businesses can gain from employing a Reservist.
Over breakfast, Squadron Leader Beckley gave an insight into the day-to-day work of the Royal Air Force aircraft that fly out of RAF Lossiemouth, and the essential daily role they play in Defence and security, reconnaissance and search and rescue.
Along with Reservist Corporal Neil Cameron, the audience also heard about life as an RAF Reservist, the importance of the Reserve Forces, the continuous training they undergo and the role Reservists play at RAF Lossiemouth and further afield.
Highland RFCA’s Ray Watt talked about the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and the three levels of support within that Scheme, namely Bronze, Silver and Gold. He explained how employing Reservists or former Regular Service personnel can support and benefit a business and how, in turn, businesses can receive support through advertising job vacancies and training.
Everyone at the meeting left with a new understanding of the skills and characteristics that ex-Armed Forces personnel or Reservists could bring to their organisation.
Shaun Moat, owner of Armed Forces Covenant signatory and ERS Gold Award holder Donut Pig Digital Media, attended and was keen to emphasise that businesses of all sizes can sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme.
He said: “For me, attending these events is about spreading awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrating why all businesses should show their support to our Armed Forces community. Having recently achieved ERS Gold, it also shows that you don’t need to be a large organisation to achieve the highest level of recognition.”
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award holder.
Chamber Chief Executive Officer Colin Marr said: “By partnering with Highland RFCA for this event we wanted to help highlight the benefits of signing the Armed Forces Covenant and joining the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The synergies and connections between UK business and our Armed Forces are historic and by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant businesses are aiding those who have served, or want to continue serving as Reservists. Ex-Armed Forces personnel can add real value to an organisation through some of the skills, experience and expertise they bring, while Reservists have the added bonus of ongoing training. In return, the advantages for businesses taking this pledge, in terms of access to services, is also a bonus.
“We are proud to be Bronze Award holders and encourage our members to explore the opportunity and take advantage of the benefits this relationship brings.”
Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant.
Find out more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
