A Perthshire-based charity that specialises in promoting the provision of high quality pre-hospital emergency care to health professionals in Scotland has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
In doing so BASICS (British Association of Immediate Care) Scotland has made a commitment to support the country’s servicemen and women wherever and however it can and to ensure no member of the Armed Forces should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service.
The signing – by BASICS Scotland Chair Dave Bywater – took place during an employer visit to gain insight into Reservist training courtesy of Leuchars-based 612 Squadron RAF Medical Reserves.
The document was co-signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) by Group Captain Mike Priestly, Commander Medical Royal Air Force Medical Services.
Dave Bywater and Group Captain Priestly after the signing.
More than 4,000 UK organisations have now signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
BASICS Scotland’s commitment to honouring the Covenant includes pledges to:
- Promote the fact it is an Armed Forces-friendly organisation.
- Seek to support employees who choose to be members of the Reserve forces by accommodating their training and deployment where possible.
- Strive to support the employment of Service spouses and partners.
- Offer support to local cadet units.
- Aim to actively participate in Armed Forces Day.
The signing was organised by Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association’s Regional Employer Engagement Director Jim Dickie.
Jim, who is also a serving Reservist, said: ”We are delighted BASICS Scotland has committed its support to our Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
“BASICS Scotland is the first charity of its kind in the UK to sign the Covenant. It specialises in high quality pre-hospital emergency care training to health professionals in Scotland. We look forward to continued collaborative working between BASICS Scotland and the MOD in support of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and military families.”
Dave Bywater, Chair of BASICS Scotland, said: “It is a privilege to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of BASICS Scotland and our members. BASICS Scotland are very fortunate to have a number of ex-regular as well as Reserve forces members involved in the charity. Many of our teaching practices have been directly influenced through shared learning with our military colleagues. BASICS Scotland looks forward to further collaboration with the Armed Forces and supporting them all in any way we can. Thanks for the opportunity.”
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme contact Jim on 01382 631026 or email: [email protected].
To find out more about Basics Scotland, go to: www.basics-scotland.org.uk
