HRFCA’s Regional Employer Engagement Directors have been on the road delivering Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award revalidation certificates.
The certificates are for employers who joined the Ministry of Defence scheme in 2016, with both Gold and Silver awards reviewed on a rolling five-year basis.
As part of this, Ray Watt visited NHS Tayside to present their certificate, meeting the organisation’s Board Chair Lorna Birse-Stewart and Chief Executive Grant Archibald.
The award is in recognition of the support organisations give to the armed forces community.
The ERS Scheme recognises those who demonstrate or advocate support to that 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.
For organisations to be revalidated they must continue to adhere to that criteria. The revalidations recognise the long-term support employers have given to the Armed Forces community and highlight that, through their consistent support over a sustained period of time, they have been able to continue to champion and demonstrate their forces-friendly measures.
Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chair of the Tayside NHS Board, said: “As a member of the armed forces family as both a daughter and mother, I am delighted that NHS Tayside supports people to enable them to serve their country.
“This award solidifies our commitment to the armed forces community, both as a healthcare provider and as an employer, and we will continue to support them whenever and wherever possible.”
Chief Executive, Grant Archibald, said: “As Tayside’s largest employer, we are proud to show our support for our armed forces, veterans and their families. We are delighted to have been recognised once again through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
“As well as embedding forces-friendly policies, we work to ensure that any member of the armed forces community who accesses our services or employment is supported at every opportunity.
“We’re honoured to play our part in making a difference and we remain dedicated in our pledge to support them.”
The award was presented at Ninewells Hospital on November 4. Also present from NHS Tayside were Sarah Dickie (Associate Nurse Director) and Scott Dunn (Head of Leadership and Management Development).
■ On the same day, HRFCA’s other REED, Roy McLellan, presented Abertay University with their ERS Silver revalidation. The presentation took place at the university’s campus in Dundee.
