Moray Council gains silver award for armed forces support
The strong ties between Moray Council and working military families were recognised with an MoD award last week.
The council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Chris Tuke, joined 22 other Scottish employers from public and private sector at a ceremony in Edinburgh to receive the award.
The employer recognition awards are given to employers for their supportive attitude towards the Armed Forces and their personnel over the last twelve months. Employers can be nominated by anyone who believes that the company or organisation satisfies a number of criteria. Once nominated, a regional board determines which of the nominations will go forward to receive the award.
The ceremony was held in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, on Thursday 10th November.
The Vice-Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO OBE ADC, presented Cllr Tuke with a Silver Award certificate on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence.
Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Tuke – an ex-RAF serviceman himself - said: “We have a good number of service spouses and ex-service personnel working for the council along with a number of Reservists, from which we all benefit.
“Additionally, working alongside them gives us a better understanding of military life and the issues that families face.
“The council has always worked closely with our local armed forces in all matters, and to receive recognition of this relationship is very welcome.”
The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises commitment and support from UK employers towards Defence. The scheme involves Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for organisations that demonstrate varying levels of support and alignment of their values with the MOD’s Corporate Covenant.
Silver Award holders demonstrate support for Defence, employing at least one Reservist, actively communicating and upholding a positive stance to their employees via established HR policies and procedures.
Silver Award holders support Reservists by showing flexibility to plan for and allow them to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments.
Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.
Headquartered in Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.