Silver award renewal recognises Moray Council's commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community
MORAY Council’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community within its own workforce has been recognised with a Ministry of Defence award.
The Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledges employers who provide exceptional support to the Armed Forces community and defence, by going above and beyond their Armed Forces Covenant pledges.
Moray Council was first awarded the silver recognition in 2016 and this has been renewed, cementing its forces-friendly approach to recruitment and support for colleagues with military and defence links, among a network of more than 1,200 other silver-level businesses.
In June 2021 Moray Council signed the updated Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the value of service personnel, Veterans and military families. It offers support to those within its workforce with ties to the Armed Forces community, including a dedicated hub on its intranet for the Scottish Military Community and Veterans updates from Age Scotland, paid special leave for reservists, and previous initiatives such as supporting speed networking events.
It has also demonstrated to the MoD that service personnel and the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged during recruitment and selection processes, crucial as this community makes up around 17% of the Moray population.
Moray Council’s Head of HR, ICT and OD, Frances Garrow said: “In Moray there is a rich source of skills within the Armed Forces community, which is a huge asset to our local area.
“We’re proud and privileged to call reservists, Veterans, and service spouses and family members our colleagues, recognising the wealth of talent and providing meaningful employment opportunities which balances the lifestyle and personal circumstances a former or current link to defence and the Armed Forces can bring.”
Cllr Frank Brown, who is a representative of Highland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association's Northern Area Committee, said: “The link between the armed services, the people of Moray, and Moray Council is long and enduring, providing benefit to all.
“HRFCA is the very embodiment of this fruitful relationship providing training opportunities for the services of tomorrow and the active reserve forces that both supplement and complement our regular services.
“The council provides employment for many who have served in the forces, and the partners of those serving, while facilitating the opportunity for those in the reserves to play an active part in the nation’s defence.
“This award aptly demonstrates the commitment from both parties and signifies the important of this enduring relationship.”
Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association’s Regional Employer Engagement Director, Ray Watt, said: “I was delighted to visit Moray Council to present this award recognising their support of the Defence family.
“The revalidation of their Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award celebrates their close working relationship with RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks, and their employment of many members of the Armed Forces community who are stationed or have settled locally.”