Reservist employers from across Scotland were treated to a glittering evening reception in The Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle earlier this month.
The recognition event, organised jointly by Lowland and Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, was organised to thank employers for their support to their reservists over the past period. Major General Shaw, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, presented employers with certificates on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence and Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Housing and Transport, spoke to the gathering about the value of reservists in the workplace and the additional skills and training they bring to employers through their military service.
The following employers were presented with Certificates of Support:
NHS Lanarkshire
Cor Agency
Trinity Factoring Services
Amey
East & South East Scotland Jobcentre Plus
Homebase Ltd Robroyston Store
Horne Engineering Ltd
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
WG Jamieson Ltd
Lothian & Borders Police A Division
Lothian & Borders Police E Division
Serco Marine Services
Standard Life plc
This reception is the main annual event organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations in Scotland which recognises the contribution that employers of Reservists make to Defence. A further two events are also being held in the Edinburgh City Chambers and Glasgow City Chambers this month.
Support from employers is essential to those serving with the Reserves. Companies gain a great deal from employing reservists on their staff such as training in leadership and teamwork and development of skills including communication and decision-making – all essential to successful companies. Companies can greatly benefit from the thousands of pounds spent on training reservists each year.
The Volunteer Reserve Forces are an integral and vital part of the UK’s Armed Forces. The Volunteer Reserve consists of the Royal Navy Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve, the Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Members of the Volunteer Reserve, train one evening per week, approximately two weekends a month and a two-week annual camp, and are paid at equivalent rates to the Regular Forces. Anyone who joins the Volunteer Reserve does so in the expectation that they are likely to be mobilised at some time to serve alongside their Regular counterparts. The majority of personnel presented with certificates of Merit have been mobilised during their Service, and some more than once.
Photograpy by Dougie Johnston Photography
Rear Admiral C J Hockley, Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland , with Able Seaman Amanda Ambler and her employer Kenneth Lindsay from Homebase
Able Seaman Amanda Ambler and her employer Kenneth Lindsay from Homebase
Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Housing and Transport, speaking to the gathering about the value of reservists in the workplace and the additional skills and training they bring to employers through their military service.
