TEN employers from the Scottish lowlands are to receive an award from the Ministry of Defence for their support for the Armed Forces.
The list includes NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow Caledonian University, Phoenix Group, and Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers.
The accolade is the second-highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support reservists, service leavers, veterans and their families.
The silver award winners signed the armed forces covenant, a commitment to supporting defence through services, policy and projects.
NHS Dumfries & Galloway employs military reservists and veterans, supports a number of events such as Armed Forces Day and has revised its HR policies to better support staff who volunteer with the armed forces reserves.
Chairman of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Nick Morris, said: “NHS Dumfries and Galloway is fully committed to working in support of the armed forces, and this represents an important step in formalising that relationship.
“It is a great honour to be officially recognised as an employer who goes above and beyond to support defence and to be given the second highest award by the Ministry of Defence.
“As an organisation which already employs a number of armed forces veterans as well as active reservists, we are determined to continue to build on that relationship.”
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) recognises the transferable skills of those leaving the armed forces and welcomes them to its workforce and student communities.
The university also provides additional paid leave for reservists and actively supports the work of the university service units.
Deputy vice-chancellor academic at GCU Professor Valerie Webster said: “We are delighted to receive an employer recognition scheme silver award in recognition of our outstanding support of veterans and their families, particularly during what can be a challenging time as they transition from service into a civilian life, seeking opportunities for further study or employment.
“Glasgow Caledonian University is a leading University in widening participation, recognised for its achievements in widening access to higher education and in supporting students to succeed.”
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