Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC) have been awarded the highest badge of honour in this week’s Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme announcement.
Along with more than 150 organisations, DACC have been recognised by the UK Government for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community and granted the Gold Award.
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards identifies businesses that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
A total of 156 organisations have been recognised this year, the ninth year of the awards scheme.
Of the winners, 44% are either micro-organisations or small and medium sized enterprises, while 33% are public organisations. This demonstrates both the growth in numbers and the depth of supportive employers.
Councils, charities, blue light services, retail and insurance companies are among those that have been recognised.
Minister for Defence People Leo Docherty said:
“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses.
These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
Alison Henderson, CEO at Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce said:
“Our team have put a lot of work over the last few years into developing our business to be Armed Forces friendly. From our HR policies to encouraging businesses to employ reservists, we are proud to work at the heart of the local business community and lead from the front.
We look forward to running more events that engage businesses with our local armed forces 
community and encouraging other employers to see the many benefits of being a committed and supportive organisation.
It’s a huge honour to receive this award and it’s fantastic to see our business progress from Bronze in 2014 to such a prestigious Gold Award in 2022.”
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards continues to grow in strength each year, with a current total of 643 holders. Organisations must reapply after five years in order to retain their Gold Award status.
To win an award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must show that they provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Among those recognised include Abertay University, Fife Council, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, Moray Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Stanley, IBM, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Admiral Group and Groundwork.
More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available on their website.
Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
As the leading business membership organisation in Dundee & Angus and part of the worldwide long-established Chamber of Commerce brand, we help local businesses to connect, communicate and develop for business benefit.
