Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC) is hugely proud to have been awarded the Gold award at a glittering ceremony in The Great Hall at Stirling Castle alongside 9 other organisations from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland.
Representing the highest badge of honour, the prestigious 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.
The event saw over 100 people gather to celebrate the connections between business and the armed forces with many conversations taking place to thank those employers making the commitment, recognise the importance of reservists, veterans and their families who serve their country.
The training and skills that those in the services receive is very transferable to the world of business, with leadership, management and all those vital soft skills make employing reservists and veterans incredibly beneficial to businesses across all sectors.
Alongside DACC, fellow Chambers from Moray and Dunbartonshire join Fife Chamber at Gold level.
These four Chambers form a collaborative group who work together with Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association to for ChamberForce, a partnership programme between Chambers of Commerce and local Army, Navy and RAF units, designed to bring tangible business benefits to Chamber members. Delivering a programme of events and activities over the coming months, watch out for more information coming soon.
Image shows Sarah Medcraf of Moray Chamber of Commerce, Damon Scott of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and Alison Henderson of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce:
More information:
The Armed Forces Covenant: since June 2013, thousands of companies have publically pledged their support to the armed forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, organisations pledge to honour 2 main principles:
- no member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage at work or in the community compared to other citizens
- in some circumstances special consideration is appropriate for those who have given most, such as the injured or bereaved
Find out which employers in your region or industry have pledged their support to the armed forces community on the Armed Forces Covenant signed pledges page.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS): encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.
Pledge your organisation’s support via the bronze award or nominate an organisation for a silver or gold award via the link here.
Highland RFCA
Highland RFCA is a Crown Agency which supports the Reserve Forces and Cadets in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
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.
