HIE receives award for supporting armed services

Alistair Dodds, HIE chair, and chief executive Stuart Black, were presented with the certificate on Tuesday 26 April by Roy McLellan, regional employer engagement director of the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

The covenant sets out to ensure that everyone who serves or has served in the Armed Forces, and their families, face no disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services, and in some cases are given special consideration.

HIE has been recognised as an armed forces friendly organisation that values the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families to the region’s economy and communities.

The agency also has policies in place to provide flexibility for employees who are spouses or partners of service personnel, and those who are reservists or volunteer leaders in the cadets.

Presenting the award to HIE, Roy McLellan, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Highlands and Islands Enterprise as an Armed Forces Covenant signatory, and also holder of the Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze award. More importantly, I welcome the organisation’s stated commitment to supporting serving and former military personnel, reservists and military families.

“The armed forces are responsible for the first duty of government – the defence of the realm. Those affected directly or indirectly by this duty often need additional support and flexibility in relation to civilian employment and the commitment demonstrated through the covenant makes a huge difference.”

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said:

“We are very pleased to receive this award. As an organisation that employs people across the Highlands and Islands and provides support to hundreds of other employers, it’s very important to us that we recognise the contribution that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families make to our businesses, to our communities and to the country. That’s why we have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and are determined to honour that commitment.”