A Renfrewshire-based organisation has received a highly-coveted award for its commitment to supporting veterans.
ZE Global, an international communications and security firm based in the area, was recognised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for its efforts to employ veterans and their family members.
Representatives from the business were presented with the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award at the City of Glasgow College’s Riverside campus, alongside 20 other organisations from across the Lowlands of Scotland.
Presenting the certificates on behalf of the defence secretary John Healey was the Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC.
Brigadier Muddiman paid tribute to this year’s silver recipients, remarking: “These awards recognise your willingness to not only have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, but also to have enacted the pledges that are made in that document to support the defence family.
“We in the armed forces know that making those pledges is a business decision, and we greatly appreciate it. In return, we offer you potential members of your workforce that are highly and regularly trained in a wide array of skills.”
The ERS Silver Award is the second-highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support reservists, service leavers, veterans and their families.
Each Silver Award winner has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to supporting defence through services, policy and advocacy.
One distinguishing feature of a silver-standard employer is giving any reservist employees within their team five days of paid or unpaid leave for training.
The employers attending the Riverside campus event have gone above and beyond with their support through engaging with initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the armed forces into a new career and providing flexibility for serving reservists to complete training or go on mobilisation.
Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL, chief executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “This year’s Silver Awards recognise the tremendous support that these Lowland businesses and organisations give to the armed forces each and every day.
“All of us in defence thank you – we couldn’t do what we do without you. Well done all!”
The ERS was launched in 2014 by then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the armed forces and the full spectrum of defence personnel which includes reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and spouses.
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