Renfrewshire-based employer ZE Global has been honoured by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for their outstanding commitment to supporting veterans and their families. The international communications and security firm received the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award at a ceremony held at the City of Glasgow College’s Riverside campus. Alongside ZE Global, 20 other organisations from across the Lowlands of Scotland were also recognised by the MoD.
The award was presented to representatives of ZE Global by Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC, the Naval Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, on behalf of Defence Secretary John Healey. Brigadier Muddiman commended the recipients for their dedication to not only signing the Armed Forces Covenant but also for actively supporting the defence family through their actions. He highlighted the importance of businesses like ZE Global in providing opportunities for skilled individuals from the armed forces.
The ERS Silver Award is a significant achievement, reserved for organisations that go above and beyond in supporting reservists, service leavers, veterans, and their families. Recipients of this award have demonstrated their commitment to the armed forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and implementing policies that support defence personnel. One notable feature of silver-standard employers is granting reservist employees five days of paid or unpaid leave for training purposes.
Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL, chief executive of the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, praised this year’s Silver Award recipients for their exceptional support towards the armed forces. The ERS, established in 2014 by former Prime Minister David Cameron, aims to recognise and honour employers who actively support the armed forces community, including reservists, veterans, and their families.
The event at the Riverside campus celebrated the commendable efforts of businesses in engaging with initiatives such as employing veterans, assisting individuals transitioning from the armed forces to civilian careers, and accommodating serving reservists to fulfil their training commitments. The awards ceremony acknowledged the vital role that these organisations play in supporting the defence sector and expressed gratitude for their ongoing dedication.
In conclusion, ZE Global’s receipt of the ERS Silver Award is a testament to their unwavering support for veterans and their families. The recognition underscores the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the armed forces in creating opportunities for skilled individuals and fostering a culture of support and inclusion. The accolade serves as a shining example of corporate social responsibility and demonstrates the positive impact of businesses in building a diverse and inclusive workforce.