Armed Forces - engagement

The council takes every opportunity to encourage partner bodies, stakeholders and residents of Aberdeenshire to become armed forces friendly organisations like us and to support our military personnel.

The Regional Employer Engagement Director has spoken at the Senior Leadership Forum to all Directors, Heads of Service and Head Teachers about the commitment the council has pledged in this respect.

Directors and Councillors have also been asked adopt and encourage the use of the Covenant logo at the foot of emails and other relevant documents to promote that we are an 'Armed Forces friendly' organisation and encourage others to do the same. Representatives across the council have also pledged their support and are happy to attend meetings or other events to speak about the council’s relationship with the Armed Forces.

As proud holders of a Silver Employer Recognition Award, the council works closely with the Armed Forces Community and are offered opportunities to experience what those in the services do through various events organised throughout the year.

Networking and Collaboration

Aberdeenshire Council has also joined with other forces friendly companies in the North East of Scotland. Council representatives have met  with other employer representatives to share experiences which has proved valuable in creating opportunities for further collaborations in the future. An example of this is an event hosted by Wood’s Armed Forces Network. Representatives from various local companies were able to share how they deliver on their Armed Forces Covenant pledges and key speakers from the Armed Forces community were invited to present and share their own stories and experiences, providing a fascinating insight into military life, the challenges of transitioning into civilian life and the importance of team work and resilience.

Mini Executive Stretch Days and Leadership Outreach Programmes

The council recognises the value which serving personnel, reservists, veterans and cadets bring to an organisation. In attending mini executive stretch days and weekend camps, employees are offered a unique opportunity to learn more about the transferable skills gained as well as the support offered by reservists to the forces community.

Employees have attended a session at Barry Buddon, Monifieth, to learn about military equipment and to see the training provided. Colleagues have also recently been invited to the Royal Navy base at Rosyth for a mini executive stretch day with the Highlight Reserve Forces and Cadets Association learning what becoming a reservist is all about.

Employees have also been invited to participate in a Leadership Outreach Programme delivered by the Aberdeen University Officers Training Corp. The programme includes an introduction to Army leadership, practical exercises including problem-solving, balance and co-ordination, communication, planning and decision-making.

Armed Forces Day

Every year, the council joins communities across Britain in marking Armed Forces Day by raising a commemorative flag in the grounds of Woodhill House. Dignitaries and council officials are joined by representatives from all branches of the Armed Forces and Veterans to honour service man and women of the past, present and future.

The council encourages all ex-service personnel, armed forces associations and veterans associations to participate in this event, details of which are posted on the council’s social media closer to the time. The council also encourages attendance from local employers wishing to find out more about the Armed Forces Community and the employer recognition programme.

We are keen to continue to strengthen the work and partnership the council has with the Armed Forces and to help local employers to find out more about what supporting the Armed Forces is all about. We therefore encourage any ideas and views on future events which can submitted via the dedicated email address armedforcescontact@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Details and pictures of past events are accessible via our Facebook and Twitter pages; #armedforces.