Raeburn Training Proud to Receive Silver Defence Employer Recognition Award

We are incredibly proud to announce that Raeburn Training has been presented with the Silver Award as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This award is a significant achievement that recognises our active support of the Armed Forces community, and it reflects the values we uphold as both an employer and a training provider.

The Silver Award is presented to organisations that demonstrate a high level of commitment to supporting defence personnel. This includes current members of the Armed Forces, reservists, service leavers, veterans, and cadet force adult volunteers, along with their families. As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, Raeburn Training has pledged to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness, respect and understanding in both the workplace and wider society.

Receiving this award marks a key milestone on our journey to becoming a more inclusive and supportive employer. We are proud to stand with the Armed Forces community, and this recognition affirms that the steps we have taken so far are making a meaningful difference.

Celebrating at the Black Watch Museum

To celebrate this honour, we were invited to attend a formal awards ceremony held at the Black Watch Museum in Perth. This historic venue, rich in military heritage, was a fitting location for the presentation. It brought together organisations from across Scotland who, like us, have made a clear and lasting commitment to supporting the defence community.

The award was accepted on behalf of Raeburn Training by our Client Sales Coordinator, Sarah Huxter. Sarah played a key role in the application process, preparing and submitting our entry for the Silver Award. Her passion for this cause is both personal and professional, as several members of her family have served or continue to serve in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Her dedication to upholding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant is evident in everything she does, and we are delighted that she was able to represent the company at the ceremony.

Also attending the event were our Director, Sarah Raeburn, and John Tonner, one of our experienced First Aid Instructors. John is a former serviceman who most recently held the role of Colonel and Commandant in Command of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion Army Cadet Force. His deep knowledge of military culture and his continued involvement with cadet training brings invaluable insight and perspective to our team. His presence at the ceremony symbolised the strong connection we maintain with the military and cadet communities.

What the Silver Award Represents

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was established to encourage and recognise employers who go above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces. The scheme has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve Silver, organisations must not only employ and support members of the Armed Forces community but also demonstrate flexibility towards the needs of reservists, advocate publicly for the Covenant and align their values with those of the defence community.

At Raeburn Training, our support for the Armed Forces is not just a policy. It is part of our culture. We understand the unique skills, discipline and leadership qualities that veterans and reservists bring to civilian employment. Their contributions enrich our workforce and enhance the services we deliver. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where those with a military background are welcomed, supported and empowered to thrive.

Our actions to support the defence community include:

• Offering flexible working arrangements for reservists to accommodate training and deployment requirements
• Supporting staff involved in the cadet forces
• Providing training that is relevant and accessible to those with military backgrounds
• Offering work placements and employment support to local cadet forces

Looking to the Future

While we are honoured to receive the Silver Award, we see this as a step forward rather than a conclusion. Director Sarah Raeburn’s leadership has ensured that our commitments go beyond words. Under her guidance, we are embedding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant into our everyday practices and future planning. We are not only meeting our pledge. We are building on it.

Our aim is to continue developing our policies and practices to offer even greater levels of support to the Armed Forces community. In time, we hope to be in a position to apply for the Gold Award, which is granted to organisations that have demonstrated the highest levels of advocacy and support.

We also look forward to strengthening our partnerships with other like-minded organisations, sharing best practice and encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Together, we can help create a culture of respect, opportunity and recognition for those who serve.

As we continue to grow and evolve as a company, our commitment to the Armed Forces will remain a central part of who we are. Whether through employment opportunities, tailored training or public advocacy, we are proud to support those who have given so much in the service of their country.

Thank You

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Defence for recognising our efforts, and to the organisers of the awards event at the Black Watch Museum for hosting such a memorable and meaningful ceremony.

Most importantly, we extend our gratitude to our staff, clients and wider community for their continued support. We are proud to stand with the Armed Forces, and we look forward to continuing our journey of support, advocacy and inclusion in the years to come.