Employer Survey

Each Region has an Employer Support Group which, among other activities, passes advice to the Service Chains of Command on employer attitudes in its Region. In the past year, the Scottish Groups have been gathering views systematically, interviewing employers whose Reservist employees have recently been mobilised. The Lowland Group sought the opinions of the employers who had seen their employees deploy to Afghanistan with 6SCOTS. This was largely a learning exercise for the Group, but produced a few useful insights which were passed to the Battalion and to the Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade. Highland and Lowland Groups have now combined to tackle a larger survey of employers of Scottish Transport Regiment soldiers who have been mobilised for a United Nations Peacekeeping role in Cyprus. We hope that the outcomes will influence the Ministry of Defence when it reviews the support given to employers.

Forthcoming Events

On Wednesday 6 August, Highland and Lowland SaBRE will jointly host supportive employers to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, preceded by supper in the impressive headquarters of No 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force. You don't need to be told that the Tattoo is a spectacular event, and it's an excellent way of expressing our thanks to employers.
On Tuesday 25 November, Lowland SaBRE will entertain employers in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, courtesy of the Governor of the Castle. The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel), Admiral Peter Wilkinson, will present certificates of support to employers. Also in the autumn, on a date yet to be fixed, the Lord Provost of Glasgow will host a presentation evening in Glasgow City Chambers. Attendance at these events is by invitation but, if you would like to come to any of them, please contact your RSCD.

New Scottish Executive Stretch

This year's Exercise Executive Stretch will follow a new format. Most importantly, it will include a larger element of leadership training than in previous years. Participants will put what they learn into practice in completing the exercises and acquire skills and techniques to take back to their 'normal' work. More fundamentally, they will gain a clearer idea of how Volunteer Reserve Force training will develop their colleagues and staff. To allow for a higher training content, there will be fewer (40) participants on each Exercise but we'll make up some of the shortfall from previous years by running 2 exercises, on the weekends of 10-12 and 24-26 October 2008. The autumn at Barry Buddon Training Centre, Carnoustie, will be more bracing than the balmy June evenings, which will add to the challenge! Within the next few weeks we will contact employers with further details. If you'd like to get in early, contact your RSCD.

If you wish to attend any of the above events or for more information, please contact:

Highland: Ron Macgregor Lowland: Rob Littlejohn - SaBRE Campaign Directors for Scotland Highland Tel: 01382 631 025 Highland Fax: 01382 566 442 Highland Email: hi-empsp@hi.rfca.mod.uk Lowland Tel: 0141 945 6751 Lowland Fax: 0141 945 4869 Lowland Email: lo-employer@lo.rfca.mod.uk