Serving up SDS support
To support SDS’s fair work agenda and promote equality of opportunity for all, work has been underway towards securing the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) Bronze Award accreditation, and we are delighted to announce that SDS has now secured this important award.
The DERS Bronze Award encourages employers to support the Armed Forces community, leading by example through their culture, and inspiring other organisations to do the same. Securing the DERS accreditation demonstrates SDS’s commitment to both our current employees, and any future applicants who are or have been associated with the Armed Forces - whether they are currently serving, leavers, veterans, or their families.
This accreditation highlights how SDS support the Armed Forces community while they are working with us, such as time off to attend events or training related to their service and exploring flexibility on locations where appropriate.
It is a very positive step for us to achieve the DERS Bronze Award accreditation and means SDS has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), which is a promise by our nation to ensure those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Alistair Ferrier
SDS CIAG National Executive (Veterans and Armed Forces Community)
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything SDS do and core to our success. A key focus for SDS is how we support this community through our service delivery. SDS is a member of The Veterans’ Employability Strategic Group and Armed Forces Cross Party Group which are led by senior directors at Scottish Government and MSPs.
SDS’s support for the Armed Forces community also includes a dedicated landing page on our career information and advice website, My World of Work.
Your feedback on the support offered by SDS to Armed Forces personnel, their families, and veterans will help us develop our service offer to this community. Feedback can be sent directly to alistair.ferrier@sds.co.uk