Support for Reserves
Reserve forces play a vital role in supporting the Armed Forces both at home and abroad. You can learn more about the reserve forces.
Employing someone who is a member of the Reserve Forces benefits both the individual and the employer. As an employer of a reservist, you have specific rights and responsibilities. Advice and support are available from Defence Relationship Management or online through the Reservist Employer Toolkit.
The Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association actively supports employers by raising awareness of the Reserve Forces within its region and providing opportunities for engagement.
Families
Families of reservists are entitled to support under the Armed Forces Covenant, just like families of regular personnel.
This ensures fair and equal access to government and commercial services and products without disadvantage due to your spouse’s service.
If you have concerns while your spouse is away, contact their reserve unit for advice.
Education
School registration forms include a section to indicate if your child has a parent who is serving, a reservist, or a veteran. Filling out this section helps the school to provide any necessary support.
Children of armed forces parents are recognised in Scotland’s Additional Support for Learning Code of Practice as needing additional support, whether short-term or long-term.
Please inform the school when your spouse is on training, deployment or mobilised, ideally giving as much notice as possible. This allows the school to monitor for behavioural changes that may require intervention.
Health
Medical conditions arising during training or deployment are managed by Defence Medical Services.
Outside of this, your healthcare needs will be met through the NHS. Ask your GP to record your Armed Forces status in your medical records so healthcare staff are aware that you may be eligible for priority treatment if you experience physical or mental health issues related to your service.
Reserves deployed overseas since 1 January 2003 who believe their deployment has affected their mental health can access the Veterans and Reserves Mental Health programme for assessment and treatment advice.
NHS Inform provides guidance on health rights for veterans, which also apply to reservists.