Eight Highland companies awarded new Highland Employer Charter accreditation

The Highland Council is pleased to announce the first phase of local businesses to gain the newly created Highland Employer Charter accreditation. Five gold and three silver accreditations have been awarded to businesses (Tuesday 7 October 2025) for their commitment to high standards of excellence. The eight accredited businesses employ staff in the Construction, Hospitality, Tourism and Engineering sectors.

The charter is based on four key pillars by employers:

• Fair Pay - to pay all staff the Real Living Wage.
• Employ Highland - support development of local workforce, engaging within education and third sector volunteering opportunities.
• Procure Highland - support Highland based supply chains, community benefits.
• Employers of Choice - investment and to ensure fair work practices which attract and retain staff.

Businesses which achieve two or more of these commitments receive a bronze, silver or gold accreditation. Membership of the charter is free. Contact: employercharter@highland.gov.uk

The Highland Council applies the commitments of the Highland Employer Charter to its 10,000 workforce and identified an opportunity to expand that high standard of excellence to other employers in the region, which demonstrates their commitment to being an ‘employer of choice’.

Many of our Highland employers hold strong ethical practice and value the importance of training and supporting staff to ensure retention and growth. The Highland Employer Charter delivers benefits for both employers and employees as well as supporting our continuing work to develop a sustainable, diverse economy across the whole of Highland.

Convener of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: “The new Highland Employer Charter is a growing initiative that reflects our shared commitment to ethical employment, fairness, community investment, and sustainable economic growth across the Highland region.

“At its heart, the Highland Employer Charter is about championing good practice in employment. It’s a free initiative, but its value is far-reaching. The Charter is built on a vision of a Highland economy where businesses thrive not just through profit, but through principled leadership, fairness, and community connection. As we look ahead, the Highland Employer Charter offers a meaningful way to reflect the values many of us already hold.

“It’s encouraging to see how businesses across the region are embracing these principles, and how together, we’re shaping a Highland economy that’s resilient, inclusive, and future-focused.

“I invite all businesses, whether you’re an employer, a partner or a supporter to be part of this journey. Let’s build a Highland where good work practices are recognised, where communities benefit, and where businesses lead with integrity and for the greater good of Highland.”

Vice Convener, Cllr Ken Gowans added: “The first phase of businesses to the Highland Employer Charter marks the start of a wider adoption across sectors—from small enterprises to large employers.

“Creating a strong sense of community among chartered businesses, sharing best practices and mentoring others. This is not just a policy initiative, it’s a movement in a positive direction and every business that joins the Highland Employer Charter strengthens that movement.

“Congratulations to everyone involved on achieving their award, which recognises their commitment to investing in employees, being a positive employer and a responsible business.”

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.