Eight Highland businesses have become the first to receive formal accreditation through the new Highland Employer Charter, a regional initiative promoting fairness, local investment, and ethical employment.
The awards were presented on Tuesday, 7 October, marking a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to support a sustainable and values-driven economy across the Highlands.
Five companies received gold status and three were awarded silver, recognising excellence across sectors including construction, hospitality, tourism, and engineering.
Developed by Highland Council, the Charter encourages businesses to adopt high standards across four key pillars: paying the Real Living Wage; supporting local jobs and skills; investing in Highland supply chains; and creating inclusive, supportive workplaces.
To qualify, businesses must meet at least two of these criteria, with bronze, silver, and gold levels available depending on their commitments. Membership is free.
Cllr Bill Lobban, Convener of Highland Council, 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.”
The Charter was inspired by the Council’s own internal standards, which apply to its workforce of over 10,000 employees.
By extending the approach to the wider business community, the Council hopes to amplify a culture of fairness and resilience.
Vice Convener, Cllr Ken Gowans, said:
“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.
“This is not just a policy initiative, it’s a movement in a positive direction.
“Every business that joins the Highland Employer Charter strengthens that movement.”
The Charter is designed to create a shared identity among businesses that believe in doing the right thing, from treating staff fairly to making sure communities benefit from local economic growth.
It also encourages mentoring and best practice sharing among participating employers.
Many of the businesses recognised this week already had strong practices in place but saw the Charter as an opportunity to align publicly with a shared standard.
Cllr Gowans added:
“Congratulations to everyone involved on achieving their award, which recognises their commitment to investing in employees, being a positive employer and a responsible business.”
The Highland Employer Charter is supported by funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Employers interested in joining the Charter can email: employercharter@highland.gov.uk
