Highland Employer Charter announces next round of business accreditations and launches new website
24th March 2026
The Highland Council is pleased to announce the second phase of local businesses to achieve accreditation through the newly established Highland Employer Charter.
It recognising employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to fair work and high standards of excellence across the region.
On Thursday 19 March 2026, nine Gold and four Silver Charter accreditations were formally awarded to businesses operating across the Construction, Hospitality, Tourism, Engineering sectors, and Third Sectors.
The Charter is built around four key employer commitments:
Fair Pay - paying all staff the Real Living Wage.
Employ Highland – supporting local workforce development, including engagement with schools, colleges, and third‑sector volunteering.
Procure Highland – strengthening Highland supply chains and delivering community benefits.
Employer of Choice – investing in staff and ensuring fair work practices that help attract and retain talent.
Businesses achieving two or more commitments are eligible for Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation. Membership of the Charter is free, and employers can register interest by contacting: employercharter@highland.gov.uk.
A new dedicated Highland Employer Charter website (www.highlandemployercharter.com) was also launched on Friday 20 March 2026, providing employers with guidance, case studies, news, and resources to support good practice and how they can get involved and work to achieve Highland Employer Charter accreditation. This site will have a dedicated sign-up function allowing any organisation to register interest online after the 20 March 2026.
The Highland Council already applies the Charter's commitments to its own 10,000‑strong workforce and identified the opportunity to share these same standards with employers across the region - helping to champion ethical employment, fairness, and a sustainable Highland economy.
Many Highland employers already demonstrate strong values around fair treatment, staff development and retention. The Charter strengthens this by providing a clear framework that benefits employees, businesses, and the wider regional economy.
Assistant Chief Executive-Place, Malcolm MacLeod said: "The second phase of accreditations highlights the momentum growing across sectors, from small enterprises to major employers. The Charter is already creating a strong community of businesses that are sharing best practice, mentoring others and raising standards collectively.
“This is more than a policy initiative; it is a movement. Every business that joins strengthen that movement and helps to shape the future of fair and progressive employment in Highland.
“Congratulations to all the businesses achieving awards. Your commitment to investing in your workforce makes a vital contribution to our region’s economic strength and long‑term prosperity."
