EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

This category opens Monday 17th March at 10:00am and closes Monday 28th April at 23:59pm

This category celebrates employers who have demonstrated a real commitment to the welfare of their employees, providing a supportive and inspiring work environment. Diversity and inclusivity should be core to the business, ensuring workers from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

This award aims to highlight and celebrate employers who are showcasing tourism, hospitality and events as an exciting career path and inspiring the next generation. In line with the Outlook 2030 strategy, businesses should support Scotland’s ambition to become a leading Fair Work Nation, and provide opportunities for development to their employees.

Who Should Enter:
Tourism and events businesses which are going above and beyond for their employees. Employers should demonstrate a commitment to Responsible Tourism & Events practices and align with Scotland’s Outlook 2030 strategy and its commitment to a skilled, committed, diverse, and valued workforce.

Entry Questions

Executive Summary
The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give judges a general overview and better understanding of your business. Although not an exhaustive list, some examples of the type of information judges will be looking for are listed below. This question is not scored and is for background information only.

Types of services on offer
Size and purpose of your business
How long you have been operating
Any other information you feel is relevant

1. In what ways do you provide an inspiring and supportive work environment for your employees?

You should provide clear evidence of activity within the time period 1^st May 2024 – 31^st March 2025. Please cover any areas you think are relevant, although you may wish to include aspects such as:

How you demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of your employees
Training and development opportunities on offer
Staff feedback systems
How you support Scotland’s ambition to become a leading Fair Work Nation

2. How are you, as an employer, showcasing tourism, hospitality and/or events as an exciting career path?

You should provide clear evidence of activity within the time period 1^st May 2024 – 31^st March 2025. Please cover any areas you think are relevant, although you may wish to include aspects such as:

Your approach to attracting and recruiting young people across your organisation
Your approach to retaining youth talent and creating a pipeline of talent
Any work experience opportunities you offer

3. Our communities, natural and cultural heritage are what make Scotland so unique.  Please demonstrate your commitment to protecting our natural environment and developing sustainable and inclusive business practices. 

Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as: 

Developing a climate action plan; achieving green awards; green champions within your business/event; promoting sustainable practices undertaken in your business/event; encouraging guests to stay longer; reducing waste from packaging; reducing food waste; increasing energy efficiency
Employee training; ensuring employees from all backgrounds and abilities can thrive and succeed in your workplace; ensuring that you are providing for visitors with access requirements; creating and promoting an access guide on your website
Using local products and services, working with local businesses, craftspeople and suppliers, hiring local staff
Promoting the local area, including nearby businesses and attractions; sharing the history of your accommodation, community and local area

Back

QUICK LINKS

ACSTA
HITA
SoSTA
Feedback
Media Centre
Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy
VisitScotland

CONTACT US

Scottish Thistle Awards
c/o VisitScotland
Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG
0131 472 2228
info@scottishthistleawards.co.uk