Employee welfare champion marks 50 years service

Jeralyn Mackenzie joined Highlands and Islands Development Board, predecessor to Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), in June 1975 at the age of 19.

In dedicating five decades of service to the organisation she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to employee welfare, health and wellbeing, and the rights of and support for carers in the workplace.

Through her role in HIE’s human resources team Jeralyn has made a transformative impact as the organisation’s health, wellbeing and carers’ champion. She has promoted a culture of care, mental health support, and workplace wellbeing across a vast and diverse region of Scotland.

Career highlights include the introduction of pioneering mental health support programmes, and early adoption of flexible working policies and practices to promote work-life balance. Jeralyn has also led the introduction of wellbeing initiatives and resources that became models of best practice within the wider public sector.

Meanwhile, she has provided countless colleagues with a listening ear, confidential support, and practical assistance during times of crisis, bereavement, illness, and recovery.

Stuart Black, HIE’s chief executive, led the tributes and congratulations at the agency’s office on Inverness Campus on Thursday (26 June). He said:

“Jeralyn has been a huge asset to the organisation for 50 of its 60 years in existence. She’s probably the best-known person in HIE, having spoken personally to just about every colleague at some point.

“That’s why people in every part of our organisation hold her in very high regard as do colleagues in many of our partner organisations. I think it’s fair to say that Jeralyn has been instrumental in shaping an organisational culture around dignity, respect, and inclusion through quiet persistence, expert advocacy and a personal approach. That’s something we’re all grateful for.”

Jeralyn said:

"I am so delighted to have reached this significant milestone in my service with HIE. The past 50 years have been extremely enjoyable and also very fulfilling in terms of my own professional development. I feel privileged to hold a role which enables me, from an HR perspective, to support staff at all stages of their career with us. I so appreciate the many lovely tributes I have received to mark this anniversary."

HIE recently became the first and only employer in the Highlands and Islands to be recognised by Carer Positive as an Exemplary Employer for the level and range of support given to its employees who have caring responsibilities.