He generously donated his time to the club’s ground-breaking Everyone Anyone campaign by taking part in a photoshoot last summer with supporters of all backgrounds – including his brother Stuart and niece Rachel – which have been used throughout season 2019/20.
And he also occupied a place at the top table alongside Managing Director Stewart Robertson, manager Steven Gerrard, James Tavernier, Andy Halliday, Connal Cochrane from the Rangers Charity Foundation and local politicians as the campaign was successfully unveiled at Ibrox Stadium last July.
Diversity and inclusion for all is extremely important to the 50-year old, who also forms part of the Rangers Diversity and Inclusion Working Group – which was initiated in 2017, and he has applauded the club for their work in this area.
He said: “I think this campaign has been really positive, Rangers are leading the way and I was delighted to play a part.
“I know the club was working hard on this campaign for a long time and it is great to see these important diversity and inclusion messages getting out to the wider support now.
“Diversity and inclusion should be important to everyone. Whether it’s on a ship at sea, in the workplace or on the pitch, it’s important to recognise that we are all different, we all have different skill sets – a diverse team therefore has a greater variety of skills and is more effective.
“If we set the right climate in which people feel valued and respected then they will perform better. The Royal Navy passionately believes that being a Diverse and Inclusive employer is good for operational effectiveness – our people feel valued, respected and able to maximise their potential. Being more diverse ensures that we reflect the society we defend.”
Gary has been part of the Royal Navy for more than 30 years and he plays an important role in organising Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day activity at Ibrox.
He also plays a leading role in the Navy’s Scotland for Diversity Engagement programme and his experience in this area means he is an important voice on the club’s Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.
“Since October 2016, I have been the Royal Navy’s lead in Scotland for Diversity Engagement activity, working closely with Ethnic Minority Communities, the LGBT Sector and Female groups to facilitate mutual understanding, break down barriers and build stronger relationships between the Naval Service and these sectors of the community.
“My team works with diverse youth and community groups, facilitating a range of growth and learning opportunities to develop Teambuilding, Leadership, Interpersonal, STEM and Communication skills.
“I first joined the Royal Navy Reserves back in 1988, whilst I was working in insurance, but I’ve been full time with the Royal Navy since 2002, initially supporting the response to the Fire fighters dispute, before moving into roles in Recruitment, Regional Engagement and later Diversity. I’m an Amphibious Warfare officer by trade and the Navy has provide me with excellent opportunities to travel, work with some great people and enhance my personal development.
“I’d joined the Sea Cadets at the age of 11 – a fantastic organisation that helps young people get a head start in life, meet new people and develop life skills through maritime adventure – and that was my inspiration to join the Navy and it continues to drive me to do what I do today.”
Gary and his family are lifelong Rangers supporters and were at Ibrox earlier this season for the Armed Forces Day Activity when Livingston provided the opposition, plus the recent launch of the Fans Charter.
Armed Forces Day is always warmly received by supporters and Farmer knows the event is always greatly appreciated by the men and women who serve their country.
“Indeed that work was recognised last year with Rangers and the Rangers Charity Foundation becoming the first football club to win an Employer’s Recognition Scheme Gold Award, due to their advocacy of the benefits of supporting the Armed Forces, Regulars, Reserves & Veterans communities – a tremendous achievement!
“I’ve been a fan of the club for as long as I can remember. My dad took my brother and I along to a match when we were young and it all started from there. My brother Stuart, my nephews Matt and Ben and I are all season ticket holders in the Sandy Jardine Rear Stand.”