A Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence has been awarded to Surrey County Council for its support for the armed forces.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced it was one of the first councils nationally to receive the highest award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The scheme rewards employers who actively support and promote the interests of former servicemen and women and their families, as well as members of the reserve forces.

Surrey employs 25 reservists and many veterans and council leader David Hodge, who served in the British Army, said: “Following 22 years of service in the armed forces, I am acutely aware of the value and contribution servicemen and women can make to an organisation.

“Our reservists and ex-servicemen and women within the organisation stand as an example and inspiration to others through their commitment to public service. The transferable skills, training and experience that each bring makes a decisive contribution to Surrey’s success.

“I’m keen that through the Gold Award, Surrey County Council should serve as an example to other organisations and businesses across the county and more widely, as each day we demonstrate the value of this approach.”

The council helps ex-military personnel into jobs through schemes, such as offering work experience placements, raising awareness of vacancies and promoting their transferable skills to local employers. It also offers flexible leave arrangements for reservists and cadet instructors.

The council’s signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 – a promise to treat current and former service personnel and their families fairly. Surrey Civilian Military Partnership (SCMP) has introduced a range of initiatives including designating Armed Forces Champions for the county’s 11 district and borough councils.

The military contact for Waverley, Guildford and Woking is Lt Col James Sunderland from 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps. Across the county, there are more than 6,000 serving military personnel, more than 250 active reservists, 2,450 cadets and tens of thousands of veterans.

County council chairman Sally Marks, who also chairs the board of the SCMP,?said: “It’s a great honour for Surrey to be selected for the Gold Award and a tribute to the commitment of all our partners.”