From Surrey News
Surrey County Council (SCC) has been reaffirmed as a Ministry of Defence Gold Employers Recognition Scheme Award holder for their outstanding commitment and support to the Armed Forces Community.
The county council has over 750 members of staff who have previously served in the armed forces, 28 reservists as well as a number of Cadet Adult Volunteers. This award highlights its best practice as an employer in meeting the needs of staff who are connected to the military, as well as supporting the wider armed forces community. The county council grants additional paid leave for reservists to undertake annual training as well recognising the core transferable skills that reservists and ex-service personnel bring to their SCC roles.
Within Surrey, we have:
- Approximately 6,000 Regular members of the armed forces with 625 known service families and 1,265 service children,
- Over 210 Reservists,
- 2,907 Cadets,
- 555 Cadet Adult Volunteers and,
- 40,000 veterans.
Helyn Clack, Chairman of SCC and the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, said: “I am so proud of this achievement and the dedication that our organisation puts in to supporting our military community – both internally and externally.
“As Chairman of SCC and its Armed Forces Champion I lead Surrey’s Civilian Military Partnership Board which provides a critical link between defence and the community. The board includes the Lord-Lieutenant, 11 Infantry Brigade, Police, borough/district councils, local businesses, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, charities, health and education and works hard to raise the profile of the armed forces within our county as well as helping to ensure that they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged.
“A huge congratulations and well done to the Armed Forces Covenant team and all those that work with them here at SCC.”
Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “I am delighted that Surrey County Council has been awarded this gold standard for the second time now.
“Not only are we a best practice employer supporting the armed forces community, I also know the wide variety of work going into supporting residents too. This includes, working with our schools to ensure our service children are fully supported, enabling Veteran Hubs across the county including hosting them at local fire stations and encouraging take up of the Forces Connect app which signposts users to local sources of help and support. It’s fantastic work and I believe this award is truly well deserved.”
The organisation was first given the award in October 2016 by His Royal Highness Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, the award is valid for a further five years.
To find out more about support for the armed forces community in Surrey, please visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/armed-forces. For career opportunities at Surrey County Council please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs.