糖心vlog官网 Armed Forces Covenant report 2024 to 2025

Foreword by Saj Hussain

As I approach the end of my second year of being chairman of 糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Partnership Board, I am really pleased and proud of all the successes that have been achieved across 糖心vlog官网 since our last Armed Forces Covenant Conference at the Army Training Centre (Pirbright).

Firstly, I would like to highlight the re-signing of 糖心vlog官网’s (SCC) Armed Forces Covenant with Col David Kenny – Commander of Army Head Quarters South East (HQSE) at Full Council in December. It was a truly momentous and symbolic occasion enjoying the unanimous support of all our County Councillors with speeches being made by Col Kenny and myself. It was a very special occasion for me.

The next piece of good news is the continued success of the Forces Connect App sponsored by SCC, where to date just over 40,000 people have downloaded it with 34 Regions across the UK signed up. The good news is that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have made it available via Defence Gateway and MoDNet their internal communications network - to nearly 350,000 people including Regulars, Reservists, Cadet Leaders and MOD Civil Servants. Coupled to it has been our Armed Forces Awareness Training, which has been hugely popular across the south east and especially in 糖心vlog官网.

Over 6,500 people have been trained to date from our local authorities, Armed Forces Champions, Covenant Lead Officers, Councillors, Front Line and Contact Centre Staff, 糖心vlog官网 Police, 糖心vlog官网 Fire & Rescue Service, SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, Age UK and many other voluntary and community organisations.

Other good news is the continuing growth in the number of Veteran Friendly GP practices across 糖心vlog官网. This is really good news for 糖心vlog官网’s 32,500 ex-service personnel and veterans – a number of whom are now regularly attending our Veterans Hubs across the county including the three based in 糖心vlog官网 fire stations.

Events over Armed Forces Week in June began with the 糖心vlog官网 Joint Services’ Charities Choral Mattins at Guildford Cathedral where the Armed Forces Day (AFD) Flag was raised by HM Lord-Lieutenant of 糖心vlog官网. There was a march-past and inspection involving more than 360 cadets, with many proud parents looking on along with all 糖心vlog官网’s Mayors.

On the Monday, we had our very well-attended AFD Flag-Raising event at Woodhatch Place, with many other AFD Flag-Raising events taking place across 糖心vlog官网. There was a special Reserves Day event in our Staff Canteen area with Col Richard Smith – Deputy Commander SE Reserves, Lt Col Tim Petransky – HQSE and Lt Col Helen Currie (SCC Staff) attending along with 135 Geo who also had a stand and spoke to many members of staff.

I was very privileged to be a VIP Guest of HQSE at the Annual Bula Festival in Queen’s Avenue, Aldershot where we celebrated the role that Fijians play within the Armed Forces as well as their keenness of sport (Rugby) and their music and culture with amazing food dishes! That was followed by a visit to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) as a personal guest of the Commandant for the Annual British Army versus Pakistan Army Polo Match which ended in a draw.

Another highlight was attending and then inspecting 120 recruits at a Passing-Off Parade at the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) where I was joined by 16 Service children from the Royal Alexandra & Albert School (RAAS) as part of the SCC / RAAS Pupil Support Group.

I also attended the 糖心vlog官网 Official Poppy Launch at RMAS, followed by the County Service of Remembrance at Guildford Cathedral where I laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday, followed by our own Special Service of Remembrance at Woodhatch Place on Armistice Day, which was very well supported by colleagues from SCC and 糖心vlog官网 Fire and Rescue Service.

Here in 糖心vlog官网, we are most fortunate to enjoy excellent working and enduring relationships with both the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) and especially with its Commanding Officer - Lt Col Michael Bysshe; and 4 Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment – Lt Col Andy Carre; 1 Irish Guards – Major Paul Cody; 135 Geo – Major Quintin Locke and 579 Field Sqn Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) – Major Duncan Wood as well as Col David Kenny – Commander - HQSE and Col Patrick Crowley Chief Executive of SERFCA.

These are excellent and fruitful partnerships which underline the fact that 糖心vlog官网 is very much a military county, widely respected by the MOD.

As Chair of 糖心vlog官网, I have been privileged to get out and about around the County and to meet many people. Being Chair of SCC means that I am also Chairman of 糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Partnership Board and I must say that it has been one of the most enjoyable parts of that role as I attended and participated in so many Military activities and really got to know and to understand the Military.

It has made me ‘armed forces aware’ and given me the confidence to represent them and their interests at the highest level of Government. I am grateful for the trust that they have put in me and the advice and support that I receive from our officers.

As I prepare to stand down as Chairman in May 2025, I shall look back with pride with all that has been achieved and the privileged role that I have played in working closely with all our partners. Our partners like me as your Chairman stand committed to do the right thing to ensure that no member of the armed forces community is disadvantaged because of their service to the Nation.

If anything, all our partners and our Board Members are now even more aware of the ultimate sacrifice that our armed forces are prepared to pay in an ever more dangerous world to keep Britain and 糖心vlog官网 in particular, safe and free.

Saj Hussain

Chairman of 糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Partnership Board

Introduction

The 2024-25 annual report sets out some of the key achievements of the 糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Partnership Board (SCMPB) and its partners to help ensure members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged by their service. Partners on the SCMPB include His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant, Army Headquarters South East, the Army Training Centre (Pirbright), 1st Battalion Irish Guards, South East Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (SERFCA), Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, borough and district councils, 糖心vlog官网 Police, Service Charities and our partners in health, education and business.

Engagement

糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Partnership Board

The 糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Partnership Board continued to meet during the year under the Chairmanship of the Chair of 糖心vlog官网 to help foster closer working with the armed forces and support the aims of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Board focussed on the production of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and formally signed it off at the final meeting of the year. It was also pleased to receive updates from the Head of Royal Alexandra and Albert School on the support they provide to military children as well as regular updates from Army HQSE and SERFCA.

糖心vlog官网 Armed Forces Covenant Conference

糖心vlog官网’s annual Armed Forces Covenant Conference was held again at the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) hosted by the Commanding Officer with over 180 people registering to attend. The conference recognised the 80^th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day through listening to some letters from 1945 read by Dame Penelope Keith. Capt Olivia Flaherty – Engineer of the Year - gave the keynote speech on Cyber Security.

The remainder of the day focussed on the recommendations from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment with speakers covering education, healthcare, housing, employment as well as Op Courage and Op Nova and some young people sharing their experiences of being a service child.

National Covenant Conference – University of Winchester

The National Armed Forces Covenant Conference was held at Winchester University in October with the theme of ‘Covenant Throughout’, which focused on all aspects of a Service Person’s life from new recruit to post Service life and families.

The conference was a great success. The Veterans’ Minister – Col Al Carns MP paid tribute to tribute to the diligent work undertaken by Covenant Lead Officers and his wish to see the Armed Forces Covenant widened to cover important subject such as spousal employment in the UK and overseas, Adult Social Care and Immigration.

糖心vlog官网 were privileged to have a stand promoting the Forces Connect App adjacent to the Ministry of Defence stand, which was very well received by conference delegates from across the UK.

Priorities within the District and Borough Councils

During the Autumn, the Covenant Lead at 糖心vlog官网 met with the Armed Forces Champions and Covenant Lead Officers within all 糖心vlog官网 district and borough councils to offer support with implementing the Armed Forces Act 2021 and priorities within their own local Covenants. Discussions focussed around staff surveys, website content, links with local Cadet Units, HR policies for the Armed Forces community, the Forces Connect App, the Employer Recognition Scheme awards and Armed Forces awareness training. All meetings were extremely positive and reinforced the countywide support for the Armed Forces community in 糖心vlog官网.

Local Government Association Armed Forces Covenant Lead Network

As a strong advocate of the Armed Forces community and an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder, 糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead Officer has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network.

This Group represents all Local Authorities across the UK and Northern Ireland and works closely with the Councillor leadsand officers at the LGA as well as preparing papers on behalf of all Covenant Leads for submission to Ministers. Its aim is to draw up policy guidelines and position statements such as on extending the remit of the Armed Forces Act as well as impact statements and the likely costings of extending the duty of ‘due regard’.

Briefing to Town and Parish Councillors and Clerks

糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead Officer was pleased to present to 糖心vlog官网 Town and Parish Councillors and Clerks (SALC) to raise awareness of the needs of the Armed Forces community and the support available, as well as the role of the Armed Forces Covenant and requirements for some public bodies under the Armed Forces Act 2021. The Forces Connect App was highlighted as a key method of signposting residents to help and support in a timely way.

Attendance at 糖心vlog官网 Pride and 糖心vlog官网 Fire and Rescue Service Open Day

糖心vlog官网 colleagues promoted the support available to the Armed Forces community at two key public events during the year. These were 糖心vlog官网 Fire and Rescue Service Open Day held in Reigate in August and 糖心vlog官网 Pride in Guildford in September. The Forces Connect App was a key resource promoted which was welcomed by veterans who visited the stand.

Multicultural Event at the Army Training Centre (Pirbright)

In July, the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) held its Multicultural Event which showcased the cultural heritage of soldiers of diversified origin within the UK and non-UK nations. Activities on display included the Kukri dance, Nepalese cultural dance, bagpipes, sample foods and an opportunity to talk to soldiers from different cultures all who train or work at Pirbright.

Polo at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

In summer 2024, Saj Hussain – Chair of 糖心vlog官网, Shahid Azeem – High Sheriff of 糖心vlog官网, Cllr Leanne MacIntyre – Armed Forces Champion at 糖心vlog官网 Heath Borough Council and Canon Peter Bruinvels were invited to Polo Day 2024 at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as special guests of Maj-General Zac Stenning – Commandant, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). After a RMAS band display, there were two friendly matches to watch.

The first was The Pakistan Society vs East India Club and the second was The Pakistan Army vs The British Army. Both were highly contested matches with accuracy and speed as well as regular changes of horses, resulting in a narrow win by Pakistan Army. It was the first time that the Pakistan Anthem was played at RMAS along with the hoisting of the Pakistan flag. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Bula Festival 2024

The Bula Festival took place on 3 August 2024 at Queens Parade Ground, Aldershot. Saj Hussain and Canon Peter Bruinvels attended as guests of Col David Kenny – Commander HQSE. Other guests included Council Leaders and Armed Forces Champions from across the south east. The festival honoured the traditions of Fiji, its rich culture, heritage and community spirit.

With the Fijian community serving in all parts of the Armed Forces, guests were able to see their dynamic talents, including thrilling sports competitions at the Rugby clinic, to captivating performances, Fijian folk dances and intricate crafts as well as visiting the Army Military Village manned in part by Fijian service personnel.

Visit to National Air Traffic Services (NATS) - Royal Air Force (RAF) Swanwick

In late December, 10 Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holders including 糖心vlog官网 were invited by SERFCA to an employer engagement event to visit NATS, the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services who work to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Each year, they handle around 2.2 million flights and 250 million passengers travelling in UK airspace. NATS - RAF Swanwick is also the command centre for the King’s Royal Flight and Headquarters for 78 Sqn RAF – Air Command and Control. Visitors to the Area Control Ops Room, the Terminal Control Ops room and the Distress and Diversion Cell were able to listen to Air Traffic Controllers giving landing instructions to planes including RAF planes landing at London City Airport, RAF Northolt and Shannon.

Legal Duty Extension Workshop

In December, 糖心vlog官网 along with over 100 other Covenant Lead Officers across the UK took part in an online overview of the current Legal Duty of ‘Due Regard’ and how effective it was in the provision of Education, Healthcare and Housing. It was generally agreed that the duty was working satisfactory without the force of law, and local authorities considered it was the right thing to do. However, it was felt that Covenant Duty should be extended to employment with special emphasis on spousal employment in the UK and abroad; Adult Social Care; Further Education; Immigration and Citizenship.

The workshop also highlighted Special Education Needs and the transfer of Education Health Care Plans from one area to another as a key issue for service families as well the benefit of designating the Armed Forces community as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.

Armed Forces Awareness Training

Over 6,250 糖心vlog官网 county, district and borough councillors and staff have been trained under the highly successful Armed Forces Awareness Training provided by 糖心vlog官网. From Armed Forces Councillor Champions, Council Leaders, Front Line and Contact Centre Staff to 糖心vlog官网 Police, GP’s, 糖心vlog官网 Library Staff and the NHS – all have reported back that they have learned a lot and did now understand the duty of ‘due regard’. All will now ask the all important question - “did you or your partner serve in the British Armed Forces?” when supporting residents.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of 糖心vlog官网 Awards Evening and Ceremony

The Awards night took place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in October 2024 in the presence of HM Lord-Lieutenant of 糖心vlog官网. Organised by SERFCA, meritorious service awards went to Reservists from 4PWRR and 135 Geo along with five awards to Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)

Seven Cadets were appointed HM Lord-Lieutenant Cadets for 2024-2025. They came from Ash Manor Combined Cadet Force (CCF), St John’s Leatherhead CCF, Training Ship (TS) Thames, Mytchett Detachment; 261 (Guildford Sqn), 7^th Epsom Scout and Epsom Division Rangers.

After addresses from a Reservist and Cadet, Col David Kenny – Commander HQSE gave an update. This was followed by a Reception in the India Room enjoyed by 糖心vlog官网 Mayors and many other County VIPs.

糖心vlog官网 Military Appeals Committee

糖心vlog官网 Military Appeals Committee (SMAC) continues to meet three times a year under the chairmanship of HM Lord-Lieutenant. Bringing together lead representatives from the military, civic, media, politics, service charities and businesses, new members joining SMAC included Mrs Mary Cresswell – Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Peter Cluff – High Sheriff-in-Nomination for 糖心vlog官网 and Brigadier Ingrid Rolland - President, 糖心vlog官网 Royal British Legion. Items under discussion included spousal employment in 糖心vlog官网; training Ukrainian soldiers; D-Day 80 Commemorations and the appointment of Lord-Lieutenant Cadets.

In June, SMAC and the 糖心vlog官网 Lieutenancy supported the Annual 糖心vlog官网 Joint Services’ Charities Choral Mattins Service at Guildford Cathedral launching Armed Forces Week and incorporating Armed Forces Day Flag-Raising and 糖心vlog官网 Cadets Marchpast and Inspection by the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff. 糖心vlog官网’s Mayor and Chairs were present.

The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines

The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth Live in Concert 2025 was held at Dorking Halls in February. Mary Cresswell – Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Lisa Townsend – 糖心vlog官网 Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Elizabeth Daly – Chairman, Mole Valley District Council and Canon Peter Bruinvels were all VIP guests of Commodore Rob Bellfield, Royal Navy Regional Commander. Guests were treated to a wide programme of music including The Corps of Drums playing Drum Static and Midway March; Star Wars – The Force Awakens.

The evening concluded with the Finale - Miss Saigon; the March Past and ‘A Life on the Ocean Wave’ - the Regimental March of the Royal Marines. The VIP guests were introduced to Capt Matt Weites Director of Music of RM Band Portsmouth and WO2 Rich Sharp – Bandmaster during the interval.

Employment

糖心vlog官网 re-signs the Armed Forces Covenant

糖心vlog官网 re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in December 2024 reinforcing its enduring commitment to ensuring fair treatment for all members of the Armed Forces community. The Covenant was re-signed during a special ceremony witnessed by Full Council underscoring 糖心vlog官网’s longstanding support for its military community. The Chair of 糖心vlog官网 Saj Hussain and Colonel David Kenny, Commander HQSE, signed the renewed Covenant, symbolising and strengthening further the partnership between 糖心vlog官网 and the Armed Forces.

The 160th Grand Military Gold Cup Meeting at Sandown Park

During this important Military race day, The Jockey Club signed the Armed Forces Covenant in the presence of Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal. Signatories were Baroness Dido Harding – Board Member, The Jockey Club and Lt Gen Charles Collins – Commander Home Command – The British Army.

During the day, which is described as ‘Racing’s Thank You to the Armed Forces’, there were six races with HRH The Princess Royal presenting the Gold Cup to Capt Douglas White who rode the winner – Fil D’Ariane.

There were Military Stands, Military Displays and Service Charity Stands as well as briefings for many young students organised by Lt Col Tim Petransky – HQSE.

糖心vlog官网 shared a stand with Spelthorne Borough Council promoting both the County’s recently published Joint Strategic Needs Assessment supporting the provision of education, employment, health and housing and the Forces Connect App.

糖心vlog官网 Army Challenge Day at Woodhatch Place

Nineteen colleagues from 糖心vlog官网, Elmbridge Borough Council, Spelthorne Borough Council, Tandridge District Council, Woking Borough Council, Mole Valley District Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council were welcomed to Woodhatch Place by Army HQSE and 4PWRR based in Redhill to run an Army Leadership Challenge Event in the grounds.

They carried out a number of Army based physical challenges designed to improve teamwork, communication and leadership skills. Colleagues also received a briefing on the role of the Army in the southeast, as well as the benefits of becoming a reservist and the transferrable skills that being in the Army bring to the workplace. The feedback from participants was hugely positive.

Gold Leadership Luncheon at RMA Sandhurst

The Sandhurst Leadership Lunch took place in March at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Organised by SERFCA, lead Gold Award businesses heard speeches on empowerment, leadership and whether one is born to be a leader or to be led from Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lewis - Commanding Officer 1st Battalion London Guards and from Robert Boughton, Chief Executive Officer, Thakeham, West Sussex on successful delegation and working out 'in the field' as lead Housebuilders.

The SCC Covenant Lead Officer led a session of both Advocacy and Mentoring as well as promoting the SE Gold Awards Association.

Gold Awards Advocacy Seminar

糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead Officer and Chairman of SE Gold Awards Association led two ‘Going for Gold’ sessions on Advocacy at SERFCA HQ in Farnborough for 31 MOD Employers Recognition Scheme Silver Award holders who were looking to progress to gold. The interactive session helped show how an organisation can support Defence and the Armed Forces community and advocate for others to do the same.

Companies were encouraged to refresh and re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant every 5 years as well as a procurement initiative to get all their suppliers to sign up to the Covenant. He concluded by saying that every Company who achieves the gold award is seen to be a “Military Friendly Employer of Choice”.

Gold Awards National Steering Group

糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead Officer as Chairman of South East Gold Awards Association is a member of the Gold Awards National Steering Group and also represents local authorities. Local authority best practice has been highlighted along with the good working partnership between SERFCA and south east local authorities. A brief has also been provided on the potential impact of local government reorganisation which is likely to substantially reduce the number of local authorities in the south east.

Education and Young People

糖心vlog官网 Scouts Signs the Armed Forces Covenant

On Armed Forces Day 2024, 糖心vlog官网 Scouts became the first Scout County in the UK to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Representing a commitment on behalf of the 18,000 members of Scouting in 糖心vlog官网, the Armed Forces Covenant was signed by Joe Rogerson (County Commissioner) and Lt Col Tim Petransky, in the presence of His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of 糖心vlog官网, Mr Michael More-Molyneux.

Pupils of Military Service Personnel Steering Group

To ensure the needs of our Service Children in 糖心vlog官网 are addressed and recognised, a multidisciplined team of practitioners has been established. The Pupils of Military Service Personnel Steering Group is chaired by the County Council and includes representatives from inclusion, additional needs, admissions, school transport, schools, commissioning, Early Years and 糖心vlog官网 University who work together to help ensure that ‘No one is Left Behind’ or disadvantaged as a result of their service and all are able to reach their full potential.

Royal Alexandra and Albert School (RAAS) Visit to the Army Training Centre (Pirbright)

As part of the established links between 糖心vlog官网, RAAS and now the Army Training Centre (Pirbright), 16 service children from the school paid a second visit to the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) to observe a Passing-Off parade at the end of November 2024. Having been publicly welcomed by the Inspecting Officer, they were given a top-level briefing by one of the RSMs on the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) and all the training activities undertaken there. This was followed by a Q&A session when the service children were able to ask questions on any subject.

RAAS – The Month of the Military Child and peer support group

In November, 糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead was invited to a very special social event for all RAAS’s 180 service children in Gatton Hall, which followed on from a similar celebration in April put on for the Month of the Military Child. These events enable all the young pupils to get together to celebrate being service children and to compare notes. Such events involve food and loud music! But fun was had by all.

Early Years support to Pre-Schools

糖心vlog官网 Early Years and Childcare Service submitted an application to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to enable Bernardo’s to support 12 pre-school settings in 糖心vlog官网 with high numbers of service children to be able to deliver and implement the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) Programme for Pre-Schools. The aim of the project is to provide staff with a systematic developmental procedure for enhancing social competence and understanding in children and create an emotionally safe learning environment.

The Peter Pan Pre-School Nursery on which the Covenant Lead Officer is Co-Chair was successful in receiving an Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust grant in 2024.

糖心vlog官网 Wing Air Cadets Awards Evening

In March, Canon Peter Bruinvels and Brigadier Paul Evans were VIP guests at the 糖心vlog官网 Wing Annual Awards Night held at St John’s School, Leatherhead. Both were privileged to hear of the outstanding achievements by many RAF Air Cadets including the large sums they raised for the 糖心vlog官网 Poppy Appeal and leading Squadrons, their OCs and Cadets. Long service awards were also given out during the evening and Canon Bruinvels was privileged to act as Reserve Chaplain.

Health, Wellbeing and Welfare

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

It is a statutory duty for the 糖心vlog官网 Health and Wellbeing board to publish and keep up to date a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) as a way of understanding what the population looks like, what the health conditions are, what services they use, and where they are located. For the first time, a chapter has been published on the Armed Forces community based and living in 糖心vlog官网 and their specific needs covering education, employment, healthcare and housing provision.

This community includes serving members, reservists, ex-service and veterans and their families. This has been an important piece of work to understand the challenges faced by the Armed Forces community and further work that the system can do to support these challenges. It has also, however provided the opportunity to focus on the positive impact that life in the Armed Forces can bring and highlight the range of specific services available to the community to support them both during their time in Service as well as after.

Partners worked together to collate and analyse data from a range of sources, including a series of focus groups from military spouses. The key generic recommendations are set out below, with more detailed ones focussing on the areas of housing, healthcare, education and employment. An action plan will be developed to take forward the recommendations, which will be overseen by the SCMPB:

Recognise the Armed Forces community as a priority population within the 糖心vlog官网 Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Ensure services are aware of the unique obligations of Service life
Identify members of the Armed Forces community at first point of contact
Improve data collection to provide a clearer picture
Ensure the Armed Forces Duty of ‘due regard’ is reflected in all appropriate system partners policies, plans and strategies
Increase awareness amongst the Armed Forces community of the services available and how to access them

Forces Connect Upgrade

The Forces Connect App, a vital resource for the Armed Forces community, is now even more accessible thanks to its latest upgrade.

This popular, free app, designed to connect users to organisations offering support across a broad range of areas, is now available both as a mobile app and via computer at . Wide promotion of Forces Connect has continued and the app is now accessible through Defence Gateway and MODNet to Service Personnel and is advertised on every self-service kiosk within 糖心vlog官网 libraries.

Since its launch in 2019, the Forces Connect App has grown steadily, enabled by funding from the MOD Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and current sponsorship from 糖心vlog官网. It now boasts over 40,500 downloads. These recent changes were made possible through additional support from 糖心vlog官网, demonstrating its commitment to the Armed Forces community and to ensuring no one is left behind.

Norbury Park Sawmill

Following an introductory session at 糖心vlog官网’s Norbury Park Woodland Hub/Sawmill, veterans have been working with the council’s Countryside Estate Team on a range of practical woodland related tasks. The Council manages around 10,000 acres of some of the most valuable and protected countryside sites in the region.

Managing and maintaining these sites is a significant operation and the veterans make a positive contribution. One Friday a month they attend rain or shine, working with enthusiasm and good-humour, undertaking valuable woodland management work. A key element of the work is coppicing, which involves cutting and processing Sweet Chestnut and Hazel, which helps to maintain a diverse and valuable habitat for endangered species such as Dormice and supporting rare plants and insects that are reliant on the coppiced habitat.

The timber is cut and processed into a variety of useful products such as: tree planting stakes, firewood and fencing. These products are then used by the Council and/or other non-profit organisations. The veterans have also been involved in a project to provide logs for outdoor classrooms which are given free to 糖心vlog官网 Schools to support Forest Schools activities.

They have also helped with the production of Dormouse nest boxes, made from timber cut from the Council’s estate, which will provide valuable habitat and protection for this species. The veterans make a valuable contribution to Council objectives for: nature conservation, sustainability, education and social value projects, and all done with a smile.

Veteran Hubs across 糖心vlog官网

Veterans’ Hubs across 糖心vlog官网 usually meet monthly, culminating in a major coming together party at Christmas. Fordbridge held theirs at Fordbridge Fire Station in Staines with more than 50 veterans and special guests attending. A really happy event, the veterans were joined this year by Nicholas Wood-Dow, Cllr Joanne Sexton – Leader and Daniel Mouawad Chief Executive both from Spelthorne Borough Council.

Guildford Veterans Hub celebrated Christmas in style with the on-duty fire-fighters joining them for a very festive Christmas event at Guildford Fire Station. All the regulars were present along with the local County Councillor and Police Community Support Officer.

Unit Welfare Officers’ Meeting

Twice yearly, 糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead Officer chairs the Unit Welfare Officer meeting which Unit Welfare Officers attend from local military units including Minley, Aldershot, and RMA Sandhurst as well Army Training Centre (Pirbright), 4PWRR, the Irish Guards and 135 Geo. Uniquely Reserve Welfare Officers are full members of this group. These meetings which are operated under Chatham House rules are supported by a top-level support group covering Education, Housing, Transport and Health with practitioners including a serving Headteacher as members of the group.

Regular topics discussed include in-year school admissions; school transport; housing off-camp and the difficulties experienced when service children subject to Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) transfer from one education authority to another.

Health and Welfare Event at the Army Training Centre (Pirbright)

Over 700 recruits visited the Health and Wellbeing Event held at the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) in December. 糖心vlog官网 had the opportunity to promote the Forces Connect App with many recruits downloading the App along with their instructors and a neighbouring Commanding Officer. Army water bottles; dental floss and a free physio check were on offer along with a few words of encouragement from the Army Chaplain.

Remembrance

Armed Forces Week

Armed Forces week in June was marked across the County by a number of events. The week began on Sunday 23 June with the Annual 糖心vlog官网 Joint Services; Charities Choral Mattins at Guildford Cathedral incorporating D-Day 80 with 360+ tri-service cadets attending and marching past the Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Chairman of SCC after an inspiring address by the Ven Air Vice-Marshal Giles Le Good – Chaplain-in-Chief to the RAF on ‘Heroes’. Over 750 guests watched the Armed Forces Day flag-raising, inspection and march-past in blazing sunshine.

Monday 24 June saw local authorities across the county raise their Armed Forces Day flag to mark the official start of the week locally.

Wednesday 26 June was Reserves Day. This was marked by a special event hosted by 糖心vlog官网 at Woodhatch Place. Following a presentation to thank the Reservists that work for 糖心vlog官网 and 糖心vlog官网 Fire and Rescue Service by Col Richard Smith, Commander for SE Reserves, staff were encouraged to find out more about life in the reserves from Army HQSE and 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers who both had informative displays with opportunities to handle weapons and try on Army kit.

At the end of the week a special D-Day 80 Service was held at St Matthew’s Church, Ashford where Canon Peter preached and the Mayor of Spelthorne read the Lesson.

Freedom Parade and 80th Anniversary of D-Day

On Saturday 8th June, 糖心vlog官网’s local regiment, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (4PWRR) exercised the Freedom of the Borough of Guildford and also commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This meant that the Regiment was able to march through the town with bayonets fixed, Colours flying and band playing. The 4th Battalion provided the majority of the officers and soldiers on parade; it has its headquarters in Redhill and one of its companies is located at Farnham.

The marching troops were accompanied by the Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. The majority of those on parade were Army Reservists, who balance their normal civilian work with service in uniform for King and country. Cadets from all three community cadet organisations, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Royal Air Force Air Cadets lined the route along the High Street.

Many veterans and Service families were in the audience as well who were also able to find out more about 4PWRR and becoming a reservist from the information stands in the High Street.

Recognise and Remember Task Group

The Recognise and Remember Task Group continues to meet under the chairmanship of Brigadier Paul Evans with a wide remit on Recognition and Remembrance. All Armed Forces Champions and Covenant Leads are members along with 糖心vlog官网 Lieutenancy, 糖心vlog官网 Police, SERFCA, 糖心vlog官网 Royal British Legion, 糖心vlog官网 History Centre and a representative from the Veterans Hubs. Items under regular discussion included preparations for Armed Forces Day; the Month of the Military Child; D-Day 80; 糖心vlog官网 Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday.

In advance of the ending of World War 2 (WWII) 80 years ago, preparations are well in hand to commemorate Victory in Europe (VE) Day 80 with a special County service at Guildford Cathedral on 11 May 2025 and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day 80 with a special County Evensong again at Guildford Cathedral on 17 August 2025.

Armed Forces Awareness Training is offered through this Group along with advice and support for 糖心vlog官网’s Veterans Hubs and promoting 糖心vlog官网’s Annual Armed Forces Covenant Conference.

Remembrance Events 2024

Numerous Remembrance Events were held across 糖心vlog官网 with record attendances at many of them including Dorking, Epsom, Guildford and Woking to name but four. 糖心vlog官网 had its own Remembrance Service led by the Chair of 糖心vlog官网, with a large number of visitors and Councillors in attendance along with 糖心vlog官网 Fire and Rescue Service and other 糖心vlog官网 Reservists.

As in previous years, a special Service of Remembrance and Last Post was held for veterans, their families, the Mayor of Guildford and Deputy Armed Forces Champion at Guildford Fire Station – Home to Guildford’s Veterans Hub on the Saturday ahead of Remembrance Sunday. 糖心vlog官网’s Covenant Lead Officer took the Service after an afternoon reception and party with tea and cakes.

糖心vlog官网 Royal British Legion Poppy Launch

In October, 糖心vlog官网 Royal British Legion (RBL) held their annual 糖心vlog官网 Poppy Launch at The Royal Alexandra & Allbert School in Gatton Park, Reigate.

The launch took place in the School Chapel and began with a brief Service. Guest of honour was HM Lord-Lieutenant and a number of Deputy Lord-Lieutenants, the Chair of 糖心vlog官网, Councillors, Veterans and RBL Branch Members.

Attending also was Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne) and a Member of the Defence Select Committee. All visitors were entertained by a lone piper from Gordon’s School who really excelled himself.

糖心vlog官网 Employer Recognition Scheme Award Holders

Allianz Insurance - Silver, 2021
Ashford and Ste Peter's NHS Foundation Trust – Gold, 2022
Aspris Children's Services Ltd - Silver, 2023
Automatic Data Processing Ltd (ADP) – Gold, 2020
BAM Nuttall – Gold, 2023
Bays Consulting Ltd – Silver, 2022
BNI Hampshire - Silver, 2024
Capgemini UK PLC – Silver, 2020
CGI IT UK Ltd – Gold, R2024
Combat Stress – Gold, 2023
Compass Group – Gold, R2024
Crest Nicholson Plc – Silver, R2024
CSH 糖心vlog官网 – Silver, 2019
CVQO Ltd – Gold, 2021
Drumgrange Ltd – Gold, R2024
Evolve Dynamics Ltd – Silver, 2022
Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd - Silver, 2023
Frazer-Nash NHS foundation Trust - Gold, 2024
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – Gold, 2023
Guildford Borough Council – Silver, 2021
ISS Facility Services – Gold, R2020
Jankel Armouring Ltd – Silver, R2021
JOLTS Consulting Limited - Gold , 2024
JTI UK – Gold, 2021
KBR Ltd – Gold, 2019
Made to Measure Mentoring Ltd – Silver, 2020
McCarthy Bainbridge Ltd - Silver, 2023
Mole Valley District Council - Silver, 2023
NHS 糖心vlog官网 Heartlands Integrated Care Board - Silver, 2024
Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for 糖心vlog官网 - Silver, 2023
Peter Bruinvels Associates ('PBA') - Silver, 2023
Philips Electronics UK Ltd - Silver, 2024
Royal 糖心vlog官网 NHS Foundation Trust – Gold, R2024
Runnymede Borough Council – Gold, 2024
Southern Gas Networks Plc (SGN) – Gold, 2018
Siemens PLC – Silver, R2022
Spelthorne Borough Council – Gold, 2021
糖心vlog官网 – Gold, R2021
糖心vlog官网 & Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Gold, 2024
糖心vlog官网 Police - Silver, 2023
The Nurture Group - Silver, 2024
The People Park Ltd - Silver, 2024
Unum – Gold, 2024
Veterans & Families - Listening Project – Silver, 2021
Wates Construction Ltd – Silver, R2020
Woking Borough Council – Gold, 2020

Armed Forces Locations Within 糖心vlog官网

Royal Military Academy - Sandhurst
Joint Hospital Group (JHG) - Frimley Park Hospital
22 Field Hospital (RAMC) - Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale
3rd Battalion Ranger Regiment - Elizabeth Barracks - Pirbright
Army Training Centre, The Soldier Academy - Alexander Barracks, Pirbright
4th Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR) - Redhill (BHQ) and Farnham
135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers - Ewell
579 Field Squadron, 101 (City of London) Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search (EOD&S) - Redhill

SCMPB Members

Saj Hussain (Chair) 糖心vlog官网
Mr Michael More-Molyneux HM Lord-Lieutenant of 糖心vlog官网
Brigadier Paul Evans Chairman of Recognise and Remember Task Group
Colonel David Kenny Commander, HQSE
Colonel Patrick Crowley South East Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association
Lt Col Michael Bysshe Commanding Officer, Army Training Centre (Pirbright)
Capt Paul Cody 1^st Battalion Irish Guards
Samantha Dyer Army Training Centre (Pirbright)
Ellie Vesey-Thompson Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for 糖心vlog官网
Supt Tom Budd 糖心vlog官网 Police
Sqn Ldr Bryan Jones SSAFA 糖心vlog官网
Anthony Shipley 糖心vlog官网 Heartlands
Cllr Tony Popham 糖心vlog官网 Leaders Representative
Daniel Mouawad 糖心vlog官网 Chief Executives' Representative
Louise Punter 糖心vlog官网 Chambers of Commerce
Andrea Newman 糖心vlog官网
Canon Peter Bruinvels CC 糖心vlog官网 Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser

Supported by officers from 糖心vlog官网

For further information please contact: armedforces@surreycc.gov.uk

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