Foreword by Tim Hall
I have now been in my role as Chairman of the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board (SCMPB) for nearly a year and I have enjoyed every aspect whilst learning so much about the amazing partnership work that is undertaken to support our armed forces community across Surrey. I was very pleased to receive a full induction to my new role back in June with briefings from Colonel David Kenny, Colonel Patrick Crowley and Squadron Leader Bryan Jones which put me on to a good footing for taking on this important and high-profile role.
Some of my personal highlights of the year include attending the Surrey Joint Services’ Charities Choral Mattins at Guildford Cathedral with over 450 Tri-Service Cadets marching and the Surrey Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Launch at Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright as well as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards evening at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) where it was a privilege to hear the citations for the Cadets and Reservists based in Surrey receiving awards. I had the pleasure of leading the Act of Remembrance at Woodhatch Place, I accompanied some service pupils from Royal Alexandra and Albert School to a passing off parade at ATC Pirbright and I attended the launch of The Women's International Defence Rugby Competition 2025 at RMAS. All of these events have given me further insight into the world of the Armed Forces community and the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant.
For me personally, it has been fascinating getting close to the Armed Forces and understanding how they operate and the daily challenges that they face. Being a member of the Surrey Military Support Group has also helped me to really appreciate their determination to protect our County and Nation.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the Nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly.
I see it as a route map for us to follow to ensure that the Armed Forces community here in Surrey does not face disadvantage compared to any other citizen and that they are not left behind when accessing core services such as education, healthcare and housing. To shore up that partnership with the Armed Forces, Surrey County Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2024, having originally signed it in 2012.
I am delighted that our Armed Forces Covenant work in Surrey continues to be seen as a national exemplar by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as not only have we provided case studies for their National MoD Covenant annual reports and job descriptions for Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions and Covenant Lead Officers, but our Covenant Lead Officer was invited to give Oral Evidence to the Defence Select Committee of the Armed Forces Bill 2026 in February 2026 as an Expert Witness.
You will also see the report just how well our Forces Connect App is doing with over 47,500 stakeholders using it and it now being made available to all Regulars, Reservists, MoD Civil Servants, Unit Welfare Officers and Defence Military Attaches in our High Commissions and Embassies overseas as well as Cadet Commandants via MODNet and the Defence Gateway. I am very proud of it and the fact that Surrey County Council sponsors it.
The icing on the cake for me was the Surrey Annual Armed Forces Covenant Conference held at ATC Pirbright which I had the privilege to chair. As you will see in the report we had excellent speakers. The presentation by service children was particularly telling and interesting as was Claire Lilly’s personal journey to set up The Forcer Protocol following the sad loss of her husband.
In April 2027 two new councils, East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council will replace Surrey County Council and the 11 district and borough councils. Work is ongoing to embed the Covenant in the new authorities and ensure the strong links with the military across the county continue.
I conclude by saying that it has been yet another successful year as we continue to work in partnership with the Military as one body to support members of the Armed Forces fairly and the community within which they live. It really is a true partnership on both sides of “the wire” as we continue to work to ensure that no one is disadvantaged because of their service to our Nation.
Councillor Tim Hall
Chairman of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board
Introduction
The 2025-26 annual report sets out some of the key achievements of the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board (SCMPB) and its partners over the past year 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 (HQSE), 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, Surrey Police, Service Charities and our partners in health, education and business.
In May 2025, we welcomed Cllr Tim Hall, Chairman of Surrey County Council (SCC) as the new chairman of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board and also Armed Forces Champion for Surrey County Council. Tim has been a County Councillor for 20+ years, lives in Fetcham and is a strong supporter of the Armed Forces. Since taking over the chairmanship from Cllr Saj Hussain, he has been a great advocate for the Armed Forces and has attended a number of Military related meetings across Surrey and beyond.
The Armed Forces Covenant and Armed Forces Act 2021
Under the Armed Forces Act 2021, bodies in scope, including local authorities and health, need to show ‘due regard’ to the Armed Forces community when carrying out particular functions in relation to healthcare, housing and education to help ensure that they are not disadvantaged by their service.
The Armed Forces Act is being superseded by the new Armed Forces Bill 2026 which will involve 14 new policy areas and will cover employment, social care, citizenship and transport to name just four. It will likely become law in early 2027 and will apply to all three devolved nations.
House of Commons Defence Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill 2026
In February 2026, the SCC Covenant Lead Officer was invited to give Oral Evidence to the Defence Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill 2026 as an Expert Witness on the Armed Forces Covenant in The House of Commons on behalf of both Surrey County Council and as Co-Chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network.
At the session, he welcomed the whole of government approach where all United Kingdon (UK) government departments, devolved governments and local authorities including Surrey County Council (SCC) would need to integrate the needs of the Armed Forces community into policy decisions to help ensure they are not disadvantaged. Also noting that councils must update action plans, train staff, and monitor compliance to meet the new legal obligations. He concluded by stating that the strengthened duty of ‘due regard’ underscores the importance of embedding Armed Forces considerations into everyday policymaking and service delivery, making it essential for councillors to champion these changes within their authorities. The session went very well with the Select Committee Chairman and Clerk to the Committee requesting Surrey County Council exemplar job descriptions for both elected councillors and covenant lead officers. Written evidence from the Covenant Lead Officer then followed which has since been published.
Engagement
Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Meetings
The SCMPB met three times during the year to take forward support to the Armed Forces community. It focussed on increasing the number of Surrey based care homes signing up to the veteran friendly framework; promoting the signing of The Forcer Protocol; understanding the Changing Futures Programmes, which provides trauma informed, intensive outreach support to people facing multiple-disadvantage – about 11% of the client base are veterans; as well as holding a special meeting to input into the consultation on Local Government Reorganisation.
Local Covenant Panels
Over the past year local covenant panel meetings have continued in Guildford, Woking and Surrey Heath. All are supported by the Armed Forces – be it Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) or Army Training Centre (Pirbright) as well as the SCC Covenant Lead. Service charities also attend along with the Army Welfare Service.
National Armed Forces Covenant Conference
The national Armed Forces Covenant Conference was held in Glasgow in July, with the option to join online. There was a diverse range of speakers over the two-day conference covering data on the needs of the armed forces community; looking at covenant delivery within a Combined Authority; the needs of service children; research from Forces in Mind Trust; and a focus on the Covenant Duty extension. Colleagues took a great deal away from the sessions that they could bring back to support our armed forces community locally.
Joint Military Command Headquarters South East
Joint Military Command Headquarters South East (JMC HQSE) is the part of the Army that looks after our people, where they live and work as well as Home Defence and Engagement – connecting with society and growing the Army (Regular and Reserve) of the future. We exist as a headquarters to serve and protect our people across the south-east, and our role is to ensure that the Army which lives, works, and operates, in your area are looked after. Many of these people who conduct operations and training, and engagement live and work in Surrey and we thank all our Surrey partners for their support.
We also engage to inspire and attract the next generation of talent - informing and educating these young people, whilst trying to place the Army in the minds of the country’s future talent. We have directly engaged with approximately 3,000 students and gatekeepers across Surrey over the past year and thank all parents, gatekeepers and advocates who support and attend out engagement programmes.
Army Engagement Group
The Army Engagement Group (AEG) supported by JMC HQSE held a very well attended morning briefing session at ATC Pirbright in February. With over 140 representatives including over 60 headteachers and many employers, the session was an outstanding success with state-of-the-art presentations on the Army today as well as displays on its weaponry and its agility to adapt to warlike situations. A number of soldiers from all ranks gave their lived experience as well as sharing with representatives their personal journey. There were presentations on the Strategic Defence Review; reservists and cadets; military-friendly businesses and on the Armed Forces Covenant.
Surrey Annual Armed Forces Covenant Conference
The Surrey Annual Armed Forces Conference was a great success. It was held at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright in March and brought together over 150 delegates from a range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations across Surrey and beyond. Following a welcome from the Chairman of SCMPB, delegates heard an inspirational keynote speech from Commodore Tim Green CBE ADC, Naval Regional Commander London and Eastern England on the Strategic Defence Review and the threats from both the air and under the sea. This was followed by the official launch of The Forcer Protocol in Surrey by Surrey Police with the founder, Claire Lilly speaking, which is used by Police to ensure key information is available to them when they are searching for service veterans who are lost or have gone missing. It was great to also hear from some of our service children and our outstanding cadet forces as well as two service leavers who shared their personal journeys of success following leaving the forces.
Surrey Military Support Group
The Surrey Military Support Group (SMSG), formerly the Surrey Military Appeals Committee, chaired by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey has had its Terms of Reference revised and serves as a strategic liaison group between the military and civil society in Surrey. Its purpose is to enhance understanding, trust and mutual support between the armed forces and the communities that they serve, here in Surrey.
The group brings together influential leaders from across public life —including the armed forces, the High Sheriff, Chairman of Surrey County Council, SERFCA, the media, politics, business, voluntary organisations and cultural institutions—to provide a unique insight, advocacy and support rooted in a shared respect for the military’s role: past, present and future.
Their most recent SMSG meeting was held at The Tower of London where new members were welcomed from both the Royal Navy and SERFCA.
SERFCA Parliamentary Briefing
In April 2025, SERFCA held a special Parliamentary Briefing for MPs and Peers in The House of Commons from across the South-East and London. The event promoted Reserves and Cadets with senior reservists and cadet leaders manning stands and was held in partnership with JMC HQSE and Greater London Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association. The Covenant Lead Officer for Surrey was one of the hosts briefing over 35 MPs and Peers including Col Al Carns MP – Armed Forces and Veterans Minister and the Deputy Speaker along with Surrey MPs.
Local Government Association (LGA)
The Covenant Lead Officer is Co-Chair of the LGA Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network promoting best practice and working with fellow lead officers across the UK.
Armed Forces Awareness Training
Surrey County Council through its Covenant Lead Officer continues to offer Ministry of Defence (MoD) accredited free Armed Forces Awareness Training in person and online and across Surrey and beyond. To date over 17,250 people have been trained so far across the UK including more than 7,500 in Surrey including the Surrey leaders, Surrey Chief Executives, Councillors, Surrey Association of Local Council (SALC) and staff from Adult Social Care, contact centres, housing, education, Public Health, libraries, Chamber of Commerce, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), business and voluntary organisations.
During the year a special 60 minute Armed Forces Awareness Session by the Covenant Lead Officer was also held for all the Unit Welfare Officers and Welfare Team based at ATC Pirbright. Concentrating on the Armed Forces Covenant and how if used correctly, it could benefit the Armed Forces family ‘behind and outside the wire’, those present were briefed them on what to expect from local authorities. Recommending a much wider use of the Forces Connect App across Pirbright Camp, the training then briefly touched on what was not in the Covenant and the need for all UWOs and their Welfare Teams to manage the expectations of all those personnel seeking help. It was not a golden ticket giving them the best school in Surrey; the best house in the area or to be at the top of Pirbright GP’s waiting list straight away but rather ensures they are not at a disadvantage because of their service.
Respect the Ranges Collaboration
Army Training Centre (Pirbright) recently supported the Ministry of Defence’s "Respect the Range" campaign, which aimed to raise public awareness of safety on military training land. Soldiers and civil servants from Pirbright participated in a photo shoot to promote the social media campaign, which carried the impactful message: “We wouldn’t interrupt you at work… respect the ranges.”
Doko Race
On 21 Oct 2025, Army Training Centre (Pirbright) hosted a Tri-Service Doko race to celebrate the Nepalese culture and strengthen relationships between Defence Basic Training establishments. Permanent staff were required to carry a Doko weighing 15 kilograms (kg) for 5 kilometres (km) displaying character, competence, and resilience in a competitive environment.
The Doko (traditional Nepalese bamboo basket) race was introduced in 1989. It is regarded as a rite of passage that all Gurkhas must go through to be selected for the British Army (Brigade of Gurkhas) and signals a pivotal moment during the selection procedure when individuals are tested to their limits. Aspiring Gurkhas are challenged with a gruelling course in the foothills of the Himalayas carrying a ‘Doko’, held in place with a head strap (namlo) loaded with 25kg of sand. All participants must complete the 5 km climb in 43 minutes to progress onto the next stage of selection
SERFCA Briefings
In June 2025, SERFCA arranged a HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey briefing at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for all Surrey’s Mayors and MPs as well as Surrey employers, NHS leaders, the Dean of Guildford and councillors. It was very well attended and was an excellent briefing on the state of the nation through defence.
In December 2025, SERFCA held its Surrey County Forum where all Surrey’s regulars and reservist units and tri-service cadet leaders along with a number of Armed Forces Champions and Task Force Commanders were able to brief each other and County Forum members including the Lord-Lieutenant on their most recent activities.
There was an excellent exchange of views and updates on how prepared Surrey regulars and reservists were for any eventuality. The Cadet Commandants made a special plea for more Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Surrey Lord-Lieutenant Awards 2025
On Tuesday 21 October the Surrey Lord-Lieutenant Awards Ceremony was held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Michael More-Molyneux CVO, awarded seven Meritorious Service Certificates from across all three Services including four for Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and one Best Reservist Award. At the end of the evening four Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets were appointed. The event was kindly sponsored by CGI.
Bula Festival
The British Army working in partnership with Fijians in the British Armed Forces under the Defence Fiji Support Network hosted The Bula festival in Aldershot at which a number of Surrey Mayors, Armed Forces Champions and the SCC Covenant Lead Officer attended. The festival provides an opportunity for the Army to expose the diversity of roles and opportunities (including social mobility) that are available and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Army and gain insights into their work. The event embodied British Fijian cultural expression and celebration through popular, vibrant, contemporary artistic expression, including music, dance, performance, spoken word, arts and crafts.
Women in Defence Rugby launch at Sandhurst
The Chairman of Surrey County Council and Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board accompanied by the SCC Covenant Lead Officer attended the Women's International Defence Rugby Competition 2025 launched at RMAS in summer 2025 with teams from United Kingdom Armed Forces, Ireland, Tonga, Zambia, Australia, France and Fiji plus a scratch Vodafone LooseHeadz team from the sponsors and charity partner. Also present were Lieutenant-General Sir David Eastman – Deputy Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Nick Cowley – Commandant RMAS and Air Vice-Marshal Cab Townsend Royal Air Force (RAF). Camberley RAF Air Training Cadets Band were honoured to play and lead the teams out
Natural Flood Management on Ash Ranges
Surrey County Council, with the support of the MoD, are developing a Natural Flood Management project (NFM) on the Ash Ranges. This involves the creation of wooden/earthwork features which will replicate natural process to slow rainwater runoff from the site, reducing flood risk to neighbouring communities. The MoD have assisted SCC in ensuring the works can work within/around the site’s military needs and environmental designations. The project will benefit site infrastructure by reducing track/path erosion and help improve biodiversity by creating areas where water will remain available for longer within the, generally, very dry site. The works are on track to be constructed by July 2026.
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for the Armed Forces Community
The Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board continues to take forward the recommendations from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. A current focus is on encouraging care homes in Surrey to become part of the Veteran Friendly Framework to help ensure veterans within these establishments receive appropriate care and support.
Surrey Staff Marketplace
Surrey County Council held a staff marketplace for key teams to be able to promote their work more widely across the council and make useful links. The work of the Armed Forces Team was well received, and a number of useful contacts were made with the Changing Futures Team, colleagues in Public Health and the Contact Centre.
Employment
South East Gold Awards Association
The SCC Covenant Lead continues to chair the South East Gold Awards Association (GAA) encouraging military-supportive companies to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and then to move up the MoD Employers Recognition Scheme (ERS) from bronze to silver and from silver to gold.
Working in partnership with SERFCA, he also regularly leads Mentor ‘Going for Gold’ sessions for current ERS silver award holding businesses and councils aspiring to go for gold.
At the SERFCA Annual Luncheon each March for gold employers, the SCC Covenant Lead Officer has a slot to promote the South East GAA and to give out good advice on how to retain their gold award which is subject to re-validation every 5 years. Revalidation is not automatic and proof of strong links with cadets and examples of advocacy are seen as pre-requisites for re-validation.
South East Regional Employers Engagement Group
Surrey County Council as a lead local authority Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award holder is a key member of the SERFCA South-East Regional Employers Group. In that role, SCC’s Covenant Lead Officer gives regular updates and advice on the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant; the likely impact of the new Armed Forces Bill 2026 as well as regular briefings on the South East Gold Awards Association (GAA), which he chairs.
Education and Young People
Service Pupils Support Group
As part of the JSNA, a multidisciplinary task group was set up under SCC chairmanship to look at supporting service children in their education and learning from Early Years to further and higher education, with experts from admissions, Early Years, school transport, attainment, schools, university and SEND. Key areas looked at over the past year include raising awareness of the Service Pupil Premium, especially amongst the Gurkhas and encouraging schools to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Service Children's Conference
At a Service Children’s Conference and press launch ‘Supporting All to Thrive’ Project and Impact Statement held in September at the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) Headquarters and attended by the Covenant Lead Officer, members were given accurate details and statistics as to just how resilient service children were despite many of them changing their schools every two years and not necessarily at the start or end of the school year. There was also an analysis with findings for Service children and non-Service families of children with special needs as well as a presentation of artwork and findings from their art workshops with parents of Service children with additional needs which was very positive. The Conference was arranged via Oxford Brookes University working in partnership with the Service Family Federations and the Service Children’s Progression Alliance (SCiP).
Local Councils and Schools Pass Off Parade Visits
As part of ATC (Pirbright)’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, students from Kings International College and the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, along with councillors from local borough councils, were invited to attend a Pass Off Parade at Pirbright, the most recent one taking place in January 2026 with 15 RAAS students attending. The Pass Off Parade marks the formal completion of a recruits' intense Phase 1 training, transforming them from civilians into soldiers, showcasing their discipline and skills to proud families, and symbolizing the start of their specialized trade training and military careers.
Royal Alexandra and Albert School - Month of the Military Child
The Month of the Military Child takes place each April and the Armed Forces Covenant Lead was pleased to attend an event in April 2025 with the Royal Alexandra and Albert School (RAAS) celebrating with Service Children and Seamus the Irish Wolfhound - the Irish Guards Regimental Mascot at their annual barbecue. The school recognises what service children all give and bring to school life. The Chairman and the Covenant Lead are working with RAAS on a peer support project which includes Service children from the across the school.
Community Engagement with Schools
A Corporal from Army Training Centre (Pirbright) spearheaded a meaningful community engagement project, working with local Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools. His efforts included delivering adapted physical education sessions and supporting Remembrance activities.
By working with pupils with diverse communication, sensory, and physical needs, the Corporal not only strengthened his instructional skills but also made a lasting impact on the community. This project remains a deeply rewarding aspect of his career.
Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership
Surrey County Council is one of just seventeen local authorities that have come together to improve outcomes for armed forces families as valued Members of the Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership (MODLAP).
One particular focus is on service children with SEND to ensure that their time out of school may be reduced to an absolute minimum as they move schools with their statements swiftly following them.
Surrey County Council regularly attend MODLAP meetings and share best practice as well as reporting back others’ best practice from across the country.
Closure of Peter Pan Pre-Nursery
Until July 2025, the Covenant Lead Officer was Co-Chair of Governors of the Peter Pan Pre-Nursery. This nursery was based ‘behind the wire’ at ATC Pirbright and used to be very well supported with many success stories behind it.
Sadly, in recent years, numbers had started to fall and more recently to an unviable level. Following consultations with both the MoD, SCC Early Years and ATC Pirbright, it was recognised that the numbers on roll for the September 2025 intake were too low to enable the staff and pre-nursery to be fully funded bearing in mind that the nursery intake has to come from service parents from ‘behind the wire’ only.
It was therefore decided with great reluctance that Peter Pan Pre-Nursery would close for the very last time at the end of the summer term 2025 after a farewell party with all the parents and nursery children at which Lieutenant Colonel Michael Bysshe – Commanding Officer (CO) of ATC presented Commendation Certificates to both Major Carol Millar – Co-Chair Peter Pan Pre-Nursery Governors and Sandy Bracken – Nursery Pre-School Manager.
Health, Wellbeing and Welfare
Forces Connect App
The Forces Connect App, sponsored by Surrey County Council, is a free resource and is going from strength to strength with nearly 47,500 downloads across the UK. The app is available via Forces Connect on The Defence Gateway, MODNet, and computers in addition to mobile phones meaning that all regulars, reservists, unit welfare officers MoD civil servants, Defence Attaches in our High Commissions and Embassies, all our bases across the world plus cadet commandants have immediate access to it – meaning that it is now available to over 360,000 personnel globally.
Op Valour
This is a new programme which will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. This was announced in May 2025 and is being overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence. Op Valour will improve the coordination of services at a national, regional and local level to ensure that veterans receive the support they need. It is currently being piloted in Manchester before being rolled out.
The Covenant Lead Officer for Surrey has been appointed to an Op Valour consultative group made up of all UK Veterans Commissioners, the RBL and SSAFA and the Co-Chairs of the LGA Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network.
The Forcer Protocol – Safe and Found Online
During the past 12 months, Surrey’s Covenant Lead has been working closely with Claire Lilly founder of The Forcer Protocol. This is a tool used by the Police across the UK to ensure key information is available to them when they are searching for serving and ex-service veterans who are lost, at risk or have gone missing.
It is named after the late Alan Forcer who suffered with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and debilitating depression following service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo during the height of the conflicts, subsequently taking his own life. Service veterans, their informal and professional carers, family members and friends can complete a form which records vital information in relation to the veteran in case they go missing with their lives at risk. Surrey Police recently signed up to it and it was officially launched at this year’s Surrey Annual Armed Forces Covenant Conference by Claire Lilly, Surrey Police and the Deputy Police Commissioner for Surrey.
Thrive Together
The Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Team are working with Thrive Together (formerly Veterans Places, Pathways and People (VPPP)) and Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) to provide additional support to veterans, families, and carers across Surrey. The current focus is around sharing key organisations providing support to veterans and encouraging care homes in Surrey to sign up to the Veteran Friendly Framework.
Veteran Friendly Framework – Care Homes
Whilst health is currently undergoing huge changes nationally, the current focus on the JSNA recommendations around health are to encourage care homes to consider becoming ‘veteran friendly’. The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) is a collaborative project led by the Royal British Legion (RBL), Star and Garter and the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA). The initiative aims to improve social connection and deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England. We know of 340,355 care home residents in England and Wales, nearly 8% are Veterans. To date there are five care homes in Surrey that are currently signed up, and following a recent presentation by the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society with SCC Covenant Officers to the Surrey Care Home Forum it is hoped that this number will increase.
Veteran Hubs in Surrey Fire Stations
The Veterans’ Hub at Fordbridge celebrated its fourth birthday in July and remains very active. On a monthly basis they send out between 30 to 35 emails/text messages to members plus reminders on the Hubs Facebook page and on the Staines and Ashford page to promote the meetings which are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month between 11am and 1pm. The average attendance depends on veterans commitments or transport availability but is usually between 15 and 20. In July they held their AGM followed by a BBQ which was well attended. The usual programme for the hub is coffee, tea and food, and a good catch up and they try 3 or 4 times a year to get someone in to talk with advice from Community Police, Fire Service, or an organisation someone suggests. In June 2026 the meeting falls during Armed Forces week with that in mind they will be planning extra events yet to be planned.
The Guildford Veteran’s Hub at Guildford Fire Station remains very active and well supported by veterans from across Guildford and beyond. This Hub has fostered a growing number of local attendees including a number of War Widows and retired ex-servicemen and women living in the Guildford area. A number of support agencies regularly attend including Department of Work and Pensions, SSAFA, local councillors, Guildford Borough Council Armed Forces Champion and a nurse from Help for Heroes.
The Woking Fire Station Veterans’ Hub continues to meet with a very regular cohort of attendees from the across the borough. An extremely good partnership has been set up between the Hub and two local care homes who regularly send veterans with their dedicated carers to their monthly meetings. Woking sadly saw the passing of a few of their regular attendees, yet have found that their numbers have expanded due to a group of retired veterans, the oldest of them, turns 100 in May this year, who travel in from outside the area, creating an even more diverse group of people. Attraction of the younger generation of ex-service personnel and families is still something they are striving for. Again, local support and welfare agencies including SSAFA are in attendance.
On a monthly basis, permanent staff from ATC (Pirbright) continue to visit Guildford and Woking Veteran Hubs demonstrating a commitment to the veteran community and offering them a platform to raise any issues or concerns.
Veteran’s Support Association
The Veteran’s Support Association provides a safe place in the community for the military community, serving, reserve, veterans, cadets any age and their families, to relax with a brew and dunkers. It provides the opportunity to do an activity art, jigsaw, read, modelling, play an instrument, pool, archery, snooker, table tennis or sit and chat whilst watching the fish with like-minded people.
The hub meets on the first Monday of every month at the 3rd Molesey Scout Hut, St Peters Road West Molesey, as well as the Heart shopping centre Walton on Thames every Thursday and Friday. The Association also arranges two river Thames boat trips every year for veterans.
During the year a further support group was established as part of the charity - Veteran’s Stroke Association, a befriending support association for veterans who have suffered a stroke run by a veteran who has had a couple of strokes. This provides a space to share lived experiences in a safe environment together making them better tomorrow than today whilst eliminating loneliness. The Hubs really make a difference.
Shots Foundation Veteran’s Hub
The Hub is a key place for veterans and their families to come to in times of crisis and tough times, a staging post to other services, as well as offering drop-in clinics and advice services from the mainstream charities and local government services. The Veterans Hub, above all things, brings together veterans within the local community in order that none of them ever feel left behind or forgotten about. The Hub meets on the last Wednesday of the month in the EBB Lounge at the Aldershot Town Stadium from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
The Hub always has a guest speaker to entertain the veterans. In the past they have had local Aldershot historian Keith Bean, SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, The Army Benevolent Fund, Surrey’s Covenant Lead Officer and many more speakers with fascinating stories. Before and after our guest speaker takes the stage, they serve complimentary food and drinks to our attendees and have a friendly chat.
Veteran Volunteering at Norbury Park
Norbury Park is a 530-hectare historic parkland in the heart of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, a unique patchwork of varied habitats and a haven for wildlife. The veterans group meet on the first Friday of each month to carry out a range of woodland management tasks, improving the habitat at Norbury Park using traditional methods of woodland management (such as coppicing), as well as constructing certain woodland products including split post and rail fencing, firewood, tree planting stakes and more. The sessions are a great way to contribute to improving the biodiversity of ecosystems, learn woodland crafts and sustainable practises, and meet up with like-minded people. The group is made up mostly of veterans, but all are welcome and no previous experience is required.
Unit Welfare Officers
As in previous years, the Unit Welfare Officers Group continue to meet twice a year to consider welfare and health issues as well as addressing education and housing issues affecting the Armed Forces community and their children. Operating under Chatham House rules and chaired by the Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officer, it has been particularly pleasing to see so many cases resolved there and then by having the relevant local authority specialists from education, health and housing helping to resolve specific issues raised by the Unit Welfare Officers at their meeting. School places: Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) statements and getting a place on housing and GP waiting lists have been successfully raised and successfully resolved at these meetings. All Regiments and Reserve Units across Surrey including RMAS, Aldershot Garrison, Minley Barracks, 4PWRR, 135 Geo and 579 Field Squadron are regular attendees along with ATC Pirbright and 1 Battalion Irish Guards. A position of trust has been established which has contributed to excellent outcomes.
SSAFA Surrey’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)
SSAFA’s AGM took place at the Guildford Masonic Centre with the Lord-Lieutenant as guest speaker. It was announced that SSAFA’s welfare case work would be handled in the first place by the Regional Office Team, with the Chairman now concentrating on both Public Relations (PR) and fundraising. The Covenant Lead Officer led an Armed Forces Awareness Training Session for SSAFA Caseworkers on the Armed Forces Covenant and was then honoured to be awarded Honorary Life Membership of SSAFA.
Make a Difference Awards
In summer 2025, BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Sussex invited the Covenant Lead Officer to be a judge in their annual ‘Make a Difference Awards’ representing the Armed Forces. He was asked to be the final judge in the ‘Good Neighbour’ category.
The awards night was broadcast live from Lingfield Park Racecourse. Other final judges in different categories included the High Sheriff of Surrey; the MP for Esher and Dame Sally Gunnell.
Remembrance
Recognise and Remember Task Group
The Recognise and Remember Task Group met on three occasions during the past year to ensure that major Military events were properly commemorated.
All Surrey Armed Forces Champions and Covenant Lead Officers are members as well as representatives from Surrey Police, Surrey History Centre and our Veterans Hubs. It is chaired by Brigadier Paul Evans OBE DL.
Events at Guildford Cathedral
Guildford Cathedral hosted three major and high-profile Military events during the year starting with VE Day 80 on 11 May 2025, when over 600 people heard the Bishop of Guildford – The Rt Revd Andrew Watson preach on the ‘meaning of Victory in Europe and peace’.
Armed Forces Week began with the Annual Surrey Joint Services’ Charities Choral Mattins at Guildford Cathedral on 22 June 2025 which incorporated Victory in Europe (VE) Day 80 with 450 tri-service and police cadets attending and marching past the Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Chairman of SCC. This took place immediately after an inspiring address by the Revd Richard Smith KHC CF, Assistant Chaplain General for the Army and one of less than 30 Chaplains to the King preach on ‘the history behind each awarded Medal’. Over 700 guests watched the flag-raising and march-past in bright sunshine.
This was then followed by a very successful Victory over Japan (VJ) Day 80 County Service of Thanksgiving Evensong held in Guildford Cathedral on 17 August 2025 commemorating Victory over Japan – the Forgotten War – 80 years ago with over 400 people attending including the Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Vice Chairman of Surrey County Council and the Garrison Commander from Aldershot. The Dean of Guildford – the Very Revd Bob Cooper gave a cracking address of the “Forgotten War” and how news of Japan’s surrender came to Guildford from a local telephone operator in the Guildford Telephone Exchange running down the High Street shouting out “It’s over!!!”
Armed Forces Week and BBC Radio Surrey
BBC Radio Surrey approached the SCC Covenant Lead Officer to come on live to talk through the various events planned for Armed Forces week and then at the end of the week to review them.
Surrey councils held many well attended events including a major Armed Forces Day Flag-Raising Event in Guildford High Street with Col Crowley and the High Sheriff along with Cadets from Guildford Royal Grammar School. Spelthorne Borough Council was also very busy as was Epsom High Street and Farnham Town Council really went to town with 4PWRR. There was also a major event at the RAF War Memorial in Runnymede.
Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal Launch
On 23 October 2025, Army Training Centre (Pirbright) hosted Surrey’s official RBL Poppy Appeal launch, attended by the Lord Lieutenant. The event marked the start of the national fundraising campaign to support the Armed Forces community and encouraged public participation in remembrance.
Brookwood Remembrance
On 9 November 2025, over 1,000 Army Training Centre (Pirbright) permanent staff and recruits marched to Brookwood Memorial Cemetery to participate in a remembrance service. The event commemorated the service and sacrifice of those who defended freedom during the World Wars and in subsequent conflicts. This act of remembrance underscores ATC (Pirbright)’s dedication to honouring the Armed Forces community, past and present.
House of Commons Field of Remembrance
Cllr Tim Hall and the SCC Covenant Lead Officer were guests of Rebecca Paul MP to attend the House of Commons Field of Remembrance Poppy Cross Laying Ceremony in November, where they witnessed a moving ceremony with Rebecca Paul planting a Poppy Cross in memory of the Fallen from Reigate.
Surrey Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) 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, R2025
- 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 Surrey – 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, R2025
- Jankel Armouring Ltd – Silver, R2021
- JOLTS Consulting Limited - Gold , 2024
- JTI UK – Gold, 2021
- KBR Ltd – Gold, 2019
- Made to Measure Mentoring Ltd – Silver, R2025
- McCarthy Bainbridge Ltd - Silver, 2023
- Mole Valley District Council - Silver, 2023
- NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board - Silver, 2024
- NSSL Global Ltd 2023
- Nuffield Health 2025
- Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey - Silver, 2023
- One Financial Solutions 2025
- O’Neil Ross Ltd 2025
- Peter Bruinvels Associates ('PBA') - Silver, 2023
- Philips Electronics UK Ltd - Silver, 2024
- Reigate and Banstead Borough Council 2025
- Royal Surrey 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
- Surrey County Council – Gold, R2021
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Gold, 2024
- Surrey Police - Silver, 2023
- The Nurture Group - Silver, 2024
- The People Park Ltd - Silver, 2024
- Unum – Gold, 2024
- Veterans and Families - Listening Project – Silver, 2021
- Wates Construction Ltd – Silver, R2025
- Woking Borough Council – Silver, 2025
Armed Forces Locations Within Surrey
- 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 and Search (EOD&S) - Redhill
Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board Members
- Tim Hall (Chair) Surrey County Council
- Mr Michael More-Molyneux HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
- Brigadier Paul Evans Chairman of Recognise and Remember Task Group
- Lt Colonel Tim Petransky Deputy Commander, Joint Military Command HQSE
- Colonel Patrick Crowley South East Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association
- Lt Col Michael Bysshe Commanding Officer, Army Training Centre (Pirbright)
- Maj Bryn Reeves 1st Battalion Irish Guards
- Samantha Dyer Army Training Centre (Pirbright)
- Ellie Vesey-Thompson Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey
- Det Supt Matt Barcraft-Barnes Surrey Police
- Sqn Ldr Bryan Jones SSAFA Surrey
- Anthony Shipley Surrey Heartlands
- Cllr Shannon Saise-Marshall Surrey Leaders Representative
- Daniel Mouawad Surrey Chief Executives' Representative
- Louise Punter Surrey Chambers of Commerce
- Canon Peter Bruinvels CC Surrey County Council Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser
Supported by officers from Surrey County Council
For further information please contact: armedforces@surreycc.gov.uk