SURREY CIVILIAN MILITARY PARTNERSHIP BOARD

ARMED FORCES COVENANT ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20

1 FOREWORD

Peter Martin Chairman of Civilian Military Partnership Board

As Chairman of the Surrey Civilian Military Forces Connect South East (FCSE), which Partnership Board (SCMPB), I have the is led by Surrey and aims to make it easier pleasure of presenting to you our annual report for members of the armed forces community which covers activity from a wide range of to access consistent advice and sources of partners across Surrey over the period of 1 support has continued to provide training not April 2019 to 31 March 2020. just across the south east but nationally as well. To date over 7,500 staff and councillors I am very pleased to report that it has been have received training thereby helping to yet another really successful year as we reduce disadvantage that the armed forces continue to support Surrey’s armed forces community may face. There is also very good community, made possible through us working news around our ‘Forces Connect’ mobile app, in partnership with 11 Infantry Brigade and which complements the training. To date, there HQ SE, our HM Lord-Lieutenant, the Borough have been over 8,500 downloads with nearly 20 and District Councils, the Police and Crime counties featured on it. Commissioner, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Service Charities, Diocese, businesses and When you have read this report, I hope you will with all our partners from Health, Education and feel, as I do, justly proud of all that we have Employment. achieved working together as we empower each other to actively deliver the Armed Forces Every year, we continue to find new initiatives, Covenant for all members of the armed forces and this year is no exception. We have been community in Surrey, and beyond, to ensure focussing on increasing the attainment of they are not disadvantaged as a result of their service children in Surrey Schools; developing service to our Nation. and sustaining veteran hubs and drop-ins through a £148k Armed Forces Covenant Fund grant and supporting the armed forces in a pilot to register as service voters with the local authority of their choice. The initiative has attracted the interest of both the Electoral Commission and the Cabinet Office.

2 3 INTRODUCTION ENGAGEMENT

National Covenant in the Community WWII Unexploded Bomb in Conference Kingston upon Thames In April, local authorities from around the UK On the 23 May 2019 a 120kg WWII unexploded gathered in Newcastle for the annual National bomb was discovered during excavation Covenant in the Community Conference to works being carried out in Kingston upon hear about best practice across the UK. Surrey Thames very close to Surrey County Council’s This report sets out a summary of the key County Council, on behalf of Forces Connect County Hall. The emergency services and achievements of the Surrey Civilian Military South East (FCSE), was given the opportunity local authorities worked in partnership with the Partnership Board, and its partners, in to present to the conference on the training Army’s 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) implementing the Armed Forces Covenant. The programme developed under Forces Connect and Search Regiment to deal with the situation. Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the South East, and gathered interest from local Nation ensuring that those who serve or who authorities who were interested in receiving the A 400m cordon was set up to ensure the safety have served in the Armed Forces, and their training as part of the FCSE legacy work. The of residents and local businesses. County families, are treated fairly. Since 2012, all Surrey conference also gave the opportunity to share Hall was within this cordon and members of local authorities have signed the Armed Forces Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board’s staff were evacuated. A decision was made Covenant and appointed an elected councillor 2018/19 annual report, which is considered to detonate the bomb onsite as it would have Armed Forces Champion and Covenant Lead best practice by the Ministry of Defence. posed further risks if the bomb was moved. Officer to work hard to ensure the armed Throughout the night the EOD filled sandbags forces community does not face disadvantage compared to any other citizen when accessing public services.

44 5 ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

and built a structure out of these around the South East Armed Forces Champions Military Support with Brexit , Woking and Spelthorne the councils bomb to mitigate the impacts of the explosion. Conference During the planning for a ‘No Deal’ Brexit have established local civil-military panels to The bomb was successfully exploded at 11 Infantry Brigade and HQ SE invited all scenario, the emergency services and local take their work forward with their local Army 1.00pm the following day with only minor Armed Forces Champions (AFCs), including a authorities were assigned extra resources Task Force Commander often attending. damage to windows on surrounding buildings number of newly-appointed AFCs, across the on behalf of the Armed Forces in the The work locally is shared through reports Brigade area to come together on 15 May to form of Military Liaison Officers. These to councillors in a number of ways including Army Engagement Group Came to hear about the key priorities for Defence, share officers supported the planning efforts of formal reports through the local and joint Denbies best practice and network with colleagues. the partnership by providing briefing and committees. intelligence sessions across the County. The National Army Engagement Group (AEG) This was a really useful event and gave the Through them the partnership was also able Surrey Civilian Military Partnership came to present to a range of influential opportunity to talk about the role of Armed to utilise specialist Army assets to aid the ‘gate keepers’ at an event held at Denbies in Forces Champions, which was led and acting as an Exemplar to other planning efforts – e.g. high grade military Dorking. The AEG tours the country engaging developed in Surrey and shared nationally as Councils best practice. briefing maps. with a wide variety of people to give them a During the year, Surrey County Council greater understanding of the Army, covering has been called upon to assist, advise and SERFCA Briefing for Surrey and Supporting the Armed Forces with who they are, what they do and how they mentor other councils who are planning contribute to society. A wide range of over 200 Berkshire Electoral Registration to, or have recently set up Civilian Military people attended the event in Dorking, ranging The South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ During briefings for the Armed Forces, it Partnership Boards. They include Bracknell from local businesses, head teachers, youth Association (SERFCA) held its annual briefing became apparent that the armed forces Forest, Brentwood, Buckinghamshire, East and church leaders and public authorities. for local dignitaries and businesses in the community do not generally feel connected Sussex, Oxfordshire and the West Midlands Following the presentation, there was the Indian Army Memorial Room at Royal Military enough to the local community to participate Metropolitan Authority. opportunity to network informally and ask Academy Sandhurst. This briefing had a in elections – local research showed only 46% questions about the Army or Army policy, as specific focus on diversity within the forces, declared they were on the Electoral Roll with In addition, councils from North Yorkshire and well as discussing taking the relationship with as well as providing an overview of the current even less saying they would exercise their the South West have also sought Surrey’s Defence further. Units in each county as well as an update on right to vote. Following discussions between advice on the composition and membership of the work of the Cadets. Guildford Borough Council and the Army such boards, as well as seeking guidance on Training Centre () it was agreed to the most appropriate terms of reference and support a six month pilot to assist recruits who suggested action plans. Without exception, all have successfully completed their 14 weeks of the councils have adopted Surrey’s Elected training to register as a service voter with the Councillor Armed Forces Champion’s Job local authority of their choice. Service voter Description viewing it as an exemplar. registration lasts for five years. The Electoral Commission and the Cabinet Office are 1st Battalion Irish Guards Engaging interested in the outcome of this pilot. with the Local Community Partnership Working between the The Irish Guards are committed to community engagement locally, even whilst preparing for District and Borough Councils and deployment. the Armed Forces Surrey County Council has a close working One of their first events was held at Epsom relationship with all Surrey district and borough Primary School where they were able to attend councils, as well as with the Army locally. All with a small number of soldiers as part of a local authorities have an elected councillor larger ‘blue light’’ event, working alongside Armed Forces Champion as well as an officer the fire brigade the police and the ambulance Covenant Lead, and they all get together at service. They were able to give the children the least twice a year with their local Army links to opportunity to see what life in the Irish Guards receive training, discussing joint working and is like and show them the equipment that they sharing best practice. In some areas, including use on a day to day basis. Giving the children

6 7 ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED the opportunity to wear the famous bearskin to meet Domhnall. Domhnall (which means Surrey Armed Forces Annual Sheffield on the day it has hit by an Exocet cap was a particularly exciting experience for World Leader in Gaelic) rose to the occasion Covenant Conference 2020 missile. The conference was a huge success many of the children. Unfortunately, there was and enjoyed being a big celebrity for the day. Surrey’s annual Armed Forces Covenant and further helped develop relationships locally. one complaint on the day from the fire brigade Conference took place at the Army Training who wanted to know why the children were The latest part of their engagement work Centre (Pirbright) on 4 March 2020. The event queuing up to meet the Irish Guards rather than within Surrey has been visiting local Cadet brought together over 150 people who support queuing to look around a fire engine! The truth Detachments with the local Armed Forces the armed forces in Surrey to share, celebrate was that they deployed their secret weapon; Champion where the cadets undergo their and build on the partnership between Surrey’s the Regimental Mascot, an Irish Wolfhound annual inspection. The team has been armed forces and civilian communities. called Domhnall, a gentle giant who towered hugely impressed by the professionalism and Presentations included an update from the above most of the children. level of dedication that these young people Ministry of Defence on the national and regional have shown and they commend the adult picture, a focus on the benefits of working with Following this very successful trip to Epsom instructors who give up so much of their time Defence, supporting veterans and reservists, Primary school, they were asked if they would to ensure that each Cadet receives a rewarding ex-service personnel and cadets. There was take Domhnall to the Appleby House Care experience. also a presentation by the Barclay’s Military and Home where the residents were also delighted Veterans Outreach Team, as well as hearing first-hand from a Falklands veteran on how The Royal British Legion supported him and his family to deal with the impact of being on HMS

8 9 ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

Forces Connect South East Training The two year project has now successfully • A school admissions video was produced courses and sharing the resources to over 185 and Delivery concluded, and has achieved the following to set out the process forces families are local authorities as shown on the map below. In 2017, Surrey County Council, on behalf of successes: required to undertake when applying for a All the resources developed under the project the FCSE partnership was successful in • Three face to face training packages school place. are available free of charge via applying for a £281,300 Armed Forces aimed at elected councillor Armed Forces www.surreycc.gov.uk/forcesconnectse Covenant Fund grant to enable fair and Champions and Covenant Lead Officers, Following delivery in the south east, FCSE used consistent advice and access to public managers and frontline staff were developed the additional £40,000 funding to share best services for the armed forces community to and delivered to over 7,500 people. These practice nationally by delivering the training ensure they face no disadvantage compared training courses have helped to raise to any other citizen. The partnership was awareness of the issues facing the armed awarded an additional £40,000 to share best forces community, as well as explaining how Highlands and Moray to provide help or signpost to additional practice across the UK. Forces Connect South Cumbria East (FCSE) is a partnership led by Surrey sources of support. The importance of North Yorkshire – York and all County Council with the County Councils asking the question ‘Have you or a family N Yorks of Hampshire, Kent, East Sussex and West member served?’ is embedded throughout Lancashire Sussex and the Councils of Brighton & Hove all courses. and Medway, as well as the NHS Armed • Face to face training was supported West Midlands Forces Networks, 11 Infantry Brigade and HQ through e-learning. As well as promoting East Midlands – an existing e-learning package for frontline Nottinghamshire, SE, SERFCA (South East Reserve Forces’ & Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Cadets’ Association), ssafa the Armed Forces staff developed by the Coventry, Solihull Lincolnshire, Rutland and Warwickshire Covenant Partnership, charity and The Royal British Legion. East Anglia – Cambridgeshire, FCSE developed an Employee Mentoring Bedfordshire Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Milton Keynes and Luton accredited course to support HR, recruiting professionals and line managers to achieve Dorset a greater understanding of the armed forces South West and provides advice on setting up mentoring Essex and buddy systems using existing veteran Buckinghamshire and reservist employees as mentors. Oxfordshire • A ‘Forces Connect’ mobile app was South East developed based on county specific topic based signposting information sheets. Solent Within the first year there were over 8,200 downloads.

FCSE partnership

10 11 ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

In July 2019, FCSE were invited to share a This has enabled us and empowered others to maintains a Military Events Diary and allocates ATC(P) has also hosted the Guildford Borough stand with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) actively deliver against the principal aim of the Service Deputy-Lieutenants to support Council Armed Forces Covenant Panel at a Covenant Team at the Local Government Covenant to ensure that members of the armed particular events. It was disappointing that Pass Off Parade which is the culmination of Association Annual Conference in forces community are not disadvantaged the Archbishop of Canterbury’s planned visit the recruits 14 weeks basic training and was Bournemouth, which was very well supported because of their service to the Nation. to SMAC in March 2020 had to be postponed an opportunity for the Panel to meet with and by delegates from across the UK. Additionally, Forces Connect South East has now been because of COVID-19. to congratulate recruits and their families on FCSE held a joint ‘Fringe Event’ with the MoD shortlisted as one of the final three for the a very special day. At another recent Pass Off as well as being part of the afternoon workshop Soldiering On Awards ‘Working in the Local Army Training Centre (Pirbright) links Parade families were treated to some songs session on the Armed Forces Covenant. Community’ category sponsored by Forces in with the Local Community sung by Chelsea Pensioner and Britain’s Got Mind Trust with the winner being announced Army Training Centre (Pirbright) (ATC(P)) are Talent winner Colin Thackery! later in 2020. very proud of the Values and Standards that are instilled in the recruits during their training. This A recently completed new running track at @SurreyMilitary was echoed in a visit in February by the Anti- ATC(P) was formally opened in September The @SurreyMilitary Facebook and Twitter Muslim Hatred Working Group who had an eye- 2019 by Major-General Paul Nanson CB CBE accounts have continued to be great ways to opening tour of the camp and subsequently and was attended by representatives from keep in touch with and strengthen relationships formed a better understanding of the Armed Surrey County Council and both Woking and across the armed forces community. During Forces and the increasing diversity within it. Guildford Borough Councils as well as actor this years’ conference we were delighted that The Working Group also had an opportunity Anthony Cotton, an ambassador for SSAFA. tweets using #SAFCC20 reached more than for a question and answer session with Luke Sinnott Army Veteran and Paralympian 93,000 accounts. Major-General Duncan Capps CBE - Muslim trialled the new track and then gave an Champion for the Armed Forces and then GOC inspirational brief to the recruits in Normandy Armed Forces Week 2019 saw a focused Regional Command and they hope to return in Company, a rehabilitation company, and spoke campaign being run within Surrey County the future to attend a Pass Off Parade. to them about reaching your goals through Council to further raise awareness with resilience, determination and drive. colleagues of the Armed Forces Covenant itself and also to highlight the commitment to and breadth of work being undertaken to support the broad armed forces community across the county. The project was an overwhelming success. Shared Intelligence (the external evaluators) Surrey Military Appeals Committee concluded: ‘The training has increased the level Surrey Military Appeals Committee (SMAC) of understanding of Armed Forces Champions met three times during the year under its (AFCs) and frontline staff of the needs of the chairman, Mr Michael More-Molyneux – HM armed forces community and the services Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey with representatives that are required if they are to reduce the risk from 11 Infantry Brigade, the media, politics, of disadvantage in accessing public services. business, entertainment and voluntary Our evidence suggests that this increase in organisations including service charities. Its understanding from the training leads to Armed principal aims are to encourage and support Forces Champions feeling more empowered the military and service charities operating and with greater confidence to support in Surrey. During the past 12 months, it has members of the armed forces community’. received top level reports and briefings from 11 Infantry Brigade and HQ SE as well as from the The FCSE programme has built a legacy of Chairman of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership sustainable training packages, a range of Board and from both ABF The Soldiers’ Charity useful resources and a mobile app as well as Surrey and from Surrey Royal British Legion. It a culture of cross-border partnership working.

12 13 EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Army Moves and School Place with the local community and so chose to for the afternoon. Year 3 also donated the Borough Council and seeks to address play Planning support SSAFA as the school’s charity. Being proceeds from their play, all about the First needs of service children with their social, During the year there were a number of Army based within Surrey Heath borough and in World War. Both events raised just over £1,000 physical and emotional needs being supported. moves, which included the 1st Battalion The close proximity to military communities such in total. It will be delivered over a 3-year period and has Welsh Guards and their families moving from as Pirbright, Deepcut, Keogh and Aldershot, a four tiered approach including weekly outdoor Pirbright to Windsor. This involved a number they wanted to show their appreciation and Year 4 held a sponsored times tables event. Playrangers sessions at Beech Grove play of children moving school during the summer support for the military families based within The children worked really hard to learn area Pirbright, a holiday playscheme, youth holidays. Surrey County Council’s school their community. They launched the school their times tables and the event was a great workshops and family fun days. The activities admissions team worked closely with the Unit charity during a whole school assembly where success. In total the children raised £915. will be free of charge as financial constraints Welfare Officer and The Royal Borough of the children learned about the role of SSAFA. are often a barrier for service families. Windsor and Maidenhead to ensure a smooth The children were able to see the correlation The children in Years 5 and 6 demonstrated transition. During the forthcoming months, between the money they raise and the level of real entrepreneurial skills in their charity events. Increasing Attainment of Service Surrey’s admissions team will be working support SSAFA would be able to provide to the Year 5 planned, made and sold healthy snacks Children in Surrey Schools with 11 Infantry Brigade to manage a move of people in need that they were helping. and raised £139. The children in Year 6 made Surrey places huge importance in ensuring that new families from northern England to Surrey, home baked goods linked to their topic of all service children educated in Surrey schools ensuring that the children of these families can In collaboration with the children, each year South America and raised £139. are not disadvantaged compared to civilian access school places in Surrey. group chose a charity event to run and organise children. During 2019, there were 1,276 service throughout the year. Year 3 chose to hold a Pirbright Village Primary School children within 179 schools in the county, with Frimley School Fundraising for camouflage run just before Christmas. Some Nurture Farm three of those schools having over 100 service SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity Soldiers from the 25th Training Regiment in Pirbright Village Primary School is located pupils. Work is ongoing between the County Deepcut helped the children get ready for the With it being the centenary of the First World close to Army Training Centre (Pirbright) and Council, the Schools Alliance for Excellence run by painting camouflage cream on their War last year, Frimley Church of England approximately 25% of the pupils from the and local schools to try to ensure that service faces. The children absolutely loved getting Junior School wanted to get more involved school are from service families. The school children do not perform less well than their to know the soldiers and being ‘mini’ soldiers successfully applied to the Armed Forces civilian peers. Covenant Fund Trust for a £19,960 grant to create a farmyard area on the school site to 11 Brigade working with Surrey house pygmy goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hens Schools and ducks. The school was keen to further Throughout the year, 11 Infantry Brigade integrate the civilian and military families has worked closely with a number of Surrey and wanted to build on the existing animal schools through their schools’ engagement therapy in the school. The project will create programme, which has included: a sustainable facility for the benefit of a wide • School Challenge Day Pilot (26 April 2019): variety of members of the local community, and Four schools who had previously completed the farm will provide animal-supported therapy the 2018/19 School Modular Programme and structured outdoor learning experiences took part in this exciting day which designed to improve emotional well-being, involved 10 students from each school. educational engagement, integration and Surrey schools involved included Farnham increased aspirations for the children and their Heath End School, Farnham and Kings families. The animal house and pens will be International College, Camberley. completed by the summer. • School Modular Programme (Nov – Dec 2019): This programme ran across eight Positive Outcomes through Play schools in the South East, including The Armed Forces Covenant Fund have kindly Farnham Heath End School, Kings awarded Army Training Regiment (Pirbright) a International College in Camberley and grant of £74,140 for a project entitled “Creating Woolmer Hill School in Haslemere, and positive outcomes through play”. The project consisted of six modules delivered for will be delivered in partnership with Guildford 14 15 EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

IMAGINE Project at the Army Training 1/2 day per week during the term. Group staff on this four day visit to the Battlefields training on their inter-personal and team sizes varied from 15-30. Each school also of France and Belgium. They joined schools Centre player / leadership skills and self-confidence participated in a ‘Meet the Army Day’ which, form Kent and Buckinghamshire. Surrey County Council has secured £300,000 particularly on their return with fellow staff in the case of the Surrey Schools was held of European funding to work with eight partners members. in Aldershot. Relationship between Army Training across Europe to deliver a transnational social • School Challenge Day (11 March 2020): Centre and Cadets innovation project called IMAGINE, focussed Sandhurst Leadership Luncheon on enabling unemployed young adults to work On account of being a Ministry of Defence Teams from each of the schools who took During the year ATC(P) has further developed in horticulture. One of the four sites identified Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award part in the modular programme, together their links with local Cadet Units and have in Surrey to take this project forward is the holder, Surrey County Council is allocated a with other schools from the rest of the South been involved in carrying out their Annual Army Training Centre (Pirbright). The partners place at the Annual Sandhurst Leadership East took part in this event at Longmoor Inspections, hosting their Annual Summer will work with young people, local residents, Luncheon. The Assistant Chief Fire Officer Camp, Hampshire. Camps and the Surrey Royal British Legion local Army families, veterans and RHS attended this year’s prestigious lunch at RMA • Commonwealth Soldier Battlefield study Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Poppy Appeal to transform the area around the Jubilee Sandhurst. He found it a great experience (16-19 March 2020): Kings International Competition Award ceremony in March 2020. College sent a group of 18 students and 2 Community Centre into a productive area whilst as it provided a unique perspective into how increasing horticulture skills, employability the British Army develops its future leaders and integration between the local civilian and and officer cadre. In the brief given by CGI IT military communities. The project started in UK Ltd, guests were told how CGI was keen Pirbright in January 2020 and will run for two to develop their executive leadership team years. personnel internally rather than to seek out external candidates and they explained the Sandhurst Leadership Challenge process they went through. Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council regularly send employees to this Sandhurst has a long and proud tradition of most valuable training at RMA Sandhurst. developing recruits into formidable leaders Participants report huge benefits from such and officers within the British Army. It was

16 17 EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED HEALTH, WELLBEING AND WELFARE

interesting to hear how the British Army would The Armed Forces Covenant Gold Veteran Healthcare Training Across Centre and Citizens Advice. These meetings recommend that their staff operate at 80% Alumni Association (GAA) Surrey take place at the same location on a regular of capacity during routine activities to ensure As a gold MoD Employer Recognition Scheme The Surrey Health Champions Group, basis at the same time normally each month operational resilience for when they were (ERS) holder, Canon Peter Bruinvels on behalf comprising representatives from all aspects and in an informal, welcoming, safe and secure needed at 100%. This type of metric holds of Surrey County Council is a member of the of health across Surrey from GPs to mental environment. true within the fire service who also need to GAA Steering Group and co-chairs both the health, to hospital trusts to Surrey County have their personnel in a ready state, but also South East and London Groups giving advice Council and the voluntary sector has organised Following a successful application for £148,000 be resilient enough to ensure our 100% surge as well as mentoring and supporting those veteran healthcare training across the to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, Surrey capacity during emergency incidents. local authorities wishing to progress from Silver county. The sessions are for all healthcare County Council has been working with to Gold within the ERS. professionals, including commissioners and Hampshire, Kent, East Sussex and West Surrey Reservist Deployed practitioners, and provides one of the five Sussex County Councils and Brighton & Hove Surrey County Council has a supportive Armed The GAA plays a lead role at the annual criteria for both the NHS England GP Veteran and Medway Councils on developing and Forces Employment Policy and employs over Partnership in Defence Conference providing Awareness Accreditation Scheme and the NHS sustaining veteran hubs and drop-ins across 25 reservists, the majority of them serve within panellists to talk on the ‘Benefits of Partnering Improvement The Veteran Hospital Awareness the region. Based on research and a needs Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. Surrey fully with Defence’. Scheme, as well as being Continuing and gap analysis, a best practice guide - ‘Grow appreciates the wide range of transferable Professional Development (CPD) Service Your Hub’ has been produced (available on line skills our reservists bring to their day jobs. A During the past year, Surrey County Council certified. The sessions are kindly hosted by and in hard copy) and both new and existing Watch Commander from Dorking Fire Station has been a critical friend to both West Sussex Col Julian Woodhouse, Consultant Adviser hubs have been supported. was mobilised in October 2019 and undertook County Council and more recently, East Sussex in General Practice at Army HQ in Andover. pre-deployment training at the Mission County Council as they both develop their Feedback from the events has been wholly These include: Training and Mobilisation Centre in Chillwell Civilian Military Partnership Boards. positive. • Epsom and Ewell Veterans Community near Nottingham. The training included a Hub wide range of skills including weapon training, Employer Engagement A new drop-in hub launched on 1 May 2019 battlefield trauma life support, fitness, survival Surrey County Council and Woking Borough brings together veterans from Epsom and and resistance and escape if captured. He was Council are active members of the South East Ewell giving them access to advice and then posted to Erbil in northern Iraq during Regional Employer Engagement Group (SE support. The hub at the Comrades Club, February 2020. REEG) hosted by South East Reserve Forces’ Epsom is a partnership between the Royal and Cadets’ Association ( SERFCA). Surrey British Legion, Epsom and Ewell Borough County Council regularly presents at these Council and Surrey County Council. The meetings – topics have included Surrey’s drop-in is held on the first Wednesday of Civilian-Military Partnership Board and Forces every month from 10.30am to 12.30pm. • Guildford Veterans Drop-in Connect South East, followed more recently by a joint presentation with Hampshire County Surrey Fire and Rescue Service launched Council on ‘Advocacy for the Employer a new drop-in during Armed Forces Week. Recognition Scheme from a public sector Veterans and their families are invited into perspective’. Veterans Hubs and Drop-ins Guildford Fire Station for a brew and bacon Veterans hubs or drop-ins provide a warm butty from 10.30am-12.30pm on the last Surrey County Council and its Civilian Military and welcoming place where any member of Thursday of each month. This successful Partnership Board is represented on Surrey the armed forces community (serving and model will be rolled out to other fire stations SERFCA County Committee. All of Surrey’s ex-service) and their family may go to for across Surrey and beyond Surrey where Armed Forces Champions are routinely invited help, advice and comradeship. They offer there is a need. • Surrey Armed Forces Drop-in to both SERFCA’s Annual Presentation and to refreshments as well as general welfare support its Surrey AGM in December. such as health and wellbeing, financial and Vulnerable Veterans run a drop-in from employment advice, often provided through 11am-1pm on the third Thursday of the a service charity, as well as signposting to month from the Woking Railway Athletic other agencies such as the local council, Job Club. Work is ongoing to make this a more

18 19 HEALTH, WELLBEING AND WELFARE CONTINUED

vibrant drop-in, with a planned move to Transition Intervention and Liaison and redirect the actor in order to discover Woking Fire Station in autumn 2020. Service different outcomes. This was a very powerful • Veterans and Families – Listening Project On the back of the positive work at Guildford performance that was attended by the Mayor This successful, long running drop-in has Fire Station as a veterans hub, links have been of Guildford as well as a range of organisations provided support to a large number of made with the NHS England commissioned and individuals. Before the performance, veterans across the region since 2013. It ‘Transition Intervention and Liaison Service there was a mental health market place which runs out of St Mary’s Church and Centre, (TILS)’ for serving and ex-armed forces provided the opportunity to meet the charities Camberley on the second Tuesday of each personnel who may have mental health and statutory and voluntary groups in Surrey month between 10am and 1pm and provides issues. In February 2020, TILS began running who are able to offer support and advice. a single point of access for veterans and assessments and treatment out of rooms at families to be signposted to help and Guildford Fire Station. Unit Welfare Officers Meeting support. Unit Welfare Officers from both Regular • Veterans Support Association Flashpoint and Reserve Units across Surrey regularly The Veterans Support Association aims come together to discuss issues of mutual to promote veterans wellbeing in the Invitation concern. Items discussed included education community, and runs from 10am – 4pm on Tuesday 15 October 11am – 3pm attainment, housing, welfare, finance, spousal the second Tuesday of the month out of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford employment and health. Units were also offered 3rd Molesey Scout Hut, West Molesey. As Shining a spotlight on Armed the option of a training session for their soldiers well as support services, a weekly archery Forces Veterans and their families’ emotional and on their bases on ‘What the Armed Forces drop-in is offered to veterans and their mental wellbeing – a special performance of the short play Covenant means to you’, and are updated families next door to Chelsea Football Club. on opportunities to apply for a grant from the • Westway Centre, Caterham Armed Forces Covenant Trust. In February 2020, an event for local veterans and their families was hosted by Tandridge Surrey Heartlands achieves the District Council at the Westway Centre. Bronze Employer Recognition The idea of the evening was to gauge the Scheme Award level of interest in establishing a new hub at the Centre. There was an overwhelmingly ‘Flashpoint’Flashpoint performance: Surrey Heartlands is a health and care 1pm, Mill Studio at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford partnership which covers the majority of positive response to the suggestion, so work Book your free seats: Contact Jo Packman: [email protected] is ongoing behind the scenes to get this new Box Office: 01483 440000 Surrey and includes areas looked after by East hub up and running by summer 2020. Surrey, Surrey Downs, North West Surrey and Plus Mental Health Market Place – all you wanted to know about Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning mental health but were afraid to ask! A further local provision for veterans are Armed Groups. In December 2019 they were One in four of us experiences or may experience a mental Forces Veterans Breakfast Clubs. These are health problem in our lives - successfully awarded the Ministry of Defence’s Before you reach your Flashpoint’ come and meet the Charities, Bronze Employer Recognition Award. breakfast clubs for veterans who like to meet Statutory and Voluntary Groups in Surrey who can help. up socially on a regular basis. There are no joining fees – veterans just turn up and pay for their own breakfast. Further information about breakfast clubs can be found on the following website https://www.afvbc.net/about-afvbc/. Guildford Borough Council organised a performance of ‘Flashpoint’ at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford on 15 October 2019. The performance shone a spotlight on armed forces veterans and their families’ emotional and mental wellbeing. It used forum theatre, which is an interactive performance where the audience was invited to stop, rewind

20 21 RECOGNITION AND REMEMBRANCE

Jubilee Square Woking Welcomes Tree Planting in Memory of those who has established an Armed Forces Partnership Chattri Annual Memorial Service WW1 Freedom Parade by Army Training lost their life in the First World Warn with Task Groups focused on the themes of Hindu and Sikh Soldiers Centre (Pirbright) Over the last 14 months, Spelthorne Borough Recognise and Remember; Support for the As part of wider community engagement, An Honorary Freedom of the Borough Parade Council has fulfilled its commitment to plant Armed Forces Community; and Working with Woking Borough Council attended the Chattri for the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) was a tree in memory of every local soldier killed the local Business Sector to embed the Armed Memorial Service dedicated to the Indian held on Sunday 28 April 2019 in Jubilee Square during the First World War. The first 100 trees Forces Covenant. soldiers who fought on the Western Front Woking. planted helped form Centenary Wood by during the First Word War. This was held on Laleham Park, which residents can visit for a the South Downs near Patcham, Brighton and Troops marched into Jubilee Square, before period of quiet reflection. In total, 851 trees the Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officer from an open-air ceremony took place in front of have all been planted across the Borough. On Woking Borough Council was honoured to lay a dignitaries, including the Mayor of Woking, 11 November 2019, a tree planting ceremony wreath at the memorial. HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, High Sheriff took place in readiness for the Borough to of Surrey and senior army officers. Members commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE of the public gathered to watch the parade Day on 8 May 2020. In support of the armed and were treated to a stirring display of drill forces community, over 50 front line staff have supported by the excellent Band of The Royal recently undertaken the Forces Connect Armed Artillery. Forces Covenant Training and the Council

Armed Forces Muslim Association (AFMA) Eid Engagement Event As part of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic First Muslim Commemoration Service (BAME) community engagement, Woking at Brookwood Last Post Borough Council attended the Armed Forces A large gathering of Muslims and others paid Muslim Association Eid Engagement Event homage to WW1 Muslim soldiers by visiting on 14 June 2019. Guests Included Earl Howe, the Muslim Plot at the Military Cemetery and Maj-Gen Duncan Capps and Imam Asim Hafiz then congregated at the Air Force Memorial at (Islamic Advisor to Chief of Defence Staff and 3.00pm on 7 July 2019. Single Services Chiefs) at HMS President. The event focused on raising awareness of the The prayer was led by Imam Hafiz Hashmi -the role of Armed Forces to all sections of the UK Head Imam of the historic Shahjahan Mosque. society. Major Mohammed Naveed – Armed Forces Muslim Association gave a brief talk on the Muslim involvement in the British Armed Forces

22 23 RECOGNITION AND REMEMBRANCE CONTINUED

past and present. As per every Last Post After the special D-Day 75 Service, there was Surrey Royal British Legion Poppy Remembrance Sunday Service tradition, Dr Zafar Iqbal, the Armed a march-past by the tri-service cadets and Launch Remembrance Sunday events took place Forces Covenant lead from Woking Borough for the second year running, Surrey Police The official Surrey Royal British Legion Poppy across the whole of Surrey, including the very Council read a personal remembrance for Cadets. In all, nearly 225 cadets took part. This Launch 2019 took place at The Lightbox, well supported one at . Sepoy Sikander Khan buried in the Muslim plot. was followed by a formal Inspection and the Woking on Friday 25 October 2019. Each year more and more people attend The service was concluded with singing of Armed Forces Week flag-raising by HM Lord- these services with record numbers attending the National Anthem and afterwards everyone Lieutenant. The High Sheriff and all Surrey’s Attended by HM Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff, reported in Dorking, Epsom, Reigate and joined for refreshments provided by Trench Mayors and Chairmen were present with Brigade Commander for 11 Infantry Brigade Guildford. The Remembrance Sunday Service Experience. senior serving Military Officers, Reservists and and all the Mayors from across Surrey, it was a at Guildford Cathedral had the Rt. Revd Jo Veterans along with representatives from Fire, very successful and well-supported event. Bailey Wells – Bishop of Dorking as Preacher Police and Service Charities. with the Military, Fire and Police in attendance. This was then followed by unveiling a Tree of At 11am, the service came to a halt with a Remembrance in Woking town centre with rifle volley by 2 Surrey Yeomanry 579 Field red hanging tags recognising and highlighting Squadron 101 City of London Engineer the unseen service of the Armed Forces Regiment EOD ahead of the two minute silence community, past and present. which was repeated at the conclusion of the two minute silence.

Guildford Fire Station staged a special Remembrance Saturday Act of Worship at 18.00 hours. Some 40 war veterans and war widows attended, worshipping alongside serving firefighters. It was a very moving Armed Forces Week service with the firefighters lining one part Armed Forces Week was launched in Surrey on and a fire engine with a huge poppy on its Sunday 23 June 2019 at Guildford Cathedral As usual, Armed Forces Day flag-raising took radiator being central to it and veterans on by Mr Michael More-Molyneux – HM Lord- place in each borough and district across the other side. It was a fine tribute to those Lieutenant at the Annual Choral Mattins Surrey with a number of organised events who had gone before us, especially when the organised by Surrey Joint Services’ Charities. during that week, including a special D-Day 75 Exhortation was recited and the Last Post This year the service incorporated D-Day dinner arranged by Bisley and Knaphill Royal played. 75 and the Cathedral was honoured to have British Legion. two D-Day Normandy Veterans present. The preacher was the Rt. Revd, Andrew Watson – Reserves Day at Guildford Fire Station Bishop of Guildford. Surrey County Council once again celebrated Reserves Day with a special event at Guildford Fire Station where a number of County Council employees, including some from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, met up to celebrate the vital role that Reservists play in working for Surrey County Council.

It was pleasing to report that this was a well- attended event which will be repeated. The Reservists were particularly pleased to hear of Surrey County Council’s revised HR policy for the employment of reservists, including time off for both deployment and training.

24 25 ANNEX INDEX

Surrey Employer Recognition Scheme Award Holders Foreword Page 2 Employment Page 17

Introduction Page 4 • IMAGINE Project at the Army Training Centre • Sandhurst Leadership Challenge Surrey Total Engagement Page 5 • Sandhurst Leadership Luncheon • Surrey Reservist Deployed 7 13 49 • National Covenant in the Community • The Armed Forces Covenant Gold Alumni Conference Association • WWII Unexploded Bomb in Kingston upon Gold Silver Bronze • Employer Engagement Thames • Army Engagement Group came to Denbies Health, Wellbeing and Welfare Page 19 Organisation Year Awarded Award Level • South East Armed Forces Champions Conference • Veteran Healthcare Training Across Surrey Ashford and St Peter's NHS 2019 Silver • SERFCA Briefing for Surrey and Berkshire Foundation Trust • Veteran Hubs and Drop-ins • Military Support with Brexit • Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service Automatic Data Processing Ltd (ADP) 2018 Silver • Supporting the Armed Forces with Electoral • Flashpoint CGI IT UK Ltd 2019 Gold Registration • Unit Welfare Officers Meeting • Partnership Working between the District and • Surrey Heartlands achieves the Bronze Combat Stress 2015 Silver Borough Councils and the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme Award Compass Group 2018 Gold • Surrey Civilian Military Partnership acting as an Exemplar to other Councils Crest Nicholson Plc 2019 Silver Recognition and Remembrance Page 22 • 1st Battalion Irish Guards Engaging with the CSH Surrey 2019 Silver Local Community • Jubilee Square Woking Welcomes Freedom CVQO Ltd 2015 Silver • Surrey Armed Forces Annual Covenant Parade by Army Training Centre (Pirbright) Drumgrange Ltd 2017 Silver Conference 2020 • Tree Planting in Memory of those who lost Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust 2018 Silver • Forces Connect South East Training and their life in the First World War Delivery • Armed Forces Muslim Association (AFMA) ISS Facilities Services 2015 Gold • @SurreyMilitary Eid Engagement Event Jankel Armouring Ltd 2016 Silver • Surrey Military Appeals Committee • Chattri Annual Memorial Service WW1 Hindu JTI UK 2019 Silver • Army Training Centre (Pirbright) links with the and Sikh Soldiers Local Community • First Muslim Commemoration Service at KBR 2019 Gold Brookwood Last Post NSC 2017 Silver Education and Young People Page 14 • Armed Forces Week Paratus Limited 2017 Silver • Reserves Day at Guildford Fire Station • Army Moves and School Place Planning • Surrey Royal British Legion Poppy Launch Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS 2018 Gold • Frimley School Fundraising for SSAFA the • Remembrance Sunday Trust Armed Forces Charity SGN 2018 Gold • Pirbright Village Primary School Nurture Farm Annex Page 26 Siemens PLC 2017 Silver • Positive Outcomes through Play • Increasing Attainment of Service Children in • Surrey Employer Recognition Scheme Award Surrey County Council 2016 Gold Surrey Schools Holders • 11 Brigade working with Surrey Schools • Relationship between Army Training Centre and Cadets

26 27 SURREY CIVILIAN MILITARY MILITARY BASES AND RESERVE UNITS PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEMBERS COVERING SURREY

Peter Martin (Chairman) Surrey County Council Regular: Brigadier Paul Evans OBE DL Chairman of Recognise and Remember Task Group 11 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters South East, Aldershot Mr Michael More-Molyneux HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Colonel Simon Browne OBE Deputy Commander, 11 Infantry Brigade and HQ SE • Army Training Centre, Alexander Barracks, Pirbright Lt-Col Robert Sandford Commanding Officer, Army Training Centre (Pirbright) • DCLPA, The Princess Royal Barracks Deepcut Major Andy Butcher 1st Battalion Irish Guards • 22 Field Hospital, Keogh Barracks, Canon Peter Bruinvels CC Surrey County Council Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser • 2PWRR, Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale Cllr Tom Gracey Surrey Leaders Representative • Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sqn Ldr Bryan Jones SSAFA Surrey Colonel Patrick Crowley DL South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association Debbie Goldsmith Army Training Centre (Pirbright) Reserve: John Kingsbury Veteran’s Representative • 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers, Ewell Major Carol Miller MBE Army Training Centre (Pirbright) • 4PWRR, Farnham Mr David Munro Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey • 4PWRR (RHQ), Redhill Steve Owen-Hughes Chief Fire Officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service • 579 Field Squadron 101 Engineer Regiment (EOD), Redhill Louise Punter Surrey Chambers of Commerce Anthony Shipley Surrey Heartlands Jim France Royal British Legion James Whiteman Surrey Chief Executives’ Representative

Supported by officers from Surrey County Council For further information please contact: [email protected]

28 29 Contact us Email: [email protected] Twitter: @SurreyMilitary Web: surreycc.gov.uk/armedforces Designed by the communications design team. CS4038 DC 04/19.2