The Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board was scheduled to discuss updates on various initiatives and ongoing work related to the armed forces community. Key topics included a review of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) with a focus on service children, updates from military units and task forces, and progress on the Recognise and Remember initiative.

JSNA Update with a Focus on Service Children

A significant portion of the scheduled discussion was to focus on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) update, with a particular emphasis on service children. This update was intended to provide a general overview of the situation concerning children from military families within Surrey. The report pack indicated that the Armed Forces Community has been identified as a priority population within the Surrey Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It also highlighted that free quarterly Armed Forces Awareness Training is being offered across the system, which covers the requirements of the Armed Forces Act and the anticipated Armed Forces Bill 2026. This training aims to promote the importance of identifying service personnel and their families at the first point of contact and to raise awareness of the unique aspects of service life.

HQSE and Task Force Commander Updates

Updates were scheduled from HQSE (Headquarters, Security, Environment) and various task forces. Richard Moore and Lt Col Emma-Louise Cameron were expected to provide an update on HQSE, while Maj Bryn Reeves was to report on the Irish Guards. The report pack indicated that the Strategic Defence Review focuses on four areas: NATO first, support to Ukraine, reinforcement of homeland security, and the centrality of people to the defence plan. The Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright was also scheduled to provide an update, with Sam Dyer expected to report on behalf of Capt Barthram. This update was anticipated to cover the delivery of basic training for regulars and reserves, the Soldier Preparation Course, and preparations for a rapid mobilisation course. Furthermore, it was noted that Winchester would cease training in October 2026, with all training moving to Pirbright, increasing the number of subunits and personnel.

Recognise and Remember Task Group Update

The Recognise and Remember Task Group was scheduled to provide an update, with Brig Paul Evans DL and Canon Peter Bruinvels expected to lead this discussion. The agenda indicated that this update would cover Armed Forces Week and the Armed Forces Bill 2026. The report pack highlighted that the group reflected on successful VJ Day 80 events and that Armed Forces Week had gone well. Plans for Remembrance 2025 events were also underway. Shannon Saise-Marshall was expected to provide an update on the Royal British Legion Poppy Launch at ATC Pirbright.

SERFCA Update

Colonel Patrick Crowley was scheduled to provide an update on the South East Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (SERFCA). The report pack noted that Silver ERS Gold and Silver Awards had been held, with commendations for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Wey Group International. It was also stated that Surrey currently holds a significant number of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), with many organisations having signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

General Updates

Under general updates, the Chair and Ellie Vesey-Thompson were scheduled to discuss the Armed Forces Covenant Conference and other matters. The report pack indicated that the provisional date for the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference was 4 March, with potential topics and speakers being considered, including a focus on cadets. The Joint Service Needs Assessment (JSNA) was also mentioned, noting that the Armed Forces Community is now a priority population within the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Discussions were also planned regarding military children, with a suggestion to follow the Test Valley forum model of including service children themselves to highlight their struggles.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The meeting was also scheduled to include a review of the Forcer Protocol, ship twinning to Surrey, and Local Government Reorganisation. The Forcer Protocol is a national initiative aimed at reducing the risk of harm to service veterans, reservists, and serving personnel who go missing by enabling access to information that can help police find them quickly. The report pack detailed the protocol's aims and implementation plan. Discussions were also anticipated regarding ship twinning to Surrey and the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation. Finally, any other business (AOB) was to be addressed, and the date of the next meeting was to be confirmed.