The Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board was scheduled to meet on Thursday 1 October 2026 to discuss ongoing initiatives and updates concerning the armed forces community in Surrey. Key topics were scheduled to include updates from various military units and support organisations, progress on the Armed Forces Bill, and the recognition and remembrance of service personnel.

Welcome and Previous Business

The meeting was scheduled to begin with a welcome from 4PWRR, followed by a welcome and apologies from the Chair, Tim Hall MBE. The minutes of the last meeting were scheduled to be reviewed, with particular attention to the continued funding for the Bridge the Gap initiative and updates on support for service children. Information regarding the Service Pupil Premium and links with Gurkha networks were also scheduled to be discussed.

New Partners and Support for the Armed Forces Community

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to introducing new partners and discussing support for the armed forces community. This was to include an opportunity for new members to introduce themselves and highlight their key focus areas. The board was scheduled to discuss priorities such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare for service personnel and their families. Partnership working with armed forces units in Surrey, SERFCA, and service charities was also on the agenda, alongside awareness-raising activities, the Armed Forces Bill, and the promotion of the Forces Connect App. Attendees scheduled to contribute to this discussion included Lord-Lieutenant Neelam Devesher MBE, Helene Hall from Surrey Chambers, and David Nolan from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Military Unit Updates

Updates were scheduled to be provided by various military entities. Colonel Dickie Hawkins, Lieutenant Colonel Emma-Louise Cameron, and Captain Andrew Devlin were scheduled to provide updates from HQSE, the Army Training Centre Pirbright, and the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, respectively. Colonel Patrick Crowley was scheduled to give an update from SERFCA, including information on forthcoming events and Cadet Week.

Recognise and Remember Task Group Update

Brigadier Paul Evans DL was scheduled to provide an update from the Recognise and Remember Task Group. This was to include discussions on Remembrance Day activities and veteran hubs. A key point scheduled for discussion was the deadline for LGBT veterans to claim compensation related to the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the British Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000. The report pack highlighted that eligible veterans had 100 days left to apply for financial recognition payments of up to £50,000, with a further £20,000 available for those who experienced other harms. Non-financial restorative measures, such as an official letter of apology, were also to be mentioned. Councils were scheduled to be encouraged to share this information.

General Updates and Future Events

Further general updates were scheduled to cover Local Government Reorganisation, the Armed Forces Bill, and awareness-raising initiatives. The Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference 2027, scheduled for Wednesday 10 March 2027 at ATC Pirbright, and the Building Healthier Neighbourhood: Armed Forces Community Conference on Tuesday 10 November were also to be discussed.

Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was scheduled to be 10 am on Thursday 25 March 2027, to be held at Woodhatch Place, Reigate.