AFC0010

Written evidence submitted by Canon Peter Bruinvels CC.

Contents

Introduction

Select Committee Questions

Annex 1 - Armed Forces Champions for Local Authorities across the UK – Job Profile

Annex 2 - Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers for Local Authorities across the UK – Job Profile

Annex 3 – PBA - Forces Connect South East – Overview of Elected Councillor Armed Forces Training

Annex 4 - Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2023-24  (link to online document)

Annex 5 - Forces Connect South East Final Report

Annex 6 – Briefing Paper on Armed Forces Covenant – June 2022

Annex 7 – Armed Forces Act 2021 – Introduction and Brief on the Armed Forces Covenant (MP’s) – November 2022

Annex 8 – Forces Connect App

Annex 9 – Surrey County Council – Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (‘JSNA’) on the Armed Forces Community – December 2024 (link to online document)

Introduction

By way of Introduction, I am the Armed Forces Covenant Lead and Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser to both Surrey County Council and Kent County Council and have held office for more than 12 years. I am also Armed Forces Champion to the All-Party Armed Forces Covenant Parliamentary Group (annexes 6-7) and Co-Chair to the LGA Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network. I am also a Ministerial Adviser on the Armed Forces Covenant and Armed Forces Champion to The Church of England and an Honorary Life Member of SSAFA.

Through my Consultancy – Peter Bruinvels Associates, I am an MoD Accredited Trainer on Armed Forces Awareness and since 2019, I have trained more than 14,000 stakeholders including nearly 450 Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions, at least 500 Covenant Lead Officers because of the turnover and literally hundreds of Front-Line and Contact Centre Staff; the NHS, Service Charities, Police and other Emergency Services as well as Regulars and Reservists across the UK in more than 185 in-person and online sessions in accordance with the Armed Forces Act 2021, which stipulated that the Armed Forces Covenant profile and awareness of it and implications needed to be raised across the UK.

I have also been an Army Civil Servant and was previously, the Armed Forces Champion to 11 Infantry Brigade and HQ SE looking after and supporting 8 County Councils, 12 Unitary Authorities, and 55 Borough and District Councils – involving 74+ Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions and 90+ Covenant Lead Officers. I held that role for 5 years.

My remit today as it was when I gave oral evidence as an Expert Witness at the 1st Session of the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill on 4 March 2021 is to give a Local Authority perspective in written evidence as to how I believe Select Committee Members will view the performance to date of the Armed Forces Act 2021: the Statutory Guidelines and the duty of ‘Due Regard’. * I should advise that I also co-chaired the 11X SE Focus Groups to bring about the above Statutory Guidelines and their implementation.

I have responded by giving answers to some of your Committee questions as to the areas that the Armed Forces Covenant is working as well as posing the following questions with my answers: -

Select Committee Questions

1. Is the ‘duty to have due regard’ the appropriate mechanism to further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law? What alternative mechanisms could be used? 

Firstly, it is a resource issue and a resources (people) issue. You need dedicated and committed officers rather than additional funding. The Covenant Lead Officers can be trained up. It is the right approach!

RECOMMENDATION: Whatever a Local Authority does – it must consider the needs of the Armed Forces and I would recommend that the Armed Forces Community are designated as a Protected Characteristic with immediate effect.

But most should be in a Code of Practice. Keep the legal bits to the barest minimum.

There is an existing Complaints Procedure, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsmen and at last Resort – Judicial Review (very expensive – starting at £50k just to look through the papers!).

NB I know of no such Judicial Reviews taking place or having taken place across the UK on the failings or otherwise of the Armed Forces Covenant, other than one in Scotland.

Having reviewed the past 7.5 years – the main issues remain Education – School Admissions and Transport – getting a LA paid-for place on the school bus.

Housing – getting on the housing list - a number of Housing Staff still do not know that the Local Connection requirement has been removed.

** That is one of the few failings of the Armed Forces Covenant – Housing Officers and even Ministers imply that the ‘Local Connection’ requirement is still in force.

Another issue affecting Veterans and Housing provision is their sense of pride and feeling of shame if they are allocated ‘social housing’ – they feel they are being classed as a charity case – when they are not. I always call their housing ‘affordable’ even though it is not.

Main Issue:  ARMED FORCES AWARENESS TRAINING NEEDED

Judicial Review – defined as an explicit contravention of law.  LAST RESORT

Has the Agency / Public Body/ LA broken the law? And if so – how do you prove it?

2. Is the focus on healthcare, education, and housing matters appropriate and enough?  Could this have a detrimental impact on other areas of the Armed Forces Covenant?

I have been asked on a number of occasions as to whether the Armed Forces Covenant goes far enough as your Select Committee is asking now, whether it should be expanded.

It was a good step forward as healthcare, education and housing are all parts of the Covenant that impacts on Family Life as originally advocated by the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force Familiy Federations.

Not to say, those are the only areas the Covenant could cover: -

E.g., Spousal Employment when they have gaps in their CVs – because of frequent moves of their partners in the UK and overseas.

Extra Support for ex-service personnel seeking employment = Guaranteed Interviews and Mentor / CV writing – most service personnel have only had one interview in their lives – when they originally joined up!

*These could be in the Code of Practice as part of best practice.

* Employment is also covered in the MoD Defence Employers Recognition Scheme (‘DERS’) and that could be used to ‘encourage’ Local Authorities and other businesses to have ‘military friendly employer of choice’ employment policies such as 10 days Annual Leave for Reservist Duties as a Gold award holder.

[I am Co-Chair of the DERS SE Gold Awards Association (‘GAA’)]

*A nudge rather than legislation to get employment issues on the Agenda should have worked – but it now needs to be added to any new Armed Forces Covenant / Armed Forces Act 2025/6.

It was acknowledged by Lady Annabel Goldie – then Defence Minister at the Committee Stage of the Armed Forces Bill that including Education, Health Care and Housing were only the 1st stage in developing the Armed Forces Covenant and that Ministers would be listening to MPs and Peers as to which other areas to consider next.

3. Were the specified persons and bodies proscribed in the Armed Forces Act 2021 sufficient or should they now be expanded?

The bodies and persons to whom the Act should include the Devolved Administrations as well as Local Authorities; Housing Associations; Housing Officers, General Practitioners, NHS Trusts / CCGs, Private Schools, Academies and Governors as they all exercise public functions in key policy areas.

It is not just Local Authorities but the Devolved Administrations who should now be involved – it is all about ‘partnership workings’ with the Military as equal partners.

RECOMMENDATION: A nominated Minister in every Government Department and in each of the Devolved Administrations should be responsible for the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant within their Department with their names published widely.

4. An assessment of the Act’s application to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in respect of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Secretary of State’s duty to consult devolved administrations?

Working across the devolved administrations, I have not seen too many disparities between the Regions. Having travelled across the UK from INVERNESS to PLYMOUTH and from SHROPSHIRE to COLCHESTER / SOUTHEND. I have worked with both Wales and Scotland’s Devolved Assemblies and it has worked really well – bar a translation issue in Wales and who would fund it!

Every Local Authority (407) including Northern Ireland has signed the Covenant and the majority do understand its implications, duties and requirements under the Armed Forces Covenant.

– but not all are as active in implementing it and not all have Armed Forces Champions – although the SE does for each of their Local Authorities. Some even have Deputies, as well!

RECOMMENDATION: All Local Authorities should consider re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant every 5 years – many are still relying on the old Armed Forces Community Covenant as it seals the partnership very publicly with the Armed Forces Community and binds staff to it.

Under Forces Connect SE, a training and awareness raising programme funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, in total I trained 380 Elected Councillors; 250 AFCs and 3400 Front Line and Contact Centre Staff and they all wanted to help the Military, Veterans, Ex-Service Personnel and their Families. (See Annexes 5 and 8)

Some Local Authorities are more aware of the Covenant than others – especially if there is a Military presence in their Area! Most Local Authorities have both Ex-Service / Veterans and Cadets living in their Area. Indeed, many Local Authorities employ them, as well.

The National Census in March 2021 with its new question as to whether one served or was serving has helped Local Authorities better understand and identify their Military footprint.

Armed Forces Champions were all keen to work cross-departments with their trained Covenant Lead Officers and most report back to the Leader as it is a PUBLIC APPOINTMENT. The local Civilian-Military Partnership Boards (CMPBs) function really well with the Kent & Medway CMPB being the only one in UK combining a County Council (Kent CC) and a Unitary Authority (Medway) working outstandingly well despite them having different political control. A possible taste for the future under Devolution?

‘English Devolution White Paper - Power and partnerships: Foundations for growth’

Under the upcoming Devolution Priority Programme Proposals, many District and Borough Councils are due to be abolished or merged within the old County Council structures to become larger Unitary Authorities as part of a Mayoral Strategic Authority (‘MSA’) which will mean that there will be fewer Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions and Covenant Lead Officers resulting in increased workloads for both post / office holders.

RECOMMENDATION: That every Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champion is treated as a Public Appointment and with the new devolution plans is given a reasonable budget to perform his or her public duties and that a fully trained and funded full-time Council Officer is appointed Covenant Lead Officer to work alongside each other in each Unitary Authority. (See exemplar MoD approved Job Descriptions in annexes 1, 2).

NB The Veterans Minister – Col Al Carns CBE DSO MP recommended that all Covenant Lead Officers should be funded centrally at the recent Armed Forces Covenant Conference in Winchester, following the example of the Welsh Government who directly fund all their Armed Forces Liaison Officers across the Principality.

RECOMMENDATION: Following on from the above recommendation, it is recommended that serious consideration be given to appointing an Armed Forces Champion and Covenant Lead Co-ordinator appointed by and reporting to the Mayor of the Mayoral Strategic Authority (‘MSA’) to liaise, advise and co-ordinate work with each of the connected Local Authorities within the MPA.

5. An assessment of the power of the Secretary of State to issue Statutory Guidance on the duties imposed by the Armed Forces Act?

There are practical issues and suggestions as to how to both implement and meet the aims of the next Bill. But it will be up to each Council / LA / MSA to decide how it delivers its Covenant commitments.

Such guidance needs to be subject to consultation with the main stakeholders – Local Authorities – ideally before Royal Assent and either way before the next Armed Forces Bill is enacted.

Training tools - advice – best practice – easy access – use case studies – sources of training

Showing ‘Due regard’ on Education, Health and Housing and to show what it means in practice.

This guidance needs to explain how service life affects the armed forces and how councils can ensure these services consider the needs of the armed forces community.

Councils need to ensure their policies are flexible enough to reflect the reality of life and daily living in the armed forces by those prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.

*Councils will need to show that they have taken the guidance into account or be prepared to evidence why they have chosen to depart from it.

OTHER ISSUES

1. How does the Armed Forces Covenant meet expectations?

It has helped all 407 Local Authorities across the UK to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant and promote the main issues of Education, Healthcare and Housing affecting the Armed Forces Community.

It has helped increase awareness and understanding of the unique obligations and nature of service facing the Armed Forces.

It has helped further improve the overall delivery and consistency of advice and public services in relation to the Armed Forces Community.

We recognise that there is till quite a LACK OF AWARENESS about the Military and their way of life – even if they are based down the road in a Local Barracks! Most Council Staff have never been ‘behind the wire’ nor have most military personnel sought help from or visited a Council Office. Indeed, I find that the public respect the Service person’s achievements but is largely uniformed of their qualities and capabilities and certainly have no concept of what Service Life entails.

“It will help all Local Authorities understand the needs and issues affecting the Armed Forces Community”.

Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions continue to play a key role in championing issues for the Armed Forces community as they will work with officers and ACROSS-DEPARTMENTS and report back to the relevant Council Leader/Portfolio Holder.

RECOMMENDATION: WE MUST MANAGE THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE WHOLE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY, especially those serving and their families- some of whom believe the Armed Forces Covenant is a ‘Golden Ticket’ to the best school in the area; the best house and being put at the top of the local GP waiting list.

This should be done through briefing Unit Welfare Officers (‘UWOs’) and Barracks on what is covered in the Armed Forces Covenant and what it means.

And also, what is NOT in the Armed Forces Covenant!

2. How do you think that it will meet the concerns of Service Personnel – Regulars and Reservists, Ex-service personnel and veterans and their families?

In Education, Housing and Health, the Armed Forces Community will hopefully no longer be disadvantaged because of moving around so much through their Military Service.

Hands-on and on-line bespoke training will be needed so that Local Authority staff will understand the life of the Military and that they are highly mobile as well as understanding what the Armed Forces Covenant means in terms of the services that they provide.

Issues that the training should cover include: - 1st choice schools (a school is guaranteed, not necessarily the 1st choice); School places; home to school transport; *service pupil premium (‘SPP’) £340; pupil passports – so don’t repeat syllabus!; MoD are now working with LEAs to try and move service personnel at the start of the school year – rather than in-year. E.g., The Guards Corridor in 11X /HQ SE / London District – Hounslow – Windsor – Camberley.

*RECOMMENDATION: The Department for Education (DfE) introduced SPP in April 2011 in recognition of the specific challenges children from service families face, and as part of the commitment to delivering the Armed Forces Covenant in England only.

State schools, academies and free schools in England with children of service families (reception-age to Year 11) are eligible for SPP funding. SPP helps the school give additional pastoral support that the service child may need. It is currently worth £340 per service child. This should be immediately extended to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

RECOMMENDATION: All Admissions authorities need to be reminded that they must accept a unit address as proof of address for the purposes of applying for a school place in advance of the move taking place. This is useful if a family knows they are moving but does not yet have a new home address.

Housing – NO LONGER REQUIRE ‘LOCAL CONNECTION’ [Major change, not all front-line / contact centre staff know that, even now!]

Get immediately on waiting list; affordable and rented housing; broken down relationships.
Affordable Housing; ‘Stable’ rather than ‘Social’ Housing – the terminology matters to the Military.

Health – Access to GPs; Dentists for the whole family; medical records passed across.

RECOMMENDATION: Promote more GP Veteran Friendly Practices and their Locations and ensure Practice Managers ask the question: “Did you serve?”

3. How have you seen the Armed Forces Act impacting on service personnel – Regulars and Reservists and veterans?

To their advantage – the Armed Forces Community have benefitted greatly and have not been disadvantaged provided that they were prepared to ask for help and support.

Public bodies: Front Desk and Contact Centre staff are finally understanding some of their issues.

Local Authorities are becoming more used to dealing with the Military and with the right training, they have been able to help them. They will also get to understand that the Military are unused to asking for help. The Military are beginning to know or understand the difference in Parish, Town, Borough, District, Unitary or County Councils. Bluntly – why should they?!

4. How do we enforce through legislation?

There is no need to enforce with an iron glove – rely on element of good will and best practice.

I would encourage a light touch approach - demonstrate ‘due regard’ has been taken.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Give good examples of best practice in the MoD Annual Armed Forces Covenant Report which is debated annually in both Houses of Parliament.

2. Use the MoD Employers Recognition Scheme – to NURTURE and NUDGE to get Local Authorities to ‘conform.

3. Use Charter Marks as good ‘Military Friendly Employer of Choice’ Employers Kite Mark.

5. Do we need to specify outcomes?

The Armed Forces Covenant is like an INSURANCE POLICY = AA / RAC

Most of the Armed Forces Community do not need it – but they still need to know about it! It can offer them reassurance and the feeling that they are valued by society.

No.     The Legislation should not mandate specific public service delivery outcomes or advantageous treatment of the Armed Forces Community. It is designed to ensure that the relevant decision-makers consider the issues facing the Armed Forces Community in these key areas that impact of their day-to-day lives.

The end result:    We will see a LEVELLING UP

RECOMMENDATION: There must be consistency across the UK in the interpretation and implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant as concerns the delivery of advice, help and support.

As I see it – the proposed new legislation is there to ensure that Local Authorities and their staff consider the issues facing the Armed Forces Community in these three key areas of Education, Housing and Health that impact on their day-to--day lives.

RECOMMENDATION: All those dealing with the public need to ask the person before them - “Are they serving?” and / or “Did they serve or their family serve?”

By asking these questions, they will ensure that no person connected to the military is being disadvantaged because of their service. i.e. No one is then disadvantaged.

6. Are there areas which the Armed Forces ought to be extended to and why?

a)      If so, which are the priority Areas?

I recognise that this government made a manifesto commitment to ‘strengthen support for our Armed Forces communities by putting the Armed Forces Covenant ‘fully into law.’

This may involve further policy areas being brought into the duty in addition to the current areas of healthcare, education, and housing. 

I understand that consideration is being given to extending the duty into the policy areas of social care, employment, pensions, compensation, criminal justice, immigration & citizenship, personal taxation and benefits as well as transport.

As Co-Chair of the LGA Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network I, along with my colleagues, have been asked to cost the additional burdens that might be put on councils to deliver these services in addition to those we already do in Education, Health and Housing.

I would support the Covenant being extended to Employment – especially concentrating on Spousal Employment; both in the UK and abroad;  Adult Social Care; Further Education; Immigration and Citizenship where I know of both Fijian and Gurkha service personnel being faced with costs of thousands of pounds to get their citizenship and right to stay processed despite serving our Country with distinction; Criminal Justice with a large number of ex-service currently in prison following marriage breakdowns with undiagnosed mental health issues and transport where so many children are being deemed ineligible for free school transport as living just outside the catchment area but still on the same base as the other children who do get free transport.

RECOMMENDATION:  Spousal Employment in the UK and Overseas; Adult Social Care; Citizenship and School Transport should be included in the next tranche to support the Armed Forces Community.

7. Ways to make the Armed Forces Covenant work even better

1. Forces Connect App

                     Forces Connect App which was originally funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund has gone from strength to strength as it supports the Armed Forces Community – Regulars, Reservists and Ex-Service / Veterans and their families as a first port of call when in need of welfare support and advice. Covering 36 Regions including Scotland, to date, nearly 40,000 people have downloaded it with all Unit Welfare Officers across the Military promoting its wider use along with the Emergency Services, who have placed the App automatically on all their operational phones. (See annex 8)

During 2024, the MoD placed it on Defence Gateway and MODNet making it available to more than 350,000 Defence Personnel, Civil Servants Service Chaplains and Cadets. The App is also now available on Laptops and PCs - much to the relief of Contact Centre Staff who are precluded from using mobile phones during their sessions. www.ForcesConnect.co.uk

The App is sponsored by Surrey County Council and certainly delivers support for the Armed Forces Covenant.

RECOMMENDATION: The Forces Connect App should be downloaded, made available and used in support of the Armed Forces Community by UWOs and all others working with the Armed Forces Community.

2. Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (‘JSNA’)

As Defence Select Committee Members will be aware, Local Authorities and

Health Authorities are encouraged to draw up a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) from time to time as a means by which the local health economy, local authorities and third sector organisations can work together to understand the future health, care and well-being needs of their community.

The JSNA aims to support action to improve local people's wellbeing by ensuring that services meet their needs. It is designed to inform and drive future investment priorities and thereby help to plan services more effectively.

For the first time ever, Surrey drew up a JSNA with specific chapters on Education, Health, Housing and Employment covering the issues, needs and concerns of the Armed Forces Families and community living and based in Surrey along with our 32,500 Surrey Veterans. This outstanding and innovative work was undertaken by members of the NHS, SCC and its Education Specialists and the dedicated Housing Team at Spelthorne BC. This piece of work has received wide praise from the Brigade and HQ SE as it properly identifies for the first time the needs and issues affecting the Armed Forcrs Community. (See annex 9)

RECOMMENDATION: in support of the Armed Forces Covenant, it is recommended that separate chapters on the Armed Forces be prepared covering the provision of Education, Health, Housing and Employment services to the Armed Forces Community within the JSNA. It is further recommended that there be a Nominated Covenant Lead Officer in each LA Department including Adult Social Care, Education, Health, Housing, Democratic Services and Transport.

Canon Peter Bruinvels’s Sees THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT and Next ARMED FORCES BILL’S ULTIMATE AIM: -

“To have a fully integrated Armed Forces Community with Society – working together in partnership in support of each other”.

RESULT: NO LONGER A POST CODE LOTTERY with consistency in the delivery and interpretation of the Armed Forces Covenant across each Local Authority Area.

MY QUESTION

How do you avoid showing positive advantage by removing disadvantage?

In my Written Evidence, I would like to offer the Select Committee Chairman – Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP and Members various documents which will support my evidence:-

1. Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champion Job Description (annex 1)
2. Covenant Lead Officer Job Description (annex 2)
3. Elected Councillor Armed Forces Training (annex 3)
4. Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board Successes 2023-24
5. Forces Connect SE Report to the MoD (annex 4)
6. Briefing Paper on Armed Forces Covenant - June 2022 (annex 5)
7. Armed Forces Act 2021 - Introduction and Brief on the Armed Forces Covenant (MPs) - November 2022 (annex 6)
8. Forces Connect App -  www.ForcesCoonect.co.uk.  (annex 7)
9. Surrey County Council Joint Strategic Needs Assessment on Armed Forces

SUMMARY HOPE

That Parliament makes the next Armed Forces Bill in 2025-26 easier for Local Authorities to implement – rather than through enforcement – so it becomes part of a council’s everyday practice and day to day working life. 

That the Covenant Legal Duty will remain a ‘due regard’ obligation to the Covenant principles. All UK Government departments and the Devolved Administrations need to be brought into scope, alongside the existing local bodies, including all Local Authorities and NHS Trusts already in scope.

I confirm my willingness to give Oral Evidence as an Express Witness, if so required. I would also be happy to answer any outstanding questions that Select Committee Members might have.

Canon Peter BRUINVELS CC

Armed Forces Champion and Covenant Lead

All-Party Armed Forces Covenant Legislation Parliamentary Group (APPG)

Armed Forces Covenant Lead and Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser to both Surrey CC and Kent CC

Co-Chair LGA Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers Network

                                                                                                                                                       14 January 2025

Annex 1 - Armed Forces Champions for Local Authorities across the UK – Job Profile

The Profile: -

A Member of the Executive/Cabinet, or Chairman of an appropriate Scrutiny Committee, or a Member with an interest in the Armed Forces community.

Some Armed Forces experience would be an advantage.

Appointed annually by Council (on the recommendation of the Executive/Cabinet) to emphasise the importance the Council places on the role.

The Role: -

To raise the profile and needs of the Armed Forces community (serving personnel, both regular and reserve, their families, veterans and Cadets), internally and externally with the County, Unitary and the Borough/District council.

To keep informed of all relevant developments through attendance at the annual conference, seminars and Task Groups, where appropriate. 

To work closely with the senior member of County/Unitary/Borough/District staff, who are appointed as Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers, with particular reference to the Council’s obligations undertaken through the Armed Forces Covenant and Armed Forces Act 2021 for the ‘duty’ of showing ‘due regard’.

To ensure close liaison and involvement on all military ceremonial matters in which the Mayor/Chairman is involved. (e.g. ranging from Armed Forces Day flag raising, attendance at local Armed Forces events, Month of the Military Child events to Freedom Marches).

Regular liaison with the Civic Secretary to ensure that all forthcoming military ceremonial events are included in the Civic Diary and County Armed Forces Calendar.

To keep the local Member/s of Parliament informed of the activity and issues within the County/Unitary/Borough/District in relation to the Armed Forces community on at least a quarterly basis.

To encourage the formation of local Armed Forces Covenant Panels to:

• Ensure all areas of Council Policy/business consider the needs of the Armed Forces community (education, housing, welfare, health and employment).
• Ensure that Members and Officers are aware of forthcoming military ceremonial events
• Encourage and support local applications to the Armed Forces Covenant Grant Fund

To form positive working relationships with the local Task Force Commander and the other district and borough councils within their area of responsibility (Unitary, District and Borough councils) and their Regional Brigade HQ (County Council) to better understand and address the needs of the Armed Forces Community within the context of local authority roles and responsibilities.

To work with the Regional RFCA to engage with key local businesses to promote the Armed Forces Covenant, the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the employment of Reservists and the appointment of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

To develop links and support local Cadet units by acting as the key link with the local authority, and to look to provide local ceremonial, remembrance and volunteering opportunities.

To sponsor an Annual Report to the Executive/Cabinet/Local or Joint Committee detailing the Council’s activities and achievements over the past 12 months in respect of the obligations to the Covenant.                                                                                                                           

Annex 2 - Armed Forces Covenant Lead Officers for Local Authorities across the UK – Job Profile

The Profile: -

A reasonably senior Officer of an appropriate Department such as Democratic Services, Community Partnerships, Community Engagement or Strategic Policy with an interest in the Armed Forces Community.

No previous Armed Forces experience is required.

Appointed by the Chief Executive, his or her Nominee or Head of Department to emphasise the importance the Council places on the role.

The Role: -

To help raise the profile and needs of the Armed Forces Community (serving personnel, both regular and reserve, their families, veterans and ex-service personnel and Cadets), internally and externally within the County and the Borough/District council.

To keep informed of all relevant developments through attendance at the annual conference, briefing and refresher seminars and Task Groups, where appropriate. 

To work closely with the nominated Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champion (AFC) and his or her Deputy (where appointed), who are appointed at the Annual Meeting, with particular reference to the Council’s obligations undertaken through the Armed Forces Covenant and Armed Forces Act 2021 for the ‘duty’ of showing ‘due regard’.

To help ensure with the AFC close liaison and involvement on all military ceremonial matters with the Civic Secretary in which the Mayor/Chairman is involved. (e.g. ranging from Armed Forces Day flag raising, attendance at local Armed Forces events, Reserves Day, Month of the Military Child events to Freedom Marches).

To regularly liaise with the Civic Secretary to ensure that all forthcoming military ceremonial events are included in the Civic Diary and County Armed Forces Calendar.

To prepare briefs for the AFC to keep the local Member/s of Parliament informed of the activity and issues within the County/Borough/District in relation to the Armed Forces community on at least a termly basis.

To act as Secretary and encourage with the AFC the formation of local Armed Forces Covenant Panels to:

• Ensure all areas of Council Policy/business consider the needs of the Armed Forces Community (education, housing, welfare, health and employment).
• Ensure that Officers and Members are aware of forthcoming military ceremonial events
• Encourage and support local applications to the Armed Forces Covenant Grant Trust Fund

To form with the AFC, positive working relationships with the local Task Force Commander and the other district and borough councils within their area of responsibility (Unitary, District and Borough councils) and 11 Infantry Brigade / HQ SE (County Council) to better understand and address the needs of the Armed Forces Community within the context of local authority roles and responsibilities.

To work with the Regional RFCA to engage with key local businesses to promote the Armed Forces Covenant, the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the employment of Reservists and the appointment of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers within their Local Authority.

To develop links and support local Cadet units by acting as the key link at the local authority, and to look to provide local ceremonial, remembrance and volunteering opportunities working in partnership with the AFC.

To help jointly prepare an Annual report to the Annual Meeting of Council, Executive/Cabinet/Local or Joint Committee for the AFC detailing the Council’s activities and achievements over the past 12 months in respect of the obligations to the Covenant, identifying lessons learned and best practice.

To ensure the setting up and maintaining of an Armed Forces Covenant website detailing all activities in support of the Armed Forces Community with contact details within the Local Authority.

To promote Forces Connect South East (FCSE) and its training packages including the ‘Forces Connect’ ‘App and to ensure induction training for all new staff members and full training for all Front Line and Contact Centre Staff as well as Service Champions through the use of the LGA Knowledge Hub resource 

To consider preparing and issuing electronically ‘military friendly’ One Stop Shop Leaflets detailing all points of contact, relevant to their Local Authority area, as well as encouraging the use of social media to promote the Local Authority’s support for the Armed Forces Community.

To monitor how schools in the area (where it is the responsibility of the LA / County Council and Unitary Authority) spend the Service Pupil Premium and on what

To review HR policies to ensure that service personnel and their spouses are not disadvantaged by virtue of their work and involvement within the Armed Forces Community.

Consideration should also be given for time off for Reservists with an appropriate Reserves Policy and also time off for those staff wishing to be Cadet Adult Volunteers

To consider offering an Employee Mentoring Scheme for all ex-service personnel joining the relevant Local Authority, providing each new member a ‘buddy’ with military experience

To propose the promotion, wider adoption and consideration of signing of the Armed Forces Covenant to all council suppliers and prospective suppliers through procurement initiatives thereby declaring their support also for the Armed Forces Community. 

To ensure that the Voting Arrangements take the Armed Forces Community into consideration including helping service personnel register as service voters (valid for 5 years) and polling stations on or near to bases become more accessible.

Annex 3 – PBA - Forces Connect South East – Overview of Elected Councillor Armed Forces Training

Delivered by

CANON PETER BRUINVELS CC

Welcome, Aims and Objectives

• Why are you here?
• What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
• How you can support the Armed Forces Covenant?
• The implications of the Armed Forces Act 2021; the Statutory Guidelines and the meaning of the Duty of ‘Due Regard’
• What is a Civilian-Military Partnership Board?
• Who is an Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champion?
• Who are the Armed Forces Community?
• Where are the Military in your Area?
• How you can understand their needs?
• How you can get closer to them and strengthen the links?
• Provide you with the knowledge and capability to strengthen your role as an Armed Forces Champion
• How to work with Covenant Officers and Service Champions
• Understanding the role of Task Force Commanders
• Linking with Local Military Panels, where present
• Service Charities and how they can help?
• FCSE and other sources of Training, including e-Learning
• Your experiences so far as an Armed Forces Champion
• Top Tips
• Questions and Answers from the Floor

INTRODUCTION

The Armed Forces Covenant - MoD definition

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

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.

“To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to you”.

It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.

What is being done?

The covenant focusses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.

This support is provided in a number of areas including:

• education and family well-being - school places and school transport
• having a home
• starting a new career – employment advice
• access to healthcare - GP and Dentist waiting lists – GP Veteran Friendly Practices
• financial assistance
• discounted services – Defence Discount Card; the Blue Light Card

Who is involved?

The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families. And is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference.

These include:

• Central Government
• Single services (Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force)
• Businesses of all sizes
• Local Government
• Charities
• Communities
• Cadet forces and their adult volunteers – although not yet part of the Armed Forces Covenant

Civilian-Military Partnership Board - Surrey slide as an example

To provide a strategic link within partner organisations with regard to the Armed Forces Covenant

To give strategic direction in order to strengthen links between communities and the Military

To champion the Armed Forces and honour the commitment given by the men and women of the Armed Forces

To review the work of the Armed Forces Covenant on an annual basis

To acknowledge and promote the value role Reservists play within the community

Encourage recognition and remembrance of the role played by the Armed Forces

Work collaboratively with the task groups and act as final arbiter

Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champion

ONCE YOU ARE APPOINTED

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

1. How were you appointed?

2. How were you recruited?

3. Did you have any links / an interest in the Military?

4. Was it at the Annual Meeting of Council?

5. Are you aware that the Military view your role as a Public Appointment?

6. Have you seen the Armed Forces Elected Councillor Job Description?

7. Do you know your Armed Forces Covenant Officer?

8. Does your Council have an Armed Forces website up to date?

9. Does your Council issue an Armed Forces Newsletter?

10. Have you checked with Housing about the ending of the Local Connection criteria?

11. Have you considered a Covenant Action Plan?

12. If a Unitary / County – does your Council monitor how the Service Pupil Premium is spent?

13. Have you checked that the Military Personnel / Bases are on your Electoral Roll?

14. Have you considered mentoring Service Personnel seeking employment?

15. Have you considered Military Spousal Employment?

16. Do you know the needs of the Armed Forces Community?

17. Have you met your fellow Armed Forces Champions?

18. Have you met your Task Force Commander and how often?

19. Have you identified one key lead Community Engagement Event / Activity?

20. Have you linked up to a local Reserve Centre / Reservists?

21. Are you linked into Cadet Units / Detachments?

22. Have you been present at a Cadet Annual Inspection?

JOB DESCRIPTION

Armed Forces Champions for the County Council and Borough and District Councils in Surrey

The Profile: -

A Member of the Executive/Cabinet, or Chairman of an appropriate Scrutiny Committee, or a Member with an interest in the Armed Forces community.

Some Armed Forces experience would be an advantage.

Appointed annually by Council (on the recommendation of the Executive/Cabinet) to emphasise the importance the Council places on the role.

The Military Presence

Map of the Area

Service Charities – COBSEO

Forces Connect South East

Top Tips

How you see your role as an AFC

Questions and Answers

Annex 4 - Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2023-24  (link to online document)

Annex 5 - Forces Connect South East Final Report

FOREWORD

As Chairman and Vice Chairmen of Forces Connect South East (FCSE), it gives us great pleasure to present to you our closing report. This follows what has been a hugely successful two-year Ministry of Defence (MoD) Covenant Grant funded project to embed and mainstream the Armed Forces Covenant within our public services across Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Surrey, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex, building on existing best practice from health and local authorities. The Armed Forces community now has consistent access to clear information and signposting, additional support when transitioning to civilian life and support when dealing with public services ‘outside the wire’. This has been provided through a seamless approach by all partners supporting community needs and requirements. 

We know that there is a large Armed Forces presence with 50 Regular/Reserve Units or Stations, Service families and over 280000 veterans in the area. Our partnership, which comprises Local Authorities, the Armed Forces, the NHS Armed Forces Networks and Service Charities, has worked hard to ensure that the Armed Forces community are able to get fair and consistent advice at all points of access to our services across the SE Region.

We are very pleased to say that the project has been an overwhelming success. Shared Intelligence (our external evaluators) concluded: ‘The training has increased the level of understanding of Armed Forces Champions (AFCs) and frontline staff of the needs of the Armed Forces community and the services that are required if they are to reduce the risk of disadvantage in accessing public services. Our evidence suggests that this increase in understanding from the training leads to AFCs feeling more empowered and with greater confidence to support members of the Armed Forces community’. Our training packages have been delivered to over 7,000 staff and councillors, who are now ‘Forces aware and Forces friendly’, can identify and respond appropriately to the specific needs of the Armed Forces community and recognise the importance of asking the question ‘Have you or a family member served?’. 

To complement the training, we have built a hugely successful ‘Forces Connect’ mobile app which is available free to download to support both the Armed Forces community as well as those who are there to support them. This app contains comprehensive signposting information for both local and national organisations which is easily accessible within four simple clicks.

We have also risen to the challenge of sharing our work across the UK.  We launched a national toolkit containing our materials at the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference in Bournemouth in July 2019 and delivered our training in areas as far afield as the Scottish Highlands, West Midlands, East Anglia and the South West including Wiltshire, to name only a few.

We feel justly proud of all that we have achieved not just in the South East but also across the UK as ‘Forces Connect Together We Stay Connected’ over the past two years.  The FCSE programme has built a legacy of sustainable training packages, a range of useful resources and a mobile app as well as a culture of cross-border partnership working. This has enabled us and empowered others to actively deliver against the principal aim of the Covenant to ensure that members of the Armed Forces Community are not disadvantaged because of their service to the Nation. We have delivered in every respect on the commitment that we made to the MoD in 2017.

INTRODUCTION

This report sets out a summary of the key achievements of the FCSE Partnership in effectively embedding the Armed Forces Covenant at all levels within public authorities across Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Surrey, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex.  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.

In 2017 Surrey County Council, on behalf of the FCSE partnership was successful in applying for a £281,300 Armed Forces Covenant Fund grant to promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces community to ensure the Covenant is embedded in mainstream Service delivery through sharing and building on best practice.  The partnership was awarded an additional £40,000 to share best practice across the UK. This funding was used to develop and deliver a range of face-to-face and e-learning training packages targeted at frontline staff who deal directly with residents, managers and councillors, as well as signposting information available both online and via a mobile app to achieve the following five outcomes:

1. Councils have a good understanding of the needs of the Armed Forces community and the expectations associated with effective delivery of the Covenant;
2. Clear integrated signposting pathways ensure that the Armed Forces community benefits from improved access and signposting to clear and relevant information, advice, guidance and support to ensure no disadvantage;
3. A partnership approach between the Armed Forces and Local Authorities is embedded throughout our ways of working;
4. The delivery of the Covenant is embedded and maintained at all levels from the strategic to the frontline within public sector organisations across the South East;
5. Disadvantage in accessing crucial public services such as housing, schools and adult social care is reduced through wider and increased awareness of the issues faced by the Armed Forces community.

This report sets out on the following pages how each outcome has been delivered and achieved. It draws on key findings from Shared Intelligence, who were appointed as external evaluators to FCSE.  They carried out a series of surveys, interviews and focus group discussions with councillors, trainees, service families, veterans and members of the Armed Forces community to look at their knowledge, understanding and confidence both before and after training.

FORCES CONNECT TRAINING AND MATERIALS

To support the successful delivery of the FCSE project, partners combined their different skills, knowledge and expertise around training programmes, digital technology and signposting tools to produce a comprehensive and cohesive package of training and materials– these are referred to under each of the relevant outcomes.  They are available to access free via the Forces Connect Toolkit on Knowledge Hub.

Face-to-face training packages:

Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champion training – a two-hour course which enables elected councillors and Covenant lead officers to raise their profile and in so doing connect better with the Armed Forces community raising awareness of their needs both within the council and externally.

Service Champion training – an in-depth four-hour course for managers and those who regularly come into contact with the Armed Forces community, to promote the Covenant and enhance understanding of the needs of the Armed Forces community and how to provide help.  Once trained, ‘Service Champions’ provide consistent advice and can cascade training to frontline colleagues. This course is CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited.

Frontline Staff training – a 45 minute briefing for Contact Centre and frontline staff who deal directly with people either face-to-face or by phone to provide a snapshot of the Armed Forces community, explain how to effectively signpost them to help and emphasise the fundamental importance of asking the question, “Have you or a family member served?”.

E-learning:

Forces Connect Employee Mentoring – this CPD accredited course was developed to support HR, recruiting professionals and line managers to achieve a greater understanding of the Armed Forces culture and the issues military personnel can face when transitioning from service life.  The course provides advice on setting up mentoring and buddy systems using existing veteran and reservist employees as mentors.

Armed Forces Covenant for Frontline Staff – FCSE widely promoted the Armed Forces Awareness e-learning packages initially developed by the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Covenant Partnership funded by Warwickshire County Council and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

Signposting Pathways and Mobile App:  A number of county specific Armed Forces signposting pathways (topic-based information sheets with contact details used for signposting members of the Armed Forces community to relevant sources of help and support) for key services were developed.  These were made available digitally via the free ‘Forces Connect’ mobile app available on Android and Apple which enables users to access the support they need in four simple clicks.

School Admissions video: This video was produced to address the challenging and often stressful process Armed Forces families face from frequent moves, by setting out the criteria and explaining in straightforward terms the process Forces families are required to undertake when applying for a school place and how to make an appeal if they are unsuccessful in gaining their school of choice.

FORCES CONNECT SOUTH EAST GOVERNANCE

The FCSE programme was governed by a cross-border group of all FCSE partners at both councillor and officer level.  All training materials were endorsed by a ‘Senior User Group’ of officers from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force and the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Team has reviewed and approved the content of the training packages. Membership of these groups can be found at the end of this document.

Outcome 1

COUNCILS HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS OF THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY AND THE EXPECTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF THE COVENANT

‘The FCSE training has significantly increased understanding of the Armed Forces community and their needs amongst public sector staff as well as the type of services they might require’ (Shared Intelligence (SI), Final Report, October 2019)

All Councils, having signed the Covenant, now fully understand the implications of it and how to identify those who are serving or have served and their families, and the issues that may be of concern to them such as moving schools, finding employment for spouses and accessing health and welfare support.

This understanding is publicly demonstrated through dedicated pages for the Armed Forces on council websites, as well as frontline staff now asking residents the question of whether they or a family member have served in the British Armed Forces when they are seeking support from public services.

This has been achieved through outstanding training delivered to over 7,000 people through the hierarchy of local authorities, Police, Fire & Rescue and Health as well as colleagues in the voluntary and faith sectors in the South East. ‘….during in-depth interviews, all interviewees said that they learned new things about the needs of the Armed Forces community whether or not they had some prior knowledge ...’ (SI).

During the programme:

• 180 Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions and Covenant Officers have received training, along with a further 200 councillors, who are potential Armed Forces Champions.

‘70% said the training and networking strengthened their understanding of the military footprint, local needs and the types of services they may need to access’ (SI). “…captured all key elements of the subject, anticipating obvious questions and allowing effective interaction”. (Quote from trainee)

• 1,000 Service Champions have been trained and equipped with a frontline brief and script to cascade the Covenant further into their teams.

‘91% of Service Champions reported an increase in knowledge’ (SI).

“At first point of access with Social Care we now ask “have you or any of your family served in the Armed Forces?” (Quote from trainee)

• 2,400 Contact Centre and frontline staff have received training.

‘75% had an increased understanding of the types of services they require’ (SI).

“I shared what I learned with members of the Offender Management Team. The frontline staff presentation is also available for them to refer to on my desk” (Quote from trainee)

• 2,200 public sector employees completed the Armed Forces Awareness e-learning.

“…I now know the Covenant is about recognising challenges, supporting people and making sure that they are treated fairly and not penalised for being in the Armed Forces …” (Quote from trainee)

The commitment of our partners to the Covenant has grown stronger during the period of the project, and participation in the FCSE programme has positively supported Kent County Council and the NHS Armed Forces Networks (under Hastings and Rother CCG) in joining Surrey and Hampshire County Councils as Gold MoD Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award holders, and East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, Medway Council and Brighton & Hove City Council gaining ERS Silver status.

Outcome 2

CLEAR INTEGRATED PATHWAYS ENSURE THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM IMPROVED ACCESS AND SIGNPOSTING TO RELEVANT INFORMATION

‘Increased knowledge and understanding and confidence are resulting in referrals.  Over a third of frontline staff have referred a member of the Armed Forces community to a service and 81% said that they felt as though they had the right information to make an appropriate referral of a member of the Armed Forces community’ (Shared Intelligence Final Report, October 2019).

‘The development of county specific signposting pathways and the newly created ‘Forces Connect’ mobile app, has increased staff and councillor confidence in their ability to help and signpost members of the Armed Forces community to local sources of support. 36% of frontline staff surveyed a month or more after training said that they had made a referral to a service since the training and 25% said that they had used a pathway’ (SI).

The feedback received on the app has been unanimously positive across the UK, particularly from frontline staff, Unit Welfare Officers and other members of the Armed Forces community, both young and old.  Since its launch in January 2019, there have been over 1,000 downloads and it has expanded well beyond the South East with an additional 10 regions added, with further interest from the Scottish Highlands, Wales, Cumbria and Wiltshire.  FCSE welcomes further regions throughout the UK to join the app platform to further enable easy access to local and national organisations who are able to provide help and support.

“We plan to adopt the app… this will enable us to ensure our delivery partners are aware of what is available and can offer more tailored and appropriate signposting services”. (Jozi Brown, Engagement Manager Cumbria CVS).

Shared Intelligence noted that ‘…the pathways complement existing initiatives such as the Veterans Gateway and are an important part of the FCSE programme’. FCSE has worked hard to ensure that all materials complement and do not duplicate what is already available in other areas.

Outcome 3

A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH BETWEEN THE ARMED FORCES AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IS EMBEDDED THROUGH OUR WAYS OF WORKING

‘Networking between those in similar roles has improved, as have links with the Armed Forces’ (Shared Intelligence Final Report, October 2019)

Partnership working between local authorities and the Armed Forces was the key foundation to the FCSE programme. All the local authorities within the partnership already had a relationship of mutual trust and recognised the benefits of working together to avoid duplication, build on best practice already in place, learn from each other and achieve economies of scale. This approach has led to a more consistent approach in the delivery of the Covenant by removing barriers and enabling fair access to public services. 

Local authorities also had well established and successful working relationships with the Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve, across the South East region. The partnership approach between FCSE authorities has enabled those authorities with a comparatively small military presence to benefit from working closely with authorities with greater numbers of military, thereby increasing opportunities to integrate and to share resources and best practice in supporting the Armed Forces Community locally. 

The training delivered through the programme has also helped to further strengthen partnership working. Councillors and officers together welcomed the additional contacts and networks that resulted from the programme. ‘…fellow champions are seen as an important source of advice’ (SI).

The development of networks is a particularly important element of the role of elected councillors. The training, peer mentoring and networking events organised through the FCSE programme ‘… made a big difference in engaging with the Armed Forces community with over half of the elected councillors having improved networks with the Brigade Task Force Commanders and 61% of elected councillors had improved connection with other champions and covenant officers across their counties’ (SI).

Outcome 4

THE DELIVERY OF THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT IS EMBEDDED AND SUSTAINED WITHIN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST

‘Our research shows that the training has improved understanding of the Covenant and that Councils are embedding the Covenant in its policies. The MoD Employer Recognition Scheme Award is an important motivator for keeping the Covenant on a council’s agenda’ (Shared Intelligence Final Report, October 2019)

Research carried out has demonstrated that the most significant barrier to delivering the Armed Forces Covenant is a lack of awareness of what it is and what it means. The FCSE programme aimed to address this and ensure that there was awareness of the Covenant at all levels within local public services.

The training packages for councillors, service champions and frontline staff all cover what the Covenant is, what it means, why it is important and how it can be incorporated into day to day practice. ‘Our research shows that the training has improved understanding of the Covenant. 67% of Service Champions said the training made a lot of difference to their understanding of the Covenant’ (SI).

An important consideration for the FCSE programme was ensuring its sustainability past the end of the funding period. A ‘train the trainer’ approach was used with all trained service champions receiving a copy of the frontline staff presentation, with script, which enables them to continue to share the learning within their organisation.

It was also important for the programme to encourage councils to further embed the Covenant in their policies which would help ensure its delivery is sustained. The success of all FCSE partners in achieving either the gold or silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award is one demonstration of this.  Linking Forces-friendly activity in with the Employer Recognition Scheme has facilitated greater opportunities for influencing council policy, especially around HR policies, for example additional paid leave for Reservists, guaranteed interviews, Covenant briefings during staff induction and a mentoring scheme for new ex-Service employees.  Research highlighted that: ‘…more councils are embedding the Covenant in their policies ... the number of elected councillor Armed Forces Champions reporting that their council had incorporated the Covenant in its policies increased from 67 per cent to 93 per cent during the project’ (SI).

Outcome 5

DISADVANTAGE IN ACCESSING CRUCIAL PUBLIC SERVICES SUCH AS HOUSING, SCHOOLS AND ADULT SOCIAL CARE IS REDUCED AS THERE IS WIDER AWARENESS OF THE ISSUES FACED BY THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY 

The purpose of the Covenant is to remove disadvantage for all members of the Armed Forces community in accessing public services, and all elements of the FCSE programme aimed to raise awareness of the Covenant and how disadvantage could be overcome.

The evaluation concluded that ‘as a result of the FCSE programme, frontline staff, Service Champions and Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions have a better understanding of the needs of the Armed Forces Community. They are more confident in supporting members of the community and making appropriate referrals and … the Covenant is becoming well-embedded within councils and other public service organisations. Finally, our research shows that, having received the training, people are more likely to ask a member of the public seeking to access a service whether they, or a member of their family, have ever served in the Armed Forces. This development is likely to contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the Armed Forces Covenant and removing disadvantage’.

As part of the evaluation and to help measure impact of the programme, three focus groups were held with military spouses (one Gurkha unit) and ex-Service personnel. They discussed their access to a range of services including applying for school places, finding GPs and transfer of medical records, obtaining suitable local employment, as well as discussing some of the issues they faced such as loneliness, connecting with like-minded people and knowing where to go to for support. These types of issues are addressed in the training and so it is anticipated that over time, as the training is further cascaded and embedded, no members of the Armed Forces community will feel disadvantaged as a result of their service, and staff confidence will continue to increase in helping them as well as in signposting them to additional sources of support provided by service charities, community events and local groups.

One area that the FCSE partners were keen to address when investigating disadvantage was in relation to managing expectations of the Covenant within the Armed Forces community and the message that the Covenant is generally not about positive advantage, but about removing disadvantage. School admissions was one such area where the partnership agreed further work needed to be carried out to manage family’s expectations.  To address this, the school admissions video was produced and widely circulated, mainly aimed at families but also at schools and those who support the families. The video was produced towards the end of the programme and has been very well received by those who have seen it.

FCSE LEGACY - SHARING BEST PRACTICE NATIONALLY

The MoD awarded FCSE an additional £40,000 to share best practice nationally. In order to enable open access to all training materials and products produced or recommended by the FCSE partnership a ‘Forces Connect Toolkit’ was produced.  This toolkit, hosted on Knowledge Hub, contains editable training materials and resources that can be accessed free by any Local Authority, organisation or military unit, and was widely promoted at the MoD National Covenant in the Community Conference in April 2019 as well at the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference in July 2019.

The partnership worked with local authorities and Army Brigades across the UK to deliver a series of training workshops, ‘train the trainer’ events and conferences to promote the Forces Connect Toolkit and to deliver the three training packages for Elected Councillors Armed Forces Champions, Service Champions and Frontline staff to authorities across the country.   There was a high demand and excellent take up of the training nationally and by the end of the programme over 60 local authorities had received the training across England and Scotland including Highlands and Moray, Cumbria, York, North Yorkshire, Lancashire, West Midlands, East Midlands, East Anglia, Milton Keynes, Luton,  Dorset, South West, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the South East.

Testimonials from National workshops:

“In practical terms it has always been easy to work with the Forces Connect team who are a ready source of knowledge and willingly share resources. Forces Connect came to Preston in June and trained 60 front line staff and 30 local authority Armed Forces Champions and lead officers. This training was particularly significant for us in Lancashire as it was the first time our champions and lead officers had come together in support of the Covenant.

The Forces Connect training is delivered with such energy and passion for the Forces and it had a significant impact within Lancashire and my project. Most notably within the Armed Forces Champions who are significantly more motivated to push their relevant local authorities to do more in support of the Covenant now. By way of example, we are now working towards the creation of a military civilian partnership board, which will provide oversight and governance to our activity. I believe this wouldn’t have happened without the support of Forces Connect and the motivation they created” (Ian Barber, Project Lead, Lancashire Armed Forces Covenant Hub)

“We were delighted to be able to work with the Forces Connect team, and offer their Elected Councillor, Service Champions and Frontline training here in Cumbria. Our armed forces support project started only recently, so this opportunity has given us a boost in terms of reaching our desired outcome – to offer better connected and accessible services in the county, for our local ex-service community. The training has enhanced our armed forces champions’ knowledge of their roles, improved our understanding of support pathways for the ex-service community and reinvigorated our partners’ enthusiasm and interest”. (Jozi Brown, Engagement Manager, Cumbria CVS).

Conclusion

The FCSE programme has achieved its original outcomes and has embedded the Armed Forces Covenant at all levels within public services through the delivery of a number of different training packages, signposting information and peer support to help to ensure that the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and not disadvantaged by their service.

The training within the South East as well as the roll out of the programme nationally has been well received by both partners and the Ministry of Defence and can be seen below:

Lt Gen Richard Nugee – Chief of Defence People tweeted “Well done Peter, an example to all of what can be done by just getting the right people together and a common purpose – getting it right for Veterans.”

Jenna Clare, Joint Head of Armed Forces Covenant Team said, “We are very grateful for the work of the Forces Connect South East team in spreading the word about the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant in ensuring our Service personnel, Veterans and their families get the fair deal they deserve.”

Carol Stone, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust said “Congratulations on the success of Forces Connect South East; which we supported with a grant through our Strengthening Delivery of the Covenant Programme.  In particular, we must note the way that FCSE rose to the challenge that the Fund set you - to share best practice with local authorities across the country, which we know has been well received.”

Col Bob Crawley, Branch Vice-President SSAFA Surrey said “The project has clearly been an outstanding success .....I have no doubt that many servicemen and their families will now benefit from the increased understanding that FCSE has generated amongst the many agencies able to help them.”

All FCSE partners are committed to continuing to work closely together to ensure the Armed Forces community is treated fairly and will continue to work collaboratively to share best practice cross-border for the benefit of the whole Armed Forces community.

The Forces Connect South East team*

*some of names listed are no longer in post.  For more information on Forces Connect South East contact FCSE@surreycc.gov.uk

Member Group:

Chairman: Councillor Peter Martin, Armed Forces Champion, Surrey County Council

Vice Chairman: Councillor Andrew Joy, Armed Forces Champion, Hampshire County Council

Vice Chairman: Col Simon Browne, Deputy Commander, 11 Infantry Brigade and Army representative of FCSE Senior User Group

Cllr Debbie Kennard, Armed Forces Champion, West Sussex County Council

Cllr Richard Long, Armed Forces Champion, Kent County Council

Cllr Howard Doe, Armed Forces Champion, Medway Council

Cllr Bill Bentley, Armed Forces Champion, East Sussex

Cllr Mo Marsh, Armed Forces Champion, Brighton & Hove

Kate Parkin, Director, NHS Armed Forces Networks (Kent and Sussex) and FCSE trainer for Service Champion training

Col (Retd) Bob Crawley, Surrey Chairman for SSAFA the Armed Forces charity

Gp Capt (Retd) Keith Lane, South East Reserve Forces and Cadets’ Association

Cdr Glynn Johns, Naval Regional Command Eastern England and Royal Navy representative of FCSE Senior User Group

Officer Group:

Amanda Barnes, FCSE Programme Officer, Surrey County Council

James Painter, Community Partnerships Team Manager, Surrey County Council

Sarah Goodman, Covenant Officer, Surrey County Council

Canon Peter Bruinvels CC, Military Adviser, Surrey and Kent County Councils, Armed Forces Champion 11 Infantry Brigade and FCSE trainer for Elected Councillor AFC and Frontline Staff Training

Kate Steels, Covenant Officer, Hampshire County Council

Debra Exall, Covenant Officer, Kent County Council

Tim Woolmer, Covenant Officer, Kent County Council

Sally Manning, Covenant Officer, West Sussex County Council

Daniel Ratcliffe, Covenant Officer, Medway Council

Sarah Tighe-Ford, Covenant Officer, Brighton & Hove City Council

Kirstie Battrick, Covenant Officer, East Sussex County Council

Jim France, South East Manager, The Royal British Legion

Annex 6 – Briefing Paper on Armed Forces Covenant – June 2022

ALL-PARTY ARMED FORCES COVENANT LEGISLATION PARLIAMENTARY GROUP (APPG)

Canon Peter BRUINVELS CC

Armed Forces Champion and Covenant Lead to the APPG

By way of Introduction, I have been Armed Forces Champion to 11 Infantry Brigade for the past 5 years looking after and supporting 7 County Councils; 12 Unitary Authorities, and 55 Borough and District Councils – involving 74+ Elected Councillor Armed Forces Champions and 90+ Covenant Lead Officers.

Additionally, I am the Civilian-Military Liaison Adviser to both Surrey County Council and Kent County Council.

My remit today as it was when I gave evidence as an Expert Witness to the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill is to reply on behalf of Local Authorities as to how they view this new Armed Forces Bill and Clause 8 in particular.

I have responded by posing the following questions with my answers:-

1. How does the Bill meet expectations?

It will deliver the Armed Forces Covenant across the UK to all 407 Local Authorities and promote the main issues affecting the Armed Forces Community.

It will increase awareness and understanding of the unique obligations facing the Armed Forces

We recognise that there quite a LACK OF AWARENESS About the Military – even if they are down the road!

It will help all Local Authorities understand the needs and issues affecting the Armed Forces Community

Armed Forces Champions will play a key role as they will work CROSS-DEPARTMENTS and report back to their Council Leaders

EVERYONE INCLUDING THE MILITARY MUST MANAGE THEIR EXPECTATIONS

Need to brief Unit Welfare Officers (‘UWO’s’) and Barracks on what is in the Act

And also what is NOT in it!!!

2. How do you think that it will meet the concerns of Service personnel and their families?

In Education, Housing and Health, the Armed Forces Community will hopefully no longer be disadvantaged because of moving around so much through their Military Service.

Through hands-on and on-line bespoke training – Council Staff will understand the life of the Military and that they are highly mobile.

Issues that the will cover include:- 1st choice schools; School places; home to school transport; service pupil premium £330; pupil passports – so don’t repeat syllabus!; MoD are now working with LEAs to try and move at the start of the school year – rather than in year. E.g. Guards Corridor in 11X / London District – Hounslow – Windsor – Camberley

Housing – We must publicise and educate Local Authority Housing Officers that LAs NO LONGER REQUIRE LOCAL CONNECTION

Get immediately on waiting list; affordable and rented housing; broken down relationships.
Affordable Housing; Stable rather than Social Housing

Health – Access to GPs GP Veteran Friendly Practices / Veteran Aware Hospitals; Dentists for the whole family; medical records passed across.

3. Is the Duty of ‘Due Regard’ the right approach and who should it be applied to?

Firstly, it is resource issue and a resources (people) issue. You need dedicated and committed officers rather than additional funding. The Officers can be trained up

It is the right approach!

But most should be in a Code of Practice. Keep the legal bits to the bare minimum

There is an existing Complaints Procedure, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsmen and at last Resort – Judicial Review (very expensive – starting at £50k just to look through the papers!)

Having reviewed the past 7.5 years – the main issues were Education – School Admissions and Transport – getting on the school bus

Housing – getting on the housing list -  a number of Housing Staff did not know the Local Connection requirement had gone

Main Issue:  TRAINING NEEDED

Judicial Review – defined as a explicit contravention of law.  LAST RESORT

                              Has the Agency / Body/ LA broken the law? And if so – how do you prove it?

4. How do you see the Bill impacting on service personnel and veterans?

To their advantage – the Armed Forces Community will benefit greatly and nor be disadvantaged!

Public bodies: Front Desk and Contact Centre staff will finally understand their issues.

Local Authorities will become more used to dealing with the Military and with training, they will be able to help them. They will also get to understand that the Military are unused to asking for help. They do not know or understand the difference in Parish, Town, Borough, District, Unitary or County Councils. Bluntly – why should they?!

5. Do you see disparities between Local Authorities, Regional and Devolved Assemblies?

Not that I have seen – having travelled across the UK from INVERNESS to PLYMOUTH and from SHROPSHIRE to COLCHESTER / SOUTHEND. I have worked with both Wales and Scotland’s Devolved Assemblies and it has worked really well – bar a translation issue in Wales and who would fund it!

Under Forces Connect, in total I trained 380 Elected Councillors; 250 AFCs and 3400 Front Line and Contact centre Staff and they all wanted to help the Military, Veterans and their Families.

Some Local Authorities more aware of the Covenant than others – especially if no Military presence in their Area! Most Local Authorities have both Ex-Service / Veterans and Cadets living in their Area  

Armed Forces Champions were all keen to work cross-departments and most report back to the Leader as it is a PUBLIC APPOINTMENT. The local Civilian-Military Partnership Boards (CMPBs) function really well

6. What should be in the Statutory Guidance?

There are practical issue and suggestions as to how to meet the aims of the Bill. But it will be up to each Council to decide how it delivers tis Covenant commitments

Such guidance needs to be subject to consultation with the main stakeholders – Local Authorities

Training tools - advice – best practice – easy access

7. Who should this apply – just Local Authorities? Practitioners? Housing Officers?

Local Authorities; Housing Associations; NHS Trusts / CCGs; Private Schools; Academies and Governors as they all exercise public functions in policy areas

8. How do we enforce?

No need to enforce – rely on element of good will and best practice

Light touch approach - demonstrate ‘due regard’ has been taken

Give good examples of best practice in the Annual Covenant Report

Use the MoD Employers Recognition Scheme – to NURTURE and NUDGE to get LAs to ‘conform’

Charter Marks as good Military Friendly Employers

9. Do we need to specify outcomes?

Armed Forces Covenant is like an INSURANCE POLICY = AA / RAC

Most don’t need it

No.     The Legislation should not mandate specific public service delivery outcomes or advantageous treatment of the Armed Forces Community.

We will see a LEVELLING UP

As I see it – the proposed legislation is there to ensure that Local Authorities and their staff consider the issues facing the Armed Forces Community in these three key areas of Education, Housing and Health that impact on their day-to--day lives.

NO LONGER A POST CODE LOTTERY

ULTIMATE AIM:-

To have a fully integrated Armed Forces Community with Society – working together in partnership in support of each other.

It is good step forward as it is the part of the Covenant that impacts on Family Life

Not to say, those are the only areas the Covenant covers

Eg Spousal Employment in the UK and Overseas

Extra Support for ex-service personnel seeking employment = Guaranteed Interviews and Mentor / CV writing

*These could be in the Code of Practice as part of best practice

* Employment is also covered in the MoD Defence Employers Recognition Scheme

MY QUESTION

How do you avoid showing positive advantage by removing disadvantage?

SUMMARY HOPE

That Parliament makes it easy for Local Authorities to implement – rather than through enforcement – so it becomes part of a council’s everyday practice

Canon Peter BRUINVELS CC

Armed Forces Champion and Covenant Lead to the APPG

June 2022

Annex 7 – Armed Forces Act 2021 – Introduction and Brief on the Armed Forces Covenant (MP’s) – November 2022

A GUIDE TO THE NEW ARMED FORCES COVENANT LEGISLATON

Canon Peter Bruinvels CC

THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT 

• To remind one, the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the Nation that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families, will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public services as a result of their military service. It also allows for special provision for those who have sacrificed the most, such as the bereaved and injured. 

• MoD is the lead Department in central Government. As many of the levers for supporting the Armed Forces Community sit with other Government Departments, the Devolved Administrations and Local Authorities, MoD works closely with them and others in the public, charitable and private sectors to deliver the Covenant.  

• The Armed Forces Act 2006 sets out the requirement for the Secretary of State for Defence to lay a report before Parliament annually to cover the effects of membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces on Service People especially in the fields of healthcare, education and housing provision. 

• The Armed Forces Covenant applies throughout the UK. It is delivered across all sectors of society, including the core areas of healthcare, education and housing, which are devolved. As such, its implementation is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions, to optimise local support in our case across the SE (11 Security Assistance Brigade and HQ SE).   

• The Covenant, in its current form, has been in operation for over ten years, during which time much progress has been made to improve the lives of Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. Since 2011, over 12,250 businesses and every local authority in Great Britain including Surrey and all D’s and B’s have made pledges to support the Armed Forces Community.

• Covenant delivery is supported by the £10M per year Armed Forces Covenant Fund administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, an independent grant-making body with charitable status. One such grant funded the Forces Connect App which assists all Service Personnel in need.

NEW COVENANT LEGISLATION 

• The Armed Forces Covenant was incorporated into law, as part of the Armed Forces Act 2021, to help prevent disadvantage faced by the Armed Forces Community due to the unique nature of service in the Armed Forces. The Bill received Royal Assent unopposed in December 2021.

• While good procedures and initiatives have been put in place by service providers over the last ten years, the Government remains concerned that some members of the Armed Forces Community still face disadvantage when accessing public services. This is often caused by a lack of awareness of the Covenant and the unique nature of service in the Armed Forces. 

• This legislation was designed to increase awareness of – and, in turn, improve the delivery of – the Covenant in those key areas that are fundamental to a good life for the Military family, while retaining the ability of local service providers to honour the Covenant in the best way to suit local needs. 

• The Armed Forces Act 2021 is now law and was enacted via Statutory Instrument by both Houses of Parliament on 22 November 2022.

AIMS OF THE LEGISLATION 

• The aim of new legislation is to increase awareness among service providers and policymakers of the unique obligations and circumstances facing the Armed Forces Community and to build understanding of how these can affect their requirements of, and ability to access, key public services particularly from Local Authorities. 
• By embedding this understanding in public-sector decision-making via a new statutory duty to have ‘due regard’ to the principles of the Covenant, the legislation is expected to help improve the overall delivery of public services for the Armed Forces Community. It will help raise the floor – not set the ceiling – for consistent delivery of the Covenant across the UK.

HOW THE LEGISLATION WILL WORK 

• The focus of the legislation is on local and regional service provision, covering those aspects of public housing, education and healthcare that are most likely to affect serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

• The legislation introduced a new duty on relevant public bodies, when exercising certain aspects of their public functions, to have ‘due regard’ to the three principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. These are:

1.                Recognising the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces.

2.                That it is desirable to remove disadvantages arising for service people from  

               membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces.

3.                That special provision for Service People may be justified by the effect on such people

               of membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces.  

• The new Duty requires those who are subject to it to consciously consider the Armed Forces Community when developing policy and making decisions in the specified policy areas, taking the three principles set out above into consideration.  

• The legislation also gives the Secretary of State for Defence powers to broaden the scope of the Duty to include other bodies and functions in the future, following consultation with stakeholders. This has been kept under review as the new Duty is implemented.

Who  

• The new Duty of ‘Due Regard’ will apply to relevant public bodies exercising specified public functions in the education, healthcare and housing sectors. 

• The public body must therefore give weight to the new duties as outlined in the Armed Forces Covenant, thereby helping them better understand the needs of Armed Forces Community.

• The Armed Forces Community includes serving members, reservists, veterans and families. 

Summary

As public bodies, all Local Authorities will need to show ‘due regard’ when considering applications from Service Personnel seeking School Admissions, Housing Accommodation and Healthcare. I believe LAs are well placed to handle such requests as they already do it as it is the right thing to do. The plan is to ‘tighten up’ the Armed Forces Covenant that might then be enshrined in law – firstly by Statutory Guidelines and then through the Armed Forces Act.

In summary, the SE already does the ‘right thing’ without the need for any new legislation. One recommendation already coming through is that the Armed Forces Community should also be trained along with frontline staff on what the Armed Forces Covenant does and does not do in support of them. All of us are keen to ‘manage expectations’ and this has become even more important with an increase in demand from regular and ex-service personnel seeking the best school or one of best houses in their local area across Surrey.

Canon Peter BRUINVELS CC is Civilian-Military Adviser to Surrey CC and an MoD Accredited Trainer on the Armed Forces Community and the Armed Forces Act in particular. He gave oral and then written evidence to the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill and is now Armed Forces Champion and Parliamentary Lead to the All-Party Armed Forces Covenant Group (APPG).

Annex 8 – Forces Connect App

Annex 9 – Surrey County Council – Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (‘JSNA’) on the Armed Forces Community – December 2024 (link to online document)

14th January 2025

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