Agenda item

11 Security Force Assistance Brigade Update

  • Strategic Update
  • Task Force Commander Update

 

 

Minutes:

Strategic Update – Col John Baynham

A verbal update was given to the board outlining changes and focus of 11 Brigade. They continue to be extremely busy and recent operations have included:

  • Ongoing support with training for Ukrainian forces (5000 trained to date with target of 10,000 by end of the year)
  • The Queen’s Jubilee and funeral
  • Migrants in Calais
  • On standby to support winter resilience where needed

 

Irish Guards are now back in 11 Brigade following public duties with London District and will continue their role as a Task Force Commander for Surrey.

 

Engagement:

  • SE Leadership Challenge – 400 people attended the Longmoor event over two days in October from schools, explorers and employers (many of which were from Surrey)
  • Employer Recognition Scheme – Surrey is doing well with organisations registered as Bronze, Silver and Gold.  It was noted that a number of Surrey local authorities are wishing to proceed to silver this year when the application process opens.
  • Schools Engagement Programme ongoing across the county in seven Surrey schools.

 

A reminder to all that the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund has money available under the following programmes:

 

Closing date: 14 Nov 2022

Grants of up to £10,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration

 

Closing date: 14 Nov 2022

Up to £100,000 over up to 3 years.

 

It was noted that councillors are well placed to inform projects or charities in their local area who may be eligible to apply for funds.  Sarah Goodman is happy to discuss any potential bids and provide support.

Action All: Spread the word about this funding opportunity.

 

Events to note:

  • 20 Oct 2022 - SERFCA Lord-Lieutenant Awards Ceremony at Guildford Cathedral.
  • 9 Nov 2022 – Heritage Day event at Brookwood Cemetery.  Seeking to involve further education colleges and community representatives such as members of the board.  Will highlight the unique nature of service.

 

Action: Louise Punter to link in with Richard Moore and support with further education contacts where helpful.

 

TASK FORCE COMMANDER UPDATE:

 

ATC Pirbright - Lt Col Shamus Kelly

Debbie Goldsmith provided a verbal update on behalf of Col Shamus regarding ATC Pirbright:

 

Events to note:

  • 27 September 2022 - Hosted an engagement and training day with the Surrey Armed Forces team for Armed Forces Champions and Covenant leads across the county.  It was a very positive and productive day, doing much to build understanding and strengthen partnerships.

 

  • 28 October 2022 - Royal British Legion Surrey Poppy Launch 2022

ATC Pirbright will again host the launch of the poppy appeal in Surrey.  All members of the board have been invited.

 

  • 15 March 2023 – Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference

Annual event will be hosted again in Granby Hall.

 

Remembrance – main focus for ATC Pirbright will be events at Brookwood Cemetery and supporting Guildford, Woking and Knaphill.

 

Pass Off Parades

Members of the Board were invited to attend a pass of parade at Pirbright. Action: Debbie to share dates with the Board, who would be very welcome to attend.

 

Footpath / tunnel

Hoping work will begin shortly to create a safe walkway under the railway bridge in Pirbright.  It was noted that this is a great example of partnership and will do much to improve safety – especially for young families.

 

1st Battalion Irish Guards – Capt Ryan Robinson

The board welcomed Capt Ryan Robinson, who gave a verbal update on the work being undertaken by the Irish Guards who have now returned to 11 Security Force Assistance Bridge. 

 

Prince William presented their new colours in May and they were the last Battalion to troupe new colours in front of Queen Elizabeth II.

 

The Battalion were honoured to provide support to the Jubilee and the state funeral. Africa is the current focus of activities - providing training and support in Tanzania, Uganda and returning from Sierra Leon.

 

From January 2023 they will support the training of Ukrainian forces.

Capt Robinson stated his intention to invite Board members to up Barracks in due course to develop links and discuss what is possible.

 

The Board agreed they would be keen to attend and to reciprocate – ensuring local councils provide necessary resources and support to the Battalion.