Council hosts successful Armed Forces Conference in Aylesbury

Buckinghamshire Council held an Armed Forces Conference on Monday to promote the benefits of businesses and organisations signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Representatives from local businesses, charities and military organisations attended the event held at The Gateway in Aylesbury.

The conference included presentations on the Armed Forces Covenant and its benefits, as well as first-hand experiences of being a reservist and running a 'Forces Friendly' business. Guests also had the opportunity to visit stalls run by military charities, cadet groups and local employers who have already signed the covenant.

Several organisations signed the Armed Forces Covenant on the day, demonstrating their commitment to supporting the armed forces community. By signing the covenant, organisations pledge to support those currently serving or who have served in the UK armed forces and their families.

Cllr Arif Hussain, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

"This event is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the armed forces community. By encouraging more organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, we can continue to support our servicemen and women, both past and present, as well as their families.

"I would like to thank all of the attendees, speakers, and partners, for their support in making the Armed Forces Conference 2023 a resounding success."

Cllr Mimi Harker OBE, Buckinghamshire Council's Armed Forces Champion, added:

"This conference was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the crucial role that businesses and organisations play in supporting our armed forces community in Buckinghamshire. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, they are making a tangible commitment to those who serve our nation, ensuring that they and their families receive the recognition and support they truly deserve."

The event ties in with the council's ambition to achieve Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – which recognises employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community.

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant and how to become a 'Forces Friendly' employer, visit Buckinghamshire Council's Armed Forces webpage.

To commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June, Buckinghamshire Council will be raising ceremonial flags on Monday 19 June in Aylesbury at 11:30am with Chairman Patricia Birchley, and then in High Wycombe at 2pm with Vice Chairman Mimi Harker OBE. The flags will stay raised throughout the week, including Reserves Day on Wednesday 21 June.