The conference was held at The Woodville in Gravesend on 29 September 2026. This year’s theme was “working together” and brought together people working across different sectors to demonstrate and share how they support military personnel, veterans and reserves.
KCC has signed the Armed Forces Covenant as a promise to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. The organisation has pledged to ensure armed forces communities will not be disadvantaged in accessing KCC services as a result of their service in the military.
The conference heard from a number of speakers including the Leaders of KCC and Medway Council, Naval Regional Commander Cdre Tim Green CBE ADC RN, Col Richard Hawkins and Caroline Hallet.
Jeremy Eustace, Chairman of KCC and the Kent & Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board also addressed delegates.
There was also a national update on the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant by the Armed Forces Bill by the Ministry of Defence’s covenant lead, Patrick O’Brien and KCC’s covenant lead, Canon Peter Bruinvels.
“People put their lives on the line every day to train and prepare for a time where they need to defend rights and freedoms...”
KCC’s Leader, Linden Kemkaran, said: “I was delighted to address the 12th Annual Kent & Medway Civilian-Military Armed Forces Covenant Conference.
“People put their lives on the line every day to train and prepare for a time where they need to defend rights and freedoms which we all hold so dear.
“By convening services here, we intend to send a very clear message that people who go out to protect this country will be treated with the utmost respect.”
ENDS
