Our Armed Forces Community Team

Colchester City Council is committed to working with and supporting our Armed Forces Community.

Welcome from Cllr David King, Armed Forces Champion

Colchester has had a garrison for many years, and we are proud of the links and traditions that come with that - they help make our city a special place to work and live.

As a civilian in the Ministry of Defence, I had time in NATO, the Royal College of Defence Studies, and with coalition forces in Iraq. That helped me understand the huge qualities of service personnel, the special nature of service life, and the challenges it brings for the families of service personnel.

Colchester is our shared home. We want you to love it like we do, through the tough as well as the good times.

The team and I are here to support you and your family and can advise on many issues, or try to put you in contact with someone who can.

Our continued commitment to the armed services is reflected in the council's Gold Standard award for the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. 

We are proud of our Gold Standard award, our Armed Forces and those that serve.

Get in touch

Our Armed Forces Member Champion is Cllr David King 
Email: cllr.david.king@colchester.gov.uk

Our Lead Officer is Michelle Tarbun, Head of Health Partnerships & Wellbeing
Email: michelle.tarbun@colchester.gov.uk

Our Officer contact is Chrissy Henegan, Communities team
Email: Armed.Forces@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester Covenant Partnership Board

The Colchester Covenant Partnership Board has been established by bringing together all relevant partners including Colchester Garrison and Colchester City Council to oversee the development of the Covenant in Colchester.

What are we doing locally for the Armed Forces Community?

• Encouraging local communities to support you and your involvement in the wider community.
• Encouraging activities, joint events and projects which help to integrate you into local life.
• Nurturing an understanding and awareness of issues affecting you and recognising sacrifices made by the Armed Forces.
• Training our staff and implementing appropriate policies to support you.
• Understanding your needs while developing services.
• Providing employment and training opportunities.
• Raising awareness of the challenges you face.
• Raising your awareness of what support is available to you.
• Understanding and supporting veterans.

Essex Civil Military Partnership Board

Following the signing of the Essex Armed Forces Covenant on 6th November 2012, the Essex Civilian Military Partnership Board was established to fulfil the undertakings agreed under the Covenant, to tangibly improve the lives of all.

Colchester City Council is represented on this Board, along with public, private and voluntary sector partners to look at Essex-wide activities relating to the Armed Forces.

The Civilian Military Partnership Board is currently engaged in a comprehensive programme of work, focusing on:

• Housing
• Health and Wellbeing
• Education
• Employment and Skills
• Promoting Integration