Council and military leaders gathered at The Woodville in Gravesend on 29 September 2026 to share how public services can better support military personnel, veterans and their families across Kent and Medway.
Kent County Council’s leader, Linden Kemkaran, has spoken at the 12th Kent and Medway Annual Civilian-Military Armed Forces Covenant Conference, held at The Woodville in Gravesend on 29 September 2026.
This year’s theme was “working together”. The conference brought together people working across different sectors to show and share how they support military personnel, veterans and reserves.
A promise of fair treatment
KCC has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. The council has pledged that armed forces communities will not be disadvantaged in accessing KCC services as a result of their military service.
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.”
Who spoke
Speakers included 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 of the Kent and Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board, also addressed delegates.
The Ministry of Defence’s covenant lead, Patrick O’Brien, and KCC’s covenant lead, Canon Peter Bruinvels, gave a national update on the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant through the Armed Forces Bill.
Sources
Kent and Medway armed forces conference meets in Gravesend for 12th year Quiz
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