Suffolk appoints new Armed Forces Commissioner

Why it matters: The politically independent volunteer role is crucial for ensuring that Suffolk's armed forces community is not disadvantaged by living and working in the county.

The details: Smith works as a performance manager for a national charity and brings significant military experience to the role, including:

• A career beginning with the Royal Air Force
• 29 years as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer in Suffolk
• Current position as Colonel Cadets for East Anglia
• Chairman of the Suffolk branch of SSAFA, the armed forces charity
• Service as a parish councillor

In his words: "I am looking forward to continuing the positive work that Lee and my other predecessors have started," Smith said.

"By combining what I have learnt from my employment, charity work and military service to advocate for all of our armed forces community in Suffolk, I want to ensure they are not disadvantaged by living and working in our lovely county."

What they're saying: Councillor Mick Fraser, Suffolk County Council's Armed Forces Champion, praised the appointment: "Andy has a very strong understanding of the armed forces service provider sector and the welfare needs of our serving armed forces units, so this appointment is really good news for Suffolk's armed forces community."

For context: Lee Holloway served as Suffolk's third Armed Forces Commissioner since March 2022 while also working as chief executive officer of the national armed forces charity the Officers' Association.

Holloway reflected on his time in the role: "Whilst the day job means I'm already delivering to part of the armed forces community, the role of Armed Forces Commissioner for Suffolk has enabled me to engage and learn about local delivery."

"Whilst I've engaged military units, service charities and learnt more about statutory sector services, the role has enabled me to learn about Suffolk as a county too."

The bottom line: The Armed Forces Commissioner volunteers to lead Suffolk's covenant board, ensuring continued support for the county's military community.