Suffolk is seeking a new Armed Forces Commissioner, with the successful candidate set to play a crucial role in supporting the military community.

Given the Shotley peninsula's historic and strong links with the armed forces, this post could well suit someone living here.

Their duties will include chairing the Suffolk Armed Forces Covenant Board, set up by Suffolk County Council and partners to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

This is of particular importance in Suffolk, as the county is home to Wattisham Flying Station, Woodbridge Station and RAF Honington, as well as reservist units based in Bury St Edmunds, Honington, Ipswich and Lowestoft.

The Board's work continues to make a real difference to these military communities. Ongoing activities include supporting the development and delivery of veterans' services, encouraging Suffolk GP surgeries to become 'Forces Friendly', and promoting employment opportunities and support.

Board members, along with the armed forces community, were also instrumental in supporting Suffolk's Covid response and assisted with the distribution of PPE and creation of community testing centres across the county during the peak of the pandemic.

Colonel (Retired) John Ogden, current Armed Forces Commissioner for Suffolk, said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the county's Covenant Board in supporting our Armed Forces and I am immensely proud of our work in recent years, from delivering improved wellbeing services to veterans, to championing the skills of service leavers to industry.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Armed Forces Commissioner for Suffolk and wish my successor the very best of luck."

Applications for the voluntary position will be accepted until 5pm on 31 January, to enable the successful candidate to start their three-year appointment in March 2022.

Anyone wishing to apply must be able to volunteer 12 days of their time in total each year, but it is not a prerequisite for a candidate to have directly served in the UK Armed Forces.

They will, however, need to learn about issues affecting the local Armed Forces community – consisting of regular military, the reserves, service families and veterans.

Further information on the vacancy, application process, and Suffolk's Armed Forces Covenant can be found at: www.suffolkmilitarycovenant.org.uk.