Swindon Borough Council is looking to strengthen its relationship with the Defence Academy in Shrivenham following talks aimed at developing new partnerships in education, health, skills and community support.
Councillors visited the nationally recognised defence training and education centre last week to explore how the two organisations could work more closely on projects that benefit both the Armed Forces community and residents across the borough.
The visit was attended by Councillor Leanne Stevenson, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, alongside Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, and Councillor Vinay Manro, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.
Situated just six miles from Swindon, the Defence Academy is one of the UK’s leading centres for defence education, leadership development and research, attracting military personnel and civilian specialists from across the country.
Councillor Stevenson was first invited to visit the Academy following her appointment as Armed Forces Champion. Initial discussions focused on support for serving personnel, veterans and military families before widening to include shared priorities around education, health, innovation and community engagement.
During the visit, councillors met senior leaders from across the Academy and its partner organisations to learn more about its work in defence education, STEM programmes, research, leadership training, welfare services, sustainability and technological innovation.
The discussions highlighted several opportunities for future collaboration, including educational partnerships, skills development, health and wellbeing initiatives, cadet engagement and community outreach.
The councillors also heard about the Academy’s contribution to the local economy. Many of its staff, students and military personnel live in Swindon, creating close links between the town and the Shrivenham site through employment, education and local services.
Councillor Leanne Stevenson said the visit underlined how closely the Council’s ambitions aligned with those of the Defence Academy.
“The Defence Academy is right on Swindon’s doorstep and already has strong links with our town through the many serving personnel, veterans, staff and families who live here.
“This visit demonstrated the breadth of expertise, innovation and support services based at the Defence Academy and highlighted how many of our priorities align. We discussed opportunities spanning education, skills, health, wellbeing, sustainability and support for the Armed Forces community.
“There is real potential for us to strengthen our partnership and create benefits not only for serving personnel, veterans and military families, but for residents and communities across Swindon.”
Councillor Vinay Manro said he was particularly encouraged by the Academy’s approach to health and wellbeing.
“From an Adults and Health perspective, I was encouraged by the Academy’s focus on wellbeing and early support.
“By working together, we can improve outcomes for serving personnel, veterans, families and the wider community.”
Councillor Kate Tomlinson added that the discussions also highlighted opportunities for young people.
“Strong communities start with supporting children and families.
“There are real opportunities for educational partnerships, from young people considering a career in defence and our cadets, through to lifelong learning.”
While no formal agreements have yet been announced, both the Council and the Defence Academy say they are keen to continue discussions and develop projects that build on the close relationship already shared between Swindon and the nationally significant Shrivenham site.
