Guidance

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

Updated 3 December 2024

The Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees (VAPC) are a regional network that will help veterans and their families to access vital welfare support.

There are 13 regional committees across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales each one having between 12 and 20 members. They will ensure that the best possible service is provided locally. The committees have built on the role of the previous war pension committees and are made up of volunteers from a cross-section of the local community with a genuine interest in furthering the support available to veterans and their families, including health, social care, legal professionals and veterans groups.

The VAPC Chairperson and members will play a central role in the recruitment of members and in promoting the interests and welfare of veterans and their families. Committee members are expected to be involved in a wide ranging agenda of issues relating to the functions of the committee.

The committee meets in full between 2 and 4 times a year, all committee posts are voluntary with reimbursement of travelling expenses and loss of earnings allowance payable if appropriate.

All appointments and re-appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

2024

November

Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) reappointment

One member has been reappointed to the Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years from 22 February 2024 to 21 February 2027.

October

North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

Gordon Crosthwaite, Stuart Crozier, Christopher Tearney, Richard Tucker, Neil Tully, Shirley Wilson and Guy Wynne-Jones have been appointed as members of the North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 4 March 2024 until 3 March 2027.

South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointment

Patrick Lyster-Todd has been reappointed to the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years from 22 March 2024 to 21 March 2027.

West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointment

Neil Shastri-Hurst has been re-appointed to the West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years from 30 April 2024 to 29 April 2027.

September

Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointment

Malcolm Johnston has been re-appointed to the Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years from 2 March 2024 to 1 March 2027.

London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointments

9 members of the London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been re-appointed for a further 3 years. Bishnu Gurung, Alpa Raja, James Blake, Caroline Flynn-MacLeod, Annabel Goulding, Carl Hunter, Frances Luczyc Wyhowska, Charles Perrett and Laurence Stone’s appointments came into effect on 22 March 2024 until 21 March 2027.

Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointment

1 member has been re-appointed to the Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years from 22 February 2024 to 21 February 2027.

West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointments

4 members of the West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been reappointed for a further 3 years. Guy Cooper, David Jones, Mark Jackson and Julian Veal’s appointments came into effect on 30 April 2024 until 29 April 2027.

August

South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointment

Clive Hunt has been re-appointed to the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years from 22 March 2024 to 21 March 2027.

South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extension

Ian Talbot’s appointment to the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) has been extended from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extensions

3 members of the North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been extended for a further 12 months. Lee Paddock, Paulette Lappin, and Laura Horner’s appointments came into effect on 1 May 2024 until 30 April 2025.

July

North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extension

Anthony Clare’s appointment to the North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) has been extended from 22 February 2024 to 21 February 2025.

North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointments

5 members of the North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been re-appointed for a further 3 years. Andrew Bacon, Michael Oliver and Christopher Thomas’ appointments came into effect on 2 March 2024 until 1 March 2027. Anthony Harrison and Robin Jackson’s appointments came into effect on 11 April 2024 until 10 April 2027.

Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

James Wright, Diane Palmer, Ian Andrews and Barrie Griffiths have been appointed as members of the Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 12 February 2024 until 11 February 2027.

South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

Ceri Bowen, Barry Firth, Iain Henderson, Karl Jones, Natasha Mason and Garry Pither have been appointed as members of the South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 12 February 2024 until 11 February 2027.

Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointments

6 members of the Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been re-appointed for a further 3 years. Huw Sherrard, Donald Young, Alan Hamilton and Susan Raw’s appointments came into effect on 22 February 2024 until 21 February 2027. Kate Thomas and Iain Findlay’s appointments came into effect on 22 March 2024 until 21 March 2027.

Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointments

4 members of the Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been re-appointed for a further 3 years. Iain Burnside, Christopher Nolan, Richard Short and Elspeth Duemmer-Wrigley’s appointments came into effect on 22 February 2024 until 21 February 2027.

South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) re-appointments

4 members of the South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee have been re-appointed for a further 3 years. Christopher Rose, Duncan Tilley, Anthony Thompson and Guy Williams’s appointments came into effect on 22 February 2024 until 21 February 2027.

East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extension

David Houghton’s appointment to the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) has been extended from 2 March 2024 to 1 March 2025.

West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extension

Scott Thornton’s appointment to the West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) has been extended from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extension

Antony Metcalfe’s appointment to the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) has been extended from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

May

East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Families has appointed the following 5 candidates as members of the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 12 February 2024 until 11 February 2027.

• Philip Brooks-Stephenson
• Ian Bustin
• Helen Carter
• Graham Heath
• David Tomlinson

April

West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Families has appointed the following 2 candidates as members of the West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee:

• Charlie Henning
• Lesley Wilde

The appointments will be for 3 years, and came into effect on 1 February 2024 until 31 January 2027.

South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Families has appointed the following 2 candidates as members of the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 26 February 2024 until 25 February 2027.

The candidates are:

• Gary Cass
• John Scivier

Interim Chair of the Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) extension

The Minister for Defence People and Families appointed an Interim Chair to the Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee, which commenced on 12 January 2024, to last until 30 April 2024. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership to the Committee until a new substantive Chair is appointed.

An extension to the interim appointment has been approved for a period of two months, and will be until 1 July 2024, but will end sooner if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier, at which point they will revert to their member role. A further extension has been approved for a period of six months, and will end on 1 January 2025, or sooner when a substantial Chair has been appointed.

February

Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Families has appointed the following 3 candidates as members of the Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 1 February 2024 until 31 January 2027.

• Derek Cross
• Christopher Mason
• Ronald Laden

London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Families has appointed the following 2 candidates as members of the London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will be for 3 years and came into effect on 1 February 2024 until 31 January 2027.

• Victoria Bell
• Adam Kurzeja

East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People and Families has re-appointed Mr Barry Smith as the Chair of the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 12 months commencing 18 March 2024 until 17 March 2025.

January

Chair of the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People and Families has appointed Ms Lisa Rawlings as the Chair of the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a period of 3 years commencing 1 February 2024 until 31 January 2027. Ms Rawling’s current appointment as Interim Chair to the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee was extended on 16 December 2023 and will end on 31 January 2024 after which, her substantive appointment will take effect.

2023

August

Interim Chair of the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Ms Lisa Rawlings as Interim Chair to the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 7 August 2023. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim arrangement will be for a period of four months, and will be until 15 December 2023, or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier at which point she will revert to her Member role.

June

Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Mrs Carolyn Caddick as the Chair of the Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a period of 3 years commencing 24 April 2023 until 23 April 2026. Mrs Caddick was elected to the Highland Council as the Liberal Democrat Councillor for Inverness South Ward in November 2011 until May 2022.

May

North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Mr Peter Standfield as the Chair of the North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a period of 3 years commencing 24 April 2023 until 23 April 2026.

South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Dr Graham Cable as the Chair of the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a period of 3 years commencing 26 April 2023 until 25 April 2026. Prior to this, Dr Graham Cable was appointed as the Interim Chair which commenced 17 March 2023.

South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Mr Jeffrey Spencer as the Chair of the South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a period of 3 years commencing 26 April 2023 until 25 April 2026.

London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Mr Robin Herzberg as the Chair of the London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a period of 3 years commencing 26 April 2023 until 25 April 2026.

February

East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair extension

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has approved an extension to Mr Barry Smith’s current appointment as Chair of the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 12 months commencing 18 March 2023 and ending 17 March 2024.

Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has re-appointed Mr Paul Beresford-Green as the Chair of the Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years commencing 18 March 2023 and ending 17 March 2026.

West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has re-appointed Mr Simon Brake as the Chair of the West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years commencing 18 March 2023 and ending 17 March 2026.

Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Chair re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has re-appointed Mr Alex Baxter as the Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) for a further 3 years commencing 25 January 2023 and ending 24 January 2026.

2022

December

Interim Chair of the London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Mr Robin Herzberg as Interim Chair to the London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 24 November 2022. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim arrangement will be for a period of five months, until 25 April 2023, or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier.

Interim Chair of the Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has appointed Mr Alan Hamilton as Interim Chair to the Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 24 November 2022. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim arrangement will be for a period of five months, until 25 April 2023, or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier.

Interim Chair extension of the North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families has approved Mr Laurie McLeman’s Interim Chair extension to the North East Region Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 1 December 22. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim extension will be until 25 April 2023 or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier.

November

Interim Chair of the South West Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Jeffrey Spencer as Interim Chair to the South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 26 July 2022, following the departure of the substantive Chair. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim arrangement will be for a period of 9 months, until 25 April 2023, or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier.

September

West Midlands Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 5 candidates as members of the West Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and came into effect from 20 June 2022 until 19 June 2025.

• Lt Col Andrew Wadland
• Mrs Frances Castle
• Mr Jaswant Mann
• Mrs Robyn Capps
• Mr Stuart Potter

August

Wales Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 5 candidates as members of the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and came into effect on 3 May 2022 until 2 May 2025.

• Mr John McEwan
• Mrs Kelly Farr
• Mrs Rosemarie Harris
• Mrs Sarah Hattle
• Mrs Alex Walker

July

South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 6 candidates as members of the South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and came into effect on 29 April 2022 until 28 April 2025.

• Mr Emlyn Phennah
• Mr Kieran Bird
• Mrs Amanda Brown
• Mr Michael Bryan
• Mr Phillip Orr
• Miss Abigail Pierce

Chair of the Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Group Captain Stewart Blackburn as Chair of the Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointment will last for 3 years and will take effect from 25 May 2022 until 24 May 2025.

Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 5 candidates as members of the Eastern Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and will take effect from 03 May 2022 until  02 May 2025.

• Mr Stephen Heard
• Mr Andrew Catton
• Mr James Clark
• Mrs Esme Cole
• Mr Sean Costello

North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Lt Col Colin Gordon and Lt Col James Turner to the North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and will take effect from 17 June 2022 until 16 June 2025.

June

North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 4 candidates as members of the North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and will take effect from 18 April 2022 until 17 April 2025.

• Mrs Alison Salford
• Mr Liam Hopley
• Mr Dominic Donnini
• Miss Grace Henderson

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Mr Laurie McLeman as Interim Chair to the North East Region Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 31 May 22, following the announcement of the current substantive Chair of her intent to resign with effect from 30 June. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim arrangement will be for a period of six months, until 30 November 22, or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier.

South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) appointments

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 3 candidates as members of the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for 3 years and will take effect from 22 April 2022 and ending on 21 April 2025.

Squadron Leader Nicholas Berryman
Mr Colin Howe
Mrs Debra Soper

May

East Midlands

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following three candidates as members of the East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointments will last for three years and will take effect from 18 April 2022 until 17 April 2025.

Members appointed:

• Col Ian Crowe
• Dr Karen Cox
• Mr Rohan Moonesinghe

March

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Eastern re-appointment:

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed Katharine Hutton within the Eastern VAPC region, for a period of three years commencing on 19 March 2022 and expiring 18 March 2025.

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee South East re-appointment:

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed Andrew McHugh and Craig Jones within the South East region, for a period of three years commencing on 19 March 2022 and expiring 18 March 2025.

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee Northern Ireland re-appointment:

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed John Morrison within the Northern Ireland VAPC region, for a period of three years commencing on 19 March 2022 and expiring 18 March 2025.

February

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Malcolm Johnston and Robert Catton as joint Interim Chairs to the Eastern Region Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee from 25 January 2022, following the departure of the substantive Chair. This was done under section 3.3 of the Governance Code on Public Appointments in order to provide leadership of the Committee until a new substantive Chair can be appointed. The interim arrangement will be for a period of 6 months, until 24 July 2022, or will end sooner, if a substantive Chair can be appointed earlier.

January

Chair of the North West region Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC)

A decision has been made by Ministers to postpone this campaign and to relaunch later in the year.

2021

November

Northern Ireland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee: member re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed the following members to the Northern Ireland region. The appointment will be for 3 years and took effect from 28 August 2021 until 27 August 2024.

Mr John Gilmour
Mr Colin Elder
Mr Paul Kennedy
Mr John Stewart
Mr Herbert Fleming

South West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee: chair re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed Mr Paul Cartwright as the Chair of the South West region for a period of 3 years commencing on 26 September 2021 until 25 September 2024.

East Midlands Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee: member re-appointment

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed Mrs Helen Drew-Bradley as a Member of the East Midlands region for a period of 3 years commencing on 28 August 2021 until 27 August 2024.

North West Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee: chair extension

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed Lt. Col. Lighten to the North West region. The appointment will be for 1 year and will take effect from 18 August 2021 until 17 August 2022.

Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC) Yorkshire and Humber: chair extension

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has extended Mr Alex Baxter for the Yorkshire and Humber region, for a period of 12 months commencing on 25 January 2022 until 24 January 2023.

May

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 6 new members to the West Midlands region. The appointment will be for 3 years and took effect from 30 April 2021 until 29 April 2024.

• Mr Astakhar Ahmed
• Lt Col Guy Cooper
• Mr Mark Jackson
• Mr David Jones
• Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst
• Mr Julian Veal

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed the following members, across various regions, for a period of 3 years commencing on 1st April 2021 until 30th March 2024

Wales

• Antony Metcalfe

West Midlands

• Scott Thornton

South East

• Carron Snagge
• Ian Talbot

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed the following members, across various regions, for a period of 3 years commencing on 1st May 2021 until 30th April 2024

North West

• Laura Horner
• Paulette Lappin
• Lee Paddock

South East

• Dan Brooks

South West

• Richard Bennington

West Scotland

• Paul Cleugh
• Yorks and Humber
• Gary Collins

April

London

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 11 new members to the London region. The appointment will be for 3 years and took effect from 22 March 2021 until 21 March 2024.

• Mrs Caroline Flynn-MacLeod
• Miss Annabel Goulding
• Mr Francis Herzberg
• Mr Carl Hunter
• Mr Oliver Leeming
• Ms Rebecca Lefort
• Mrs Frances Luczyc Wyhowska
• Mr Nicholas Mazzei
• Mr Matthew Neave
• Mr Charles Perrett
• Mr Larry Stone

West Scotland

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 5 new members to the West Scotland region. The appointment will be for 3 years and took effect from 22 February 2021 until 21 February 2024.

• Mrs Megan Brackley
• Mr Iain Findlay
• Mr Alexander Reid
• Mrs Kate Thomas
• Lt Col Andrew Ward

March

East Midlands

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 5 new members to the East Midlands region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 2 March 2021 until 1 March 2024.

• Mr Neil Calvert
• Mr David Hawley
• Mr Gary Holden
• Gr Captain David Houghton
• Mr Edward MacIntyre.

East Scotland

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 7 new members to the East Scotland region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 February 2021 until 21 February 2024.

• Mr Richard Anderson
• Major Laura Cox
• Mr Alan Hamilton
• Mr Mark Logie
• Mrs Susan Raw
• Mr Huw Sherrard
• Mr Donald Young.

Eastern

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 4 new members to the Eastern region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 2nd March 2021 until 1st March 2024.

• Group Captain Stewart Blackburn
• Mr Sean Howlett
• Mr Malcolm Johnston
• Mr Geoffrey Smith.

North East

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 5 new members to the North East region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 February 2021 until 21 February 2024.

• Mr David Blueman
• Mr Andrew Cammiss
• Mr Tony Clare
• Mrs Jacquelyn Nicholson
• Mr Peter Standfield.

North West

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed 6 new members to the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee North West region. The following 4 members took up their appointments from 2 March 2021 until 1 March 2024.

• Mr Chris Thomas
• Mr Chris Owen
• Mr Michael Oliver
• Professor Andrew Bacon.

Dr Robin Jackson and Captain Anthony Harrison will take up their appointments on 11 April 2021 until 10 April 2024.

Northern Ireland

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 4 new members to the Northern Ireland region The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 February 2021 until 21 February 2024.

• Mr Tim Hedgley
• Mr Ryan McCready
• Mr Liam O’Connor
• Mrs Barbara Stuart.

South West

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 8 new members to the South West region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 February 2021 until 21 February 2024.

• Mr Lee Bushby
• Mrs Dawn Civill-Williams
• Mr Benjamin Obese-Jecty
• Mr Charlie Radclyffe
• Mr Christopher Rose
• Mr Anthony Thompson
• CDR Duncan Tilley
• Mr Guy Williams.

South East

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 8 new members to the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 March 2021 until 21 March 2024.

• Mr Stephen Fradley
• Mr Simon Furlong
• Mr Clive Hunt
• Mr Stephen James
• Lt Com Patrick Lyster-Todd
• Councillor Ashley Merry
• Mr Neil Strachan
• Miss Fiona Sweny.

Wales

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 6 new members to the Wales region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 February 2021 until  21 February 2024.

• Janice Charles
• Graham Jones
• Richard Jones
• Barrie Meek
• Lance Patterson
• Finola Pickwell.

VAPC Chair - Wales

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Ms Beverly Garside as Chair of the Wales Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2024.

Yorkshire and Humber

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 8 new members to the Yorkshire and Humber region. The appointment will be for 3 years and will take effect from 22 February 2021 until  21 February 2024.

• Mr Huw Bell
• Dr Iain Burnside
• Mrs Judith Donovan
• Ms Elspeth Duemmer-Wrigley
• Mrs Yvonne MacDonald
• Mr Chris Nolan
• Stephen Norton
• Mr Richard Short

2020

November

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Mrs Lesley Smith as Chair of the North East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointment will last for 3 years and will take effect from 12 November 2020 until 11 November 2023.   

September

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Mr David Page as Chair of the West Scotland Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee and Mr Robert Nitsch as Chair of the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee. The appointment will last for 3 years and will take effect from 24 September 2020 until 23 September 2023.

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans appoints 53 members across various regions detailed below:

All new appointees take up a 3 year term from 18 March 2020 to 17 March 2023.

East Midlands

• George Ellison
• Andrew Holt
• Thomas Smith
• Michael Whitehead
• Samantha Wileman

East Scotland

• Michael McCourt
• Donald Prentice

Eastern

• Ruth Bell
• Paul Findlay
• Andrew Stephenson

London

• Heather Betts
• Wendy Morris
• Matthew Seward
• Matthew Woolgar-Toms

North East

• Sean Cockburn
• Sheila Crosby
• Laurie McLeman
• Michael Potts
• Peter Sinclair
• Mark Steed
• Mark Thirlwell
• Alasdair Watson

Northern Ireland

• Kingsley Donaldson
• Blair Mayne

South West

• Anica Alvarez-Nishio
• Hamilton Elliott
• Nigel Lewis
• Vaughan Magor
• Andrew Ottaway
• David Wood

Wales

• Thomas Hall
• Lisa Rawlings
• Arfon Williams

West Midlands

• John Atherton
• Mary Carter
• Raymond Griffiths
• Sylvia Parkin

West Scotland

• Audrey Cuthbertson
• William Lindsay
• Caroline Robertson

Yorks and Humber

• Duncan Bell
• Alex Bentley
• Tim Cole
• Steven Griffiths
• Adrian Hunt
• Terry Reilly
• Helen Singleton
• Alan Skidmore
• John Topping

Interviews for the South East region took place in June 2020 and The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed the following 4 new members to the South East Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee.

The appointment will last for 3 years and will take effect from 28 September 2020 until 27 September 2023. 

• Mr Graham Cable
• Mr Amran Hussain
• Ms Kate Steel
• Mr James Partridge

March

The following members were appointed Chairs by the minister and will take up post for 3 years beginning on 18 March 2020 and ending on 17 March 2023:

• Barry Smith, East Midlands
• Simon Brake, West Midlands
• Sir Arthur Charles, London
• Paul Beresford-Green, Northern Ireland

February

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has re-appointed the following members, across various regions, for a period of 3 years from 23 February 2020 to 22 February 2020:

• Mr Michael Almond, Eastern
• Mrs Susan Brenchley, Eastern
• Mr Robert Catton, Eastern
• Mr Barrie Griffiths, Eastern
• Mr Christopher Titmuss, Eastern
• Mr Andrew Ashley-Taylor, North West
• Mrs Helen Ashley-Taylor, North West
• Mr Alan Finnegan, North West
• Mrs Vicky Jeffers, North West
• Mrs Celia Hynes , North West
• Mrs Diane West, North West
• Mr Richard Hurwood, East Midlands
• Mr Stavros Melides, East Midlands
• Mr David Taylor, East Midlands
• Mr James Wright, East Midlands
• Mrs Lesley Smith, North East

Re-appointed for a period of 3 years from 21 April 2020 to 29 April 2023:

• Mr Peter Mason,Yorks and Humber
• Mr Franklin Owusu-Antwi, South West
• Mr Jeffrey Spencer, South West
• Mr Stuart Roberts, West Scotland

Re-appointed for a period of 3 years from 20 August 2020 to 19 August 2023:

• Mr Ian Doyle, Wales

The following 11 members have been extended across various regions: Accepting a further term between 11 April 2020 and 10 April 2021:

Region	Member names
West Scotland	Emma Forbes
West Scotland	James Henderson
West Scotland	Joseph Stanfield
West Scotland	Dudley Walker
Yorks and Humber	Richard Short
East Scotland	Alistair Gemmell
East Scotland	Susan Law
North West	Michael Oliver
North West	Christopher Owen
North West	Michael Taylor
North West	Christopher Thomas

2019

March

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans appoints 22 members across various regions detailed below:

• Bentley Strafford-Stephenson, East Midlands
• Julia Taberham, East Midland
• Colin Caughey, Northern Ireland
• Robert Hopton, Northern Ireland
• John Morrison, Northern Ireland
• Joan Ferrer, South East
• Katharine Hutton, South East
• Craig Jones, South East
• Karen McArthur, South East
• Andrew McHugh, South East
• Patrick Nicoll, South East
• Alexander Platts, South East
• Christopher Reynolds, South East
• Guy (David) Clarke, Wales
• Beverly Garside, Wales
• David Munson, Wales
• Finola Pickwell, Wales
• Rachel McGrath, West Midlands
• Patrick Tissington, West Midlands
• Michael Boyle, West Scotland
• Jonathan Treen, Yorkshire and Humberside

All new appointees take up a 3 year term from 19 March 2019 to 20 March 2022.

January

The following members were appointed Chairs by the minister and will take up post for an interim term of 3 years beginning on 25 January 2019 and ending on 24 January 2022.

• Janis Mumford, Eastern
• Prof William Ball, east Scotland
• Alexander Baxter, Yorkshire and Humberside

2018

September

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has, this month, appointed Brigadier Paul Cartwright as Chair of VAPC, in the South West region, for a period of 3 years from 26 September 2018 to 25 September 2021.

The following 20 members have also been re-appointed across various regions:

Accepting a further term between 11 July 2018 to 10 July 2021:

• Alex Jablonowski, London
• Kenneth Courtenay, London
• Penelope Long, London
• Paul Clabburn, London
• Edward Nash, North
• William Ball, Northern Ireland
• John Berry, East Midlands
• Andrew Bacon, North East
• Ashley Jones, North East
• Ben Halfpenny, North East
• David Mayes, North East
• Shauna Dixon, North West
• David Wilson, East Midlands
• John Henson, East Midlands
• Neil Robinson, West Scotland

Accepting a further term between 18 August 2018 to 17 August 2021:

• Andrew Winnett, North East
• Melvin Pears, North East
• Stuart Green, North East
• Christopher Rushton, North East
• Lawrence O’Halleron, North East

August

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed 25 members across various regions:

• Lynette Calame, London
• Robert Evans, London
• Robert Money, London
• Andrew Ross, London
• Richard Bennington, South West
• Stephen Rowland-Jones, South West
• Sarah Stephenson, South West
• Helen Drew-Bradley, East Midlands
• Gillian Ekins, East Midlands
• Janis Mumford, East Midlands
• Dan Brooks, North West
• Michael Grell, North West
• Laura Horner, North West
• Paulette Lappin, North West
• Lee Paddock, North West
• Gary Collins, Yorkshire and Humber
• Nigel Arnold, Northern Ireland
• Colin Elder, Northern Ireland
• Herbert Fleming, Northern Ireland
• Mark Friend, Northern Ireland
• John Gilmour, Northern Ireland
• Paulette Kennedy, Northern Ireland
• Andrea Mcmahon, Northern Ireland
• John Stewart, Northern Ireland
• Paul Cleugh, West Scotland

All new appointees take up a 3 year term from 28 August 2018 to 27 August 2021.

April

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans has appointed Flick Drummond as Chair to the South East committee and Adrian Warner as Chair to the committee for Wales. Both Chairpersons have been appointed for a 3 year term from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2021.

The 9 members below were also appointed for a 3 year term from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019:

• Michael Feeney, Wales
• Anthony Metcalfe, Wales
• Alex Grieve, West Midlands
• Charlotte Harvey, West Midlands
• Scott Thornton, West Midlands
• Soundararajan Jagdis, South East
• Roger Nield, South East
• Carron Snagge, South East
• Robert Talbot, South East

2017

August

The following members were appointed for an initial term of 3 years with effect from 22 August 2017:

Wales:

• Ian Doyle
• Timothy O’Donnell

The following members were re-appointed with effect from 11 April 2017 until 20 April 2020:

East midlands:

• Patrick Rendall
• David Lomas
• Michael Whitehead

North East:

• Michael Potts

East Scotland:

• Iris McMillan
• Alistair Gemmell
• Susan Law

Eastern:

• David Mincher

North West:

• Michael Oliver
• Christopher Owen
• Michael Taylor
• Christopher Thomas

Northern Ireland:

• Phillip Hamilton
• Nicholas Purkiss

West Scotland:

• Emma Forbes
• James Henderson
• Joseph Stanfield
• Dudley Walker

Yorkshire & Humberside:

• Andrew Melville
• Richard Short

The following Chair was re-appointed with effect from 25 April 2017 until 24 April 2020:

West Scotland:

• Edward McGrachan

April

The following members were appointed with effect from 21 April until 20 April 2020:

West of Scotland:

• Stuart Roberts
• Richard Sommerville

East of Scotland:

• Sylvia Mendham

Yorkshire and Humberside:

• Peter Mason

South West:

• Franklin Owusu-Antwi
• Jeffrey Spencer
• Scott Porter

London:

• Julian Eaton
• Julie Thain-Smith

February

The following members were appointed with effect from 23 February until 22 February 2020:

Eastern:

• Susan Brenchley
• Barrie Griffiths
• Edward Connolly
• Robert Catton
• Christopher Titmuss
• Michael Almond
• Penny Kingham

North East:

• Lesley Smith

North West:

• Ian Francis
• Helen Ashley Taylor
• Celia Hynes
• Vicky Jeffers
• Diane Barlow
• Andrew Ashley Taylor
• Alan Finnegan

West Midland:

• Alan Cartwright
• Vinay Murria

East Midlands:

• David Taylor
• James Wright
• Stavros Melides
• Richard Hurwood

2016

December

The following candidates were appointed by Minister for Defence Veterans Reserves and Personnel on 23 December 2016 for an initial term of 3 years ending on 22 December 2019:

• Lieutenant Colonel (rtd)
• Kinsley Donaldson, Chair to the VAPC Northern Ireland
• Commander (rtd) Wilson Fraser, Chair to VAPC East of Scotland

September

• 7 chair re-appointments
• 103 member re-appointments

2015

August

All of the following candidates were appointed by Minister (DPV) on 14 August 2015 for an initial term of 3 years ending on 13 August 2018.

• Dr Julian Francis as Chair to VAPC South West region
• Lieutenant-Colonel John Lighten MBE as Chair to VAPC North West region

As members to VAPC North East region:

• Councillor John Green
• Mr Lawrence O’Halleron
• Lt. Col. (retd) Melvin Pears MBE
• Mr Christopher Rushton
• Mr Anthony Winnett
• Mr Ronald Kenning

February

Min (DPWV) has announced the appointment of Jonathan Jelley as Chair to the Eastern committee until 22 February 2018.

He also announced the following new members:

East Scotland:

• Moira Kane
• Tony Carruthers
• Jim Wilson

West Scotland:

• Laura Morrow
• Michael Richardson

North West:

• Jacqueline Longden
• Tony Bartlett

Yorkshire and Humberside:

• Michael Walters

East Midlands:

• Barry Smith
• Suhbir Bindra

West Midlands:

• Ian Macintyre
• Christopher Joynson
• Afzal Hassan
• Rosalyn Golds.

Northern Ireland:

• Peter Baillie
• James Johnston.

South West:

• David Newson
• Steven Turnbull
• Simon Reed.

London:

• Roger Hood.

All members took up appointment from 23 February 2015 for a 3 year term ending on 22 February 2018.

2014

April

1 chair and 26 members. Minister (DPWV) has announced the appointment of Edward McGrachan as Chair to the West Scotland committee until 24 April 2017.

The following new members:

• Alistair Gemmell, East Scotland
• Christine Paterson
• Iris McMillan
• Susan Law, West Scotland
• Dudley Walker
• James Allan
• Joseph Stanfield
• Emma Forbes
• James Henderson, North West
• Christopher Owen
• Michael Oliver
• Darren Clifford
• Christopher Thomas
• Michael Taylor, Yorkshire and Humberside
• Katherine Goodchild
• Anthony Stevenson
• Richard Short
• Andrew Melville, North East
• Mark Potts, eastern
• David Mincher, East Midlands
• David Lomas
• Patrick Rendall
• Michael Whitehead, Northern Ireland
• Philip Hamilton
• Nicholas Purkis
• Robert Gillespie.

All Members took up appointment from 11 April 2014 for a 3 year term ending on 10 April 2017.

2013

October

5 new appointments, 6 re-appointments and 108 re-appointments.

Minister (DPWV) has announced the appointment of the following 5 new regional chairpersons until July 2016.

• Mr Lloyd Davies, West Midlands
• Mr Christopher Downward, Wales
• Mr Timothy Archer, South West
• Mr Adrian Donaldson, Northern Ireland
• The Rt Hon Michael Mates, South East.

Min (DPWV) has announced the re-appointment of the following 6 regional chairpersons until 1 April 2016.

• Mrs Lynn Verity, London
• Mr Gary Gray, West Scotland
• Colonel (Retd) Tony Phillips, Yorkshire and Humber
• Mr David R B McGrath MBE MM, East Scotland
• Lt Col (Ret’d) Peter Poole MBE, East Midlands
• Mr Paul Kingham, North East.

A total of 108 members from across the 13 regional groups have also been re-appointed until September 2016.