Together, we make a difference - Community Development & Armed Forces Covenant Officer

Serena is our Community Development & Armed Forces Covenant Officer.

Working as Community Development Officer
Within this team, Serena's job involves supporting our borough's community and voluntary sector groups by finding funding and promoting events that they are hosting. She does this through a network of contacts that she's helped establish over the years.

She also represents the council when attending meetings and contributes positively towards the governance of these organisations.

Serena has a long history of working for local authorities, having previously gained experience in both Environmental Health and Housing. Below she shares why she founds council work so rewarding:

“One of my main philosophies in life is to help and support people and to make a difference to at least one person every day. Working for a borough council means that you tend to do just that.

“My favourite part of the job is working with people who care about humanity - through volunteering within the community, helping people and supporting those people who need it most.

“But it has its challenges, too. There is a lack of funding out there for the voluntary organisations to tap into. Volunteering costs money – you have to support your volunteers with the best training and by saying thank you – and meaning it. There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

Working as Armed Forces Covenant Officer
In this role, Serena is responsible for ensuring that the council is fulfilling its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve, or have served, and their families are treated fairly. To find out more please visit our webpage - www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/communities-and-wellbeing/armed-forces-covenant.

This is a cause close to Serena’s heart, as her father was a Warrant Officer in the Royal Air Force and she is reportedly the first Armed Forces Covenant Officer in Surrey to be from a military family. Serena currently supports a disabled Falklands War veteran, who is also a very keen motorcyclist – like herself. They both rode to the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium to witness the Last Post Ceremony to mark the VE Day celebrations this year.