Contractors from Pinnacle Group commended for exceptional support to Afghan families in UK

Contractors who went "far beyond the call of duty" in supporting Afghan families settled into life in surplus military accommodation have received commendations. Conferred twice a year alongside the state honours, commendations are awarded to individuals and teams who have performed exemplary service to the Ministry of Defence.

Last month Vice Chief of Defence Staff General Dame Sharon Nesmith recognised the seven from the Pinnacle Group for their work on the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), alongside colleagues from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

Pinnacle manages properties for Afghan citizens relocated to the UK under ARAP.

This resettlement programme launched on April 1, 2021 and is open to Afghan citizens who worked for, or with, the UK government in Afghanistan and closed to new applications on July 1.

The scheme is separate from the Afghanistan Response Route (ARR), covertly set up by the previous Conservative Government last April.

Its existence was only made public last week and led to thousands of Afghans being secretly relocated to the UK after data of those who had applied under ARAP was leaked.

Pinnacle provided support in various ways, including finding suitable housing and ensuring a smooth transition for these individuals and their families.

It supported the Ministry of Defence in mobilising the programme, with colleagues "ensuring Afghan citizens are safely moved into surplus military accommodation."

Claire Kober, the firm's managing director of homes, said: "We're incredibly proud of our team, who have worked so hard on this programme and have truly earned this commendation.

"Individuals have gone far beyond the call of duty to support these families as they settle into life in the UK."

Ben Leahy, Jolanta Mokrzycka, Ed Rigby, Barry Reynolds, Jas Patel, James Jamieson and Francesca Obertelli were awarded the honour for their work alongside colleagues from the DIO.