About us

OUR VISION: Ensuring that ex-officers and their dependants live with dignity and independence.

OUR MISSION: To promote the welfare of those who have held a commission in HM Armed Forces and their dependants.

OUR VALUES: We strive to add value and enhance the lives of ex-officers and their dependants. We are committed to working with other service and civilian charities and agencies in order to provide an equitable and non-judgemental service to the maximum number of those eligible. We believe in being transparent in how we work, and accountable to our funders and other stakeholders. Within the charity we value our people, are committed to creating a secure and stimulating working environment, developing the potential of our staff and volunteers, and treating them in a considerate and compassionate way.

OPERATIONS: In 2008-9 our Employment consultants helped 876 clients towards finding work, our Benevolence team advised over 2500 enquirers and made grants totalling £1.36 m to 912 beneficiaries and we provided sheltered accommodation for 37 officers and dependants. For more details read our Annual Report.

FUNDING AND STAKEHOLDERS: Committed members of COBSEO, we cooperate with and receive funding from a wide range of charities, but in particular The Royal British Legion, Seafarers UK,  ABF The Soldiers' Charity and the RAF Benevolent Fund, all of whom are represented on our Management Board.

GOVERNANCE: Our Executive and Finance Committee consists of the senior representatives of our stakeholder charities, the chairmen of Finance, Benevolence, Employment and Homes sub-committees and functional experts. Strategic oversight is provided by the Presidents, Senior Officers representing the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, and Vice Presidents, former Chairmen of the OA. See `The OA Team', `Governance' and `History' for more details.