The Benevolence Department and Committee

The Benevolence Department

Coordinates requests for advice, information and support from ex-officers and their dependants. 

Provides advice and investigates requests for financial assistance, making recommendations to the Benevolence Committee, see below.

The Department is run by the Benevolence Secretary, Miss Shirley Hewitt, an ex Royal Navy officer. Shirley coordinates the work of the department and ensures that the welfare support, information and advice is updated and relevant. She liaises with other ex-service and civilian charities, and works closely with  SSAFA Forces Help and The Royal British Legion.

Three Assistant Benevolence Secretaries, Major Malcolm Lowe, Mrs Nahid Malik and Squadron Leader Penny Burtwell, WRAF (Retd)  provide individuals with advice and information, and investigate requests for financial assistance, preparing briefs for the Committee.

The Secretaries are supported by the Department Administrator Mrs Kathleen Wallis, and two clerks who work closely with the Association’s Accounts Department.

Contact the Benevolence Secretary for more information

The Benevolence Committee

Comprises six senior ex-officers of all three services and a former company director in financial services with 30 years experience of working with HM Forces, who visit the Benevolence Department on an individual roster basis.  At least one member authorises grants daily, so requests for help can be given very prompt consideration and for urgent cases money can be sent to new applicants in dire straits within the same working day.

Chairman:   Air Commodore Peter Johnson OBE

Deputy Chairman: Captain Ian Sutherland RN 

Other Committee members:

   Lieutenant Commander Robert Caton RD RNR 

   Air Commodore John Chandler CBE

   Mrs Jocelyn Lynch

   Brigadier Ron Smart OstJ

   Wing Commander Maureen White ARRC