Support for Veterans

Last week’s announcement that Colonel David Richmond, who served in Iraq and was injured in combat in Afghanistan, will lead the new Office for Veterans’ Affairs is a positive move.

We trust that the new office, although very welcome, will build upon the great strides that Service charities and government bodies have already made. The Ministry of Defence’s Strategy for our veterans, published in November 2018, and the Ministerial Covenant and Veterans Board have set out much of the infrastructure to assist veterans in their transition to civilian life. It would be a significant setback if this framework were neglected and its previous good work discounted.

The OA proposes that the Office for Veterans’ Affairs’ should from the start:

• Recognise the contribution of our veterans and promote their continuing value to business and society.
• Capitalise on the good work already achieved through the Strategy for our veterans.
• Support the Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo) and ensure it remains a useful route for discussion with the wider military services charity sector.

To support our work, or to access our services for veterans, please contact us on 0207 808 4160 or contact us.