Office for Veterans’ Affairs Supporting Our Veterans consultation is now open
The UK Government’s Office for Veterans’ Affairs has launched a major new consultation to gather evidence on the experiences of UK Armed Forces veterans.
This consultation will enable the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to better understand veterans, their families and their experiences in the community. The findings will be used to shape their strategies, and ensure they are able to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran.
They are seeking responses from UK Armed Forces veterans and their families, based across the UK or overseas - as well as veteran organisations, charities and experts.
You can take part in the consultation by visiting GOV.UK.
The consultation closes on 4 January.
Why is there consultation?
The UK Government has committed to making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran. They want to ensure veterans receive world-class services and support to thrive in civilian life and contribute their unique skills and experience to grow the UK economy.
This consultation will enable them to build a better understanding of veterans so they can assess the effectiveness of current policy and services, and shape strategies so they are fit for the future.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs are interested in gathering evidence on veterans’ experiences and the support they receive from organisations, including local services, charities, families, social clubs, associations and employers.
The UK Government will use the results of the consultation alongside other evidence. This will help them design better policies to support veterans and prevent veterans being disadvantaged.
What does the consultation cover?
The consultation focuses on areas that affect veterans, including health, housing and education, as well as several others.
Responses are welcomed from veterans and their families across the UK, and from overseas veterans who have served in the UK Armed Forces, with a recognition that services vary depending on location.
The consultation explores a number of themes including:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Employment, Education and Skills
- Making a Home in Civilian Society
- Finance and Debt
- Veterans and the Law
- Community and Relationships
- Collaboration between organisations
- Coordination of Veterans’ services
- Data on the Veteran community
- Public perception and understanding
- Recognition of Veterans
- Economic contribution of veterans
Who can respond to the consultation?
This consultation is open to all, but it will likely be of particular interest to:
- Academic Experts and other third sector organisations that focus on veterans’ issue
- Charities, competent authorities, and other groups that provide services to, otherwise support veterans.
- Individual companies and organisations that employ veterans, business groups and economic research organisations.
- Veterans, veteran groups, and those who provide support to veterans.