Review launched into welfare provision for veterans

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have announced a major review into welfare provision for veterans.

The review has been commissioned as a result of changes and advances in veteran care during the last decade. And it will examine the effectiveness of welfare services and make recommendations for improvement.

The joint review will be conducted by an independent civil servant, who will be supported by a joint secretariat from the MOD and Cabinet Office.

The review will focus on examining each organisation’s performance and practices, identifying areas for improvement and enhancing efficiency.

As well as engaging extensively with stakeholders, including other government departments, the charity sector and independent veterans advisors will also be an important part of the work.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:

We recognise that supporting veterans to access appropriate support is critical to this government’s success in making the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran.

This review will enable us to better align the workings of a range of support services, with the needs of the veterans community, and enhance the quality of the services veterans are offered.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families Dr Andrew Murrison said:

We are eternally grateful for the service of all our veterans it’s only right that we provide them with the support they deserve. This is why I and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs have called for a review into the welfare provisions for veterans.

This is in no way a reflection of the efforts of every one of our fantastic teams, who are working so hard to provide enduring support, but part of our ongoing commitment to improving our offer for our serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The review is expected to take three months, and will report back to the Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, with recommendations for the future role of welfare support and provision of services.

Following the completion of the review, MOD and OVA will develop an action plan to address the findings and recommendations, with a focus on implementing meaningful change that will enhance service effectiveness and delivery.

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