Former RAF Air Commodore Polly Perkins has been selected as the preferred candidate to become the UK’s first Armed Forces Commissioner, a new role designed to represent service personnel and their families.
The appointment, announced by John Healey, forms part of the government’s plans to strengthen support for the Armed Forces community by introducing an independent voice within Defence.
The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a statutory position with powers to investigate welfare concerns, including issues relating to housing, equipment and unacceptable behaviour. The office is expected to become operational from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
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Perkins, who served more than 30 years in the Royal Air Force, held senior roles including Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff for British Forces Cyprus. Her operational experience includes deployments to Kosovo and Afghanistan, alongside work with NATO partners on multinational logistics.
Her appointment is subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, after which ministers will decide whether to confirm the role.
Healey said the creation of the position delivers on a commitment to “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve”, adding that the commissioner will act as an independent champion with the authority to challenge ministers and military leadership, and report directly to Parliament.
The role will allow personnel and their families to raise concerns directly, with the commissioner able to conduct investigations, request information from the Ministry of Defence and make recommendations for change. The post will also take on responsibilities currently held by the Service Complaints Ombudsman.
The move draws on similar arrangements in Germany, where an Armed Forces commissioner provides oversight of welfare and service conditions.
An interim commissioner will initially carry out the role’s functions, with a permanent appointment expected to follow through an open recruitment process later this year.
