Anisha Worbs has taken up her new role leading the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
As the new Director of the OVA, Anisha Worbs will support the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in coordinating government efforts to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran. The OVA’s recent initiatives include the national rollout of the HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards which will ease access to veteran services, and the launch of a new hotline for homeless veterans – Op FORTITUDE.
Anisha was previously the Chief Operating Officer for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, and held roles in BEIS and Home Office leading on strategy, policy and legislation.
Anisha Worbs, Director of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the OVA, with the Women Veterans’ Strategy, public consultation findings and progress on the Veteran Card rollout to look forward to.
“I joined the public sector to help make a difference to people’s lives and I can’t think of a more deserving cohort to champion. Ex-servicemen and women have done so much for our country, it is only right that we deliver services that match their unique contributions and unique needs, and enable them to continue to make brilliant contributions to society after leaving the armed forces.”
This is the permanent appointment following the departure of the previous postholder – Jessie Owen – last year.
Commenting on the appointment, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer said: “Anisha is a fantastic appointment for the OVA. She brings a wealth of policy and operational experience from across government, which is crucial in getting people round the table and improving the lives of veterans and their families across areas from housing to employment.”