VALOUR is a new programme giving veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support that is available to them.
VALOUR will improve the coordination of services at a national, regional and local level to ensure that veterans receive the support they need.
There are 3 components of the VALOUR:
- A VALOUR HQ in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, bringing data and insight together, and feeding it into policy and service design.
- A network of VALOUR support centres, that will facilitate access to multiple services for veterans. These will be supported by VALOUR development funding.
- A network of VALOUR regional field officers, bringing together stakeholders across local government, statutory services and the third sector.
VALOUR HQ will sit in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs within the Ministry of Defence. This new team will provide assurance and training across the VALOUR network. It will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs.
VALOUR support centres will be required to meet high standards and will provide timely data to the UK Government about the needs and experiences of veterans, to inform future service improvements.
Regional networks will be supported by dedicated, locally based VALOUR regional field officers. They will bring together stakeholders across local government, public services and the third sector, and facilitate the exchange of data, insight and learning between local government and a new VALOUR HQ, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
VALOUR regional field officers will not replace Armed Forces Champions, Veterans’ Champions or other similar posts, who operate at a more local level. They are valuable colleagues and will remain so under the new model. Regional field officers will work closely with them as VALOUR develops, supporting their work and ensuring they are linked in with Defence.
VALOUR is being designed with the help of Veterans and organisations involved in the Armed Forces Community. Organisations and veterans can sign up to register for VALOUR updates. Veterans can also register their interest to take part in research and focus groups.
