VALOUR Field Officer - South East (North & West)

The Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA), within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the Veterans Strategy. The strategy sets the governments new vision for veterans and challenges the whole of society to think differently about those who have served in the Armed Forces, their offer and their potential.

The framework is grounded in three core themes, each an equal and vital part to ensuring the best outcomes for both veterans and the UK. Together, they represent a powerful new approach to recognising veterans as one of the UKs great strategic assets, underpinned by this governments commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. The long-term framework sets the commitment to these themes, and shapes how OVAs work is prioritised in terms of investment and effort.

In May 2025, the government announced VALOUR the first ever UK-wide government-led approach to veteran support. Building on successful existing provision, this programme, backed by 50 million of funding, will provide ex-Service people with easier access to services across health, housing and employment.

This is an exciting time to join the OVA to join a dynamic team to support the VALOUR initiative, which will attract Ministerial and media attention. Additional information on VALOUR can be found at VALOUR: corporate information - GOV.UK.

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families by becoming a VALOUR Field Officer. You will become part of a team of passionate, committed, innovative and forward-thinking colleagues and be able to draw on a wealth of expertise to drive this ambitious programme forward. You will be able to make your mark by supporting VALOUR to transform the UKs veteran support landscape.

The VALOUR Field Officer is crucial to provide partnership and stakeholder engagement.

• You will work closely with a wide range of people and organisations, including local government and the VCSE Sector, to build and maintain networks that connect local, regional and national services, and which are underpinned by data to improve, shape and enhance services.
• You will be a critical strategic link into Defence for communities in your area on matters concerning veterans affairs, and a SME for Defence colleagues on the activities, actors and system performance within the locations you operate in.
• You will drive collective performance by utilising data and insight, and convening, influencing and supporting policy and delivery at the regional and local level.
• You will provide enhanced coordination and facilitate greater alignment between national, devolved and local strategies, and drive more consistent delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant and improved services for the Armed Forces community.
• You will build trust, proactively build relationships and champion innovation to improve outcomes across the UKs veteran support landscape.

Key work areas 

• Develop and maintain trusting and effective relationships with regional and local stakeholders providing services to the Armed Forces community.
• Develop and facilitate effective sub-regional forums and networks convening all relevant local stakeholders, ensuring clear channels for communication.
• Identify opportunities for taking forward action on defined strategic priorities and drive collaborative implementation across local government led partnerships.
• Contribute to VALOUR system improvements by aiding visibility and understanding of the veteran support ecosystem at the regional and local level and sharing best practice across maintained partnerships.
• Promote awareness of statutory services and initiatives and influence regional strategies to improve outcomes for the Armed Forces community.

Please note that this role is likely to evolve to respond to priority changes to the Armed Forces support landscape and a degree of flexibility is expected, as well as a willingness to travel regularly.

You may be expected to undertake other duties and activities as required to support the delivery of VALOUR and the wider objectives of VALOUR HQ and the OVA.

Essential criteria 

• Strong interpersonal skills with experience managing relationships with a range of stakeholders in different sectors and at differing levels of seniority.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and written, including proven presentation skills, with confidence to speak in public to a range of audiences.
• Experience of stakeholder management, working collaboratively, developing or supporting forums, and being able to adapt to changing scenarios.
• Confidence working remotely, acting on initiative, and being self-starting.
• Proven organisational skills and ability to prioritise and plan workload efficiently.
• Confidence navigating complex operating environments, including strong and demonstrable problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of the development and application of the Armed Forces Covenant, the challenges of military service, and transitions to civilian life.  
• Willingness to undertake frequent travel (predominately local and regional, and to a lesser extent UK wide).  

Desirable criteria

• A full UK Driving Licence
• Experience of operating within the Armed Forces community support landscape.
• Experience or understanding of local government structures.
• Knowledge of local Armed Forces support services.