Armed Forces Commissioner

The Labour government’s intention to create a new role of ‘Armed Forces Commissioner’ (AFC) represents a milestone for UK defence. Capita welcomes that the government has moved quickly on this, introducing the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill into parliament last week. As the first position of its kind, the new role will be an independent advocate for military personnel and their families, committed to strengthening parliamentary oversight and providing a direct, supportive point of contact outside of the traditional chain of command. At Capita we welcome all positive steps to improve service life.???

As an integral part of Labour’s ‘one defence’ strategy this role embodies a renewed commitment to honouring the moral contract with those who make tremendous sacrifices for our country, along with the families who support them. From improving service life to addressing systemic issues that impact personnel and veterans, the Armed Forces Commissioner has the opportunity to create meaningful change. But the role also brings unique challenges, which, with the support of experienced partners like Capita Defence UK, can be effectively navigated.??

The first person to take on this role faces a challenging task in delivering results for service members while also establishing a credible, independent voice within the defence landscape. Below I set out areas which Capita deem as priorities for the incoming Armed Forces Commissioner and also how I believe we can help assist in the delivery of these stated aims.?

Balancing advocacy and support with operational realities?

The Armed Forces operate within a highly structured framework, where hierarchy, chain of command, and operational needs are central. The AFC’s mandate is due to include supporting and advocating for personnel while navigating these unique structures. Issues such as mental health support, career progression, and family welfare demand a sensitive approach that respects the operational requirements of the MoD.??

?Approaches to mental health and pastoral support have improved in the military but there remains a legacy view that apportioning time to these areas is a hindrance to organisational efficiency rather than a buttress to support the people who make up the Armed Forces. Capita’s ‘people proposition’ is central to all we do and we feel, through our current programmes, that we can add context to this challenge. Working in partnership with our defence customers and best in class industry partners, we’re delivering key recruitment, training and training transformation programmes across UK armed forces. From managing recruitment for the British Army, to transforming Royal Navy and Royal Marines training and keeping the military safe with specialist training for Defence Fire and Rescue, we’re enabling essential people capabilities.?

Building trust in the role?

The AFC role will only be effective if the officeholder is trusted by service personnel and their families. Service personnel and their families need to feel confident that the AFC is committed to their wellbeing, willing to engage with their concerns, and able to effect real change. This process won’t happen overnight, however. The trust-building will require time, transparency, and visible commitment, especially given the need to remain independent of the traditional chain of command. Ensuring that individuals feel comfortable raising concerns outside the military hierarchy will be central to fulfilling this mandate.?

Data driven insights for effective advocacy??

To be effective, the AFC will rely on data to guide decisions and shape recommendations. This could include data on career satisfaction, job retention, and overall welfare trends across different demographics. Managing and interpreting this data accurately and transparently is essential, and any gaps in information could hinder the Commissioner’s ability to advocate effectively. At Capita we are a data-driven service provider and understand that effective data collection and analytics can provide the Commissioner with real-time data on personnel welfare, retention trends, and other critical metrics. By equipping the Commissioner’s office with a reliable data infrastructure, it will ensure that the AFC’s recommendations are fully informed and underpinned by evidence, enhancing both the credibility and impact of the role.?

Conclusion?

The introduction of the Armed Forces Commissioner marks a meaningful step forward in the UK’s support for its Armed Forces personnel and their families. By providing an independent voice that champions service members’ needs, the AFC will play a critical role in renewing the moral contract between the UK and its military community. However, to fulfil this promise, the Commissioner must address a range of complex challenges, from navigating military protocols to supporting career transitions and building trust across the Armed Forces community.?

Capita Defence, with our institutional knowledge of defence, veterans in our workforce and? career support expertise, understand the challenges faced by the incoming AFC and would be happy to support where suitable.??