Guidance

Civil Service Armed Forces Network (CSAFN)

Updated 23 October 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-staff-networks/civil-service-armed-forces-network-csafn

This guidance sets out the aims and operational requirements of the Civil Service Armed Forces Network (CSAFN), in line with the Civil Service Staff Network Policy.

Who we are

The CSAFN is the official cross-government Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) staff network for civil servants who are part of the armed forces community.

It acts as a ‘network of networks’, bringing together and coordinating armed forces networks across government departments.

Our purpose

The CSAFN (and the associated departmental networks) exists to:

  1. Support armed forces community members in the Civil Service, including informal learning and development, mentoring, coaching and internal buddying.

  2. Create a space for recognition and celebration of the armed forces community.

  3. Support job applicants from the armed forces community with application coaching and buddying.

  4. Provide a peer support network where experiences can be shared.

Who can join

Membership is open to civil servants who are part of the armed forces community, including:

  • veterans
  • reservists
  • spouses or partners
  • War Widows or Widowers

Membership is voluntary and free, in line with Civil Service Staff Network Policy.

How we’re governed

The CSAFN is led by a committee of departmental armed forces leads and champions. It’s chaired and sponsored by senior civil servants. The Office for Veterans’ Affairs provides the secretariat.

How we prioritise

We prioritise work and resources in the following order:

  1. Veterans

  2. Reservists

  3. Spouses/Families

  4. Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)

This helps us focus our efforts — it doesn’t mean any group is less important.

What we do

Our work supports the Civil Service People Plan and the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. 

Here’s how:

Objective What we do Policy link
Community and support Safe space, peer support, mentoring, buddying Section 1: Fostering community, wellbeing and providing support
Recruitment and transition Help with Civil Service job applications, support schemes like Great Place to Work for Veterans and Going Forward into Employment Section 3: Supporting activities that open up opportunities for talented and prospective civil servants
Policy and insight Raise issues with HR policies, identify barriers, ensure fair practices (for example, Reservist leave, spouse support) Section 3: Responding to formal commissions to provide insight on key areas of HR policy, impact assessments, process and practice
Advocacy and awareness Champion the armed forces community, share good practice, connect armed forces networks Section 2: Increasing understanding of equality issues and providing advice/insight when barriers are identified

More information

Civil servants can request the full terms of reference.

If you’re unsure who your departmental armed forces lead is, contact your:

  • HR/People Team
  • EDI Team

Or email the CSAFN Secretariat: People-OVACSAFN@mod.gov.uk

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