Guidance

VALOUR: information and next steps

Find out how VALOUR will support veterans across the UK, and how to get involved.

How VALOUR will work 

VALOUR is a new programme giving veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. This was announced in May 2025 and is being overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence. 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 VALOUR:   

  1. VALOUR HQ

    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.   

  2. VALOUR support centres 

    VALOUR support centres will facilitate access to multiple services for veterans. They will be required to meet high standards and provide timely data to the UK government about the needs and experiences of veterans to inform future service improvements. 

    Further information on development funding for the VALOUR support centres will be released in the coming months, including eligibility criteria and timelines.

  3. VALOUR regional field officers

    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 VALOUR HQ. 

    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 and the Armed Forces Covenant 

While VALOUR will initially focus on veterans, we’re designing the service to be expanded to support the wider armed forces community in future. This will include applying the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, the nation’s promise to support the armed forces community and their families, which will soon gain a strengthened legal footing as part of the government’s manifesto commitment. VALOUR regional field officers will work with local services, including local government bodies, to share best practice and guidance as to how the principles of the Covenant can be applied. 

VALOUR and existing services  

A range of support is currently available to veterans, delivered by many effective providers. However, the current system can be difficult for veterans to navigate. Improved coordination could better meet veterans’ needs and avoid duplication.

VALOUR will improve this network of support by ensuring that existing good practice is maintained and enhanced, and local services are aligned. The new VALOUR regional field officers will support organisations within areas to exchange best practice and ensure better collaboration. 

How to get involved in VALOUR 

We’ll update this page with the latest information on VALOUR and how you can get involved.

You can sign up to get an email when this page is updated.

We’re designing VALOUR with the help of veterans and organisations involved in the armed forces community. Organisations and veterans can sign up to register for VALOUR updates. If you’re a veteran, you can also register your interest to take part in research and focus groups.

You can unsubscribe from any of these emails at any time by following the link at the bottom of any emails. 

We’ll be releasing further details in the coming months, including the timeline and eligibility criteria for VALOUR funding.  

Latest news about VALOUR

26 June 2025

We’ve launched the VALOUR pilot

We’ve launched the VALOUR pilot in partnership with local authorities across Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

We selected these regions for their well-established support services, which will help to develop and refine the VALOUR approach.

By the end of the pilot, we’ll have a tested and workable blueprint that can be scaled and rolled out across the UK. The blueprint will be adaptable in order to meet the specific needs of local communities.

You can find out more on our press release about the VALOUR pilot launch.

Updates to this page

Published 23 May 2025
Last updated 4 July 2025 show all updates
  1. Updated page with latest news.

  2. First published.

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