Armed
Forces
Covenant
Supporting veterans within the criminal justice system.
Armed Forces Covenant
Supporting veterans within the criminal justice system.
Supporting Veterans in Custody and Community
HMPPS CFO has long recognised veterans as one of the most challenging cohorts to support within the criminal justice system.
Since 2016, when CFO was awarded a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, our commitment to veterans has grown significantly. Initially focused on supporting the Military Corrective Training Centre, this work quickly evolved, positioning CFO as the lead for veteran-related initiatives across HMPPS.
This includes close collaboration with prisons and Veterans in Custody Support Officers (ViCSOs).
Since its inception, the HMPPS CFO Veteran Policy Lead has strengthened collaboration between staff and services, ensuring a more unified approach to supporting veterans within the prison system. Today, this work reflects a truly national, collaborative effort—thanks to the dedication of frontline staff, Governing Governors, and senior managers who champion this agenda.
Cross-government partnership is essential in delivering effective support for veterans involved in the criminal justice system (CJS). Prison and probation services continue to work closely to improve communication and share vital information, ensuring veterans receive the assistance they need.
As part of the CFO Evolution Programme, CFO remains committed to supporting veterans both in custody and in the community. Our providers are equipped to signpost veterans to appropriate services based on individual needs, helping them access tailored support. For more information about veterans in prison or probation, please contact us.
Identification of veterans
Accurate identification and recording of veterans remains a key priority and an area of continuous improvement. A robust process has been in place for several years, enabling Veterans in Custody Support Officers (ViCSOs) to receive timely responses directly from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The information gathered through this process is vital for the CFO Research and Statistics team. It allows us to build comprehensive demographic profiles and better understand individual needs based on service history, ensuring tailored support is provided whenever required.
Veteran in Custody Support Officers (ViCSOs)
Veteran in Custody Support Officers (ViCSOs) play a vital role in supporting veterans throughout their custodial journey. These dedicated staff members are often former service personnel themselves, which provides valuable insight when identifying and engaging with veterans in custody.
ViCSOs carry out this important work alongside their primary roles, as veteran support is not a mandated responsibility. Their commitment ensures that veterans receive the assistance they need—without their efforts, access to support would be significantly limited.
The HMPPS CFO Veteran Policy Lead serves as the central point of contact for all veteran-related queries within prisons and works to facilitate access to external support services. This helps to overcome restrictions on facility time and ensures veterans receive the care and guidance they deserve.
The HMPPS CFO Veteran Policy Lead serves as the central point of contact for all veteran-related queries within prisons and works to facilitate access to external support services. This helps to overcome restrictions on facility time and ensures veterans receive the care and guidance they deserve.
ViCSOs host Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs (AFVBC) and are increasing in numbers across prisons too, with the support by the founder Dereck Hardman and the ViCSO prison lead to help guide HMP staff.
If your prison or probation office would like to officially roll out an AFVBC, please contact us.
ViCSO Resources
Some of these resources are password protected due to the nature of the content, if you require access, please email: CFO-MOD@justice.gov.uk
ViCSO Guide
As part of support for veterans within the criminal justice system, HMPPS CFO have produce a guide to working with veterans in the justice system.
The guide details effective way of working with veterans and highlights how to access the breadth of support available.
The expectation is that the guide will further support veterans through their custody journey and through the gate, reducing reoffending as a result.
Please note, due to the nature of the content in the guide, it is password protected. Please email CFO-MoD@justice.gov.uk to request access.
Resources
Explore our publications and latest news, including information around veterans and statisical reports.
“I enjoy being on the CFO. It gives me a chance to talk to others on the wing about things that we don’t talk about when left to ourselves. Having a chance to be a Peer Mentor really shows my family that I am making good changes while in prison.”
Oliver*, Veteran CFO Participant
“I enjoy being on the CFO. It gives me a chance to talk to others on the wing about things that we don’t talk about when left to ourselves. Having a chance to be a Peer Mentor really shows my family that I am making good changes while in prison.”
Oliver*, Veteran CFO Participant
CFO Veteran Support Map
This map was developed during NESP in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University. HMPPS CFO has committed to resourcing this as it provides accurate detail of where a veteran can access specific support services and by which organisation, no matter where they re-locate to after release.
The map is also included in the MoD 10 Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan whereby updates are provided with regards to any changes/reviews that take place.