Armed Forces Commissioner in London

Introduction
Thank you for your interest in becoming the Armed Forces Commissioner.
This is a unique opportunity to serve as the independent champion for Service personnel and their families, ensuring their experiences are heard, their concerns are understood and acted upon, and the institutions that support them continue to improve.
The Commissioner provides a trusted and independent route through which Service personnel and their families can raise concerns about issues affecting Service life. Supported by statutory powers to investigate matters affecting welfare, access information and visit Defence sites, including unannounced visits, the Commissioner plays a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency and improvement across Defence.
We are seeking an exceptional individual who can provide visible leadership, bring thoughtful challenge, and command confidence across Parliament, Defence and the wider Armed Forces community. The successful candidate will combine sound judgement, integrity and resilience with a genuine commitment to improving the experiences of those who serve and the families who support them.
This is a demanding and highly visible appointment attracting significant Parliamentary, public and media interest. For the right candidate it represents a rare opportunity to shape a new institution, drive lasting improvements to Service life and leave a lasting legacy for current and future generations of Service personnel and their families.
Appointment description
Appointment description
Recruitment Process and Parliamentary Scrutiny
The Armed Forces Commissioner is a Crown appointment made in accordance with the Cabinet Office Governance Code for Public Appointments and regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The recruitment process will be conducted on the basis of merit, fairness and openness.
The appointment is subject to pre‑appointment scrutiny by the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC). The preferred candidate will be expected to attend a pre‑appointment hearing, where their suitability, independence and approach to the role will be examined in public.
The successful candidate will be formally appointed by His Majesty following completion of the recruitment process and Parliamentary scrutiny.
Role Overview
The Armed Forces Commissioner (AFC) provides independent oversight of the welfare of Service personnel and their families and of the Armed Forces Service Complaints system. The Commissioner is responsible for investigating the most serious and sensitive matters affecting Service life and for driving systemic improvement through independent scrutiny, reporting and recommendations.
The AFC is a statutory Crown appointment, independent of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Armed Forces, made on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Defence. The Commissioner reports directly to Parliament and plays a central role in holding Defence to