Context, Data and Research

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

Its two principles are that, recognising the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces:

• Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
• Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

A commitment to support the bereaved community was included within the 2018 10-Year ‘A Strategy for our Veterans’ and the Scottish Government’s Refreshed Action Plan of August 2022.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) provides comprehensive support and benefits to families following the death in service of a member of the Armed Forces. This is managed through the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), including notification processes and ongoing support from Visiting Officers (VOs).

The latter provide ongoing liaison and support through:

• Funeral arrangements
• Headstone provision
• Service Inquiry and Coroner’s Inquest (or FAI in Scotland)
• Transition to Veterans Welfare Service

Families receive the Purple Book, a resource guide with practical advice and contact information for relevant charities. Support is also offered when a veteran dies, with information on how to access this set out on the UK Government website. Delivery of this support is the responsibility of the UK Government, as is access to the correct financial benefits and compensations.

There are no official statistics (at UK or Scottish level) about the bereaved veteran community. Some third sector organisations have undertaken surveys and other data collection / comparison activity to try and understand the size and shape of that community. However, we do know from Scotland’s 2022 Census that 176,100 people (3.9% of adults aged 16 and over) had previously served in the UK Armed Forces, marking the first time this data was collected in the country’s census. The veteran population in Scotland is older and predominantly male (88%), a demographic shaped by World War II and National Service. In time, the loss of these veterans will impact on their families, and it is important that support is easily accessible to those who may need it.

The Ministry of Defence record deaths in service each year. These deaths mean their families will become members of the bereaved military community. In 2024 there were 59 deaths recorded. Included in these figures, but also set out in a separate annual report, are the annual deaths by suicide in the armed forces. For each loss there will be devastating impact, both short and long term, for family, friends and colleagues.

There are some sources of research available, mainly focusing on the processes and procedures within the Ministry of Defence. Others undertake a qualitative approach to understand the needs and support that was or is provided to the bereaved community. The most recent and comprehensive of these reports, Research into the Needs of the Bereaved Armed Forces Community – produced by alma economics on behalf of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) – reviews the research and evidence base on this subject.

This report was used to inform the development of the AFCFT ‘Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme’ in 2025, aiming to:

• Build a collaborative network of support organisations
• Improve access to mental health and holistic support
• Ensure inclusive, long-term care for all bereaved family members

The Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme is designed to create transformational change in how bereaved military families are supported.

It was announced in October 2025 that nearly £2 million had been awarded to Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) to deliver targeted support – including counselling, emotional and practical care – to military families who have lost loved ones during or connected to service.

The programme will be a collaborative partnership, with key partners including Cruse Bereavement Support, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Poppy Factory. It is intended that the project will deliver long-term, transformational change by addressing the unique challenges bereaved military families face over time.