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Veteran-friendly accreditation for GP practices

July 18, 2024

In response to concerns identified by the Armed Forces Community and associated groups, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the UK Government conducted research into ways to better equip GPs with the knowledge to serve the veteran community and their families in their local area. Research identified that it was difficult to identify and manage veterans and their families, which prevented them identifying health issues and signposting them to relevant support as required. It also identified that, in some cases, more awareness of the support services, both within the NHS and externally, was required. The RCGP and UK Government created the veteran-friendly accreditation. This is a voluntary initiative. Accreditation is currently open to GP practices in England, though the RCGP is working with the Devolved Administrations to extend the programme. Accreditation lasts for three years and requires GP practices to do the following.

  • Ask patients registering with the surgery if they have ever served in the British Armed Forces.
  • Code it on the GP computer system.
  • Have a clinical lead for veterans in the surgery, to undertake dedicated training, stay up-to-date with the latest research and innovations, ensure that the practice is meeting the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, and provide advice to colleagues, as well as possibly seeing veterans themselves.
  • Practices should have a Care Quality Commission ‘good’ rating or higher.
  • If you have a query or comment about the Armed Forces Covenant and wish to receive a response, please use the Contact Us form.
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