Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing routine monitoring and data collection on neurodivergent Service Personnel, including those with conditions beyond Specific Learning Differences; and whether his Department plans to revise the guidance entitled JSP 822, Volume 7, to require such monitoring.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence is committed to a diverse workforce and regularly reviews both its policies and its data collection requirements on neurodiversity, however, there are no current plans to revise Joint Service Publication 822 Defence Direction for Training and Education (Volume 7, Specific Learning Differences) to specifically require monitoring of neurodiversity status.
As at 1 July 2025, two per cent of Serving UK Regular Armed Forces personnel had a read code for autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia entered into their electronic medical record. This figure is a minimum; if personnel have not discussed their condition with their military GP, they will not have a read code for the condition in their medical record.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department holds data on the proportion of neurodivergent service personnel.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence is committed to a diverse workforce and regularly reviews both its policies and its data collection requirements on neurodiversity, however, there are no current plans to revise Joint Service Publication 822 Defence Direction for Training and Education (Volume 7, Specific Learning Differences) to specifically require monitoring of neurodiversity status.
As at 1 July 2025, two per cent of Serving UK Regular Armed Forces personnel had a read code for autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia entered into their electronic medical record. This figure is a minimum; if personnel have not discussed their condition with their military GP, they will not have a read code for the condition in their medical record.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR field officers are trained to understand the needs of veterans from underrepresented groups including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Across the UK, new dedicated and regionally based VALOUR field officers will oversee the establishment and support the running of a network of place-based partnerships. These partnerships will bring together partners from across local government, public services and the third sector to drive forward delivery of the Veterans' Strategy and Armed Forces Covenant in their area. VALOUR Field Officers will work closely with existing Armed Forces Champions and other similar posts operating at the local level and share insights and learning between local partnerships and a new VALOUR HQ. Field Officers will additionally share best practice across their networks, which may include training materials for front line staff as required.
In addition, VALOUR field officers will be supported in understanding the diverse needs of veterans-including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans by Veteran Services (VS), the MOD statutory service. VS have a wealth of experience in assessing and supporting service leavers, veterans, and their families in welfare-based case management.
VS will play a pivotal role supporting VALOUR, with their own field teams distributed across the UK. This MOD collaboration will ensure VALOUR field officers will be able to provide expert guidance and practical support to ensure that they are equipped to deliver inclusive and informed services to all veterans.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many veterans in Wiltshire accessed support through Op FORTITUDE in the last 12 months, and what assessment he has made of future needs.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Between 21 November 2024 and 21 November 2025, Op FORTITUDE has received 47 referrals in Wiltshire.
This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing. That is why we have committed an additional £12 million to ensure the continuation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme.
Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already supported over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timeline is for implementing the Government’s Forces First approach for new homes built on surplus Ministry of Defence land, and whether any such sites are planned in Wiltshire.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Government’s Forces First approach will apply to a proportion of new homes on selected surplus Defence sites, agreed between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the local authority and the developer based on demand and site viability.
This will increase the number of Service Family Accommodation through MOD acquisition of high-quality new build properties developed on surplus Defence sites, where these are needed. This ensures military families benefit directly from the construction taking place on former military land, creating investment and improvement.
Final plans for construction are pending, so any future military housing in Wiltshire cannot yet be confirmed. Priority access to selected sites will be agreed with local authorities and developers to support Service personnel and national housebuilding targets.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the new cross-government veteran employment taskforce is taking to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in rural areas, have access to veteran talent.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Government recognises the vital role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK play in our economy and is committed to ensuring they have access to the skills and talents they need to succeed. Veterans bring exceptional qualities such as leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience, which are invaluable to UK business, from SMEs to large organisations.
The recently published Veterans Strategy sets out how this Government will ensure veterans can maximise the skills gained during their time in service, whether supporting them into sustainable careers in high growth, critical industries, or ensuring they can access the tools needed to set up and scale their own business.
The Veteran Employment Taskforce will bring together teams from across government, including the Defence Office for Defence Small Business Growth, to ensure veterans are reflected in the Government's employment strategies and identify opportunities for SMEs to access veteran talent effectively. This will be supported by ongoing collaboration with businesses, particularly the 8,000+ Defence Employer Recognition Scheme holders, to identify and share best practice.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure that veterans without reliable digital access can still obtain the Digital Veteran Card.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
We recognise that not all veterans can reliably access digital services or the internet. The digital Veteran Card is an optional version of the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. Eligibility for a digital version, includes that applicants must already hold a physical card.
Applications for both Veteran Cards can be made either online or via post, ensuring that a fully non-digital route remains available. This approach ensures that all veterans can access the support and benefits they are entitled to. Veterans who require additional help can access support through the Veterans UK helpline.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to publish the membership and terms of reference for the cross-government delivery group for veterans.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Veterans Strategy commits to redesign the underpinning governance and engagement that drives delivery of veterans’ priorities and decision making. I will work with Ministers across UK Government and Devolved Governments to deliver on the priorities set out in the strategy.
The cross-Government delivery group is an official level group that supports Ministers to implement this important strategy.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Government plans to publish the first tranche of data gathered through VALOUR support centres, and whether that data will be disaggregated by region.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The VALOUR programme is being developed and funding for VALOUR Recognised Centres opened on 10 November and closes on 14 January 2026. There will be an expectation on centres to share data with VALOUR HQ, where it will then be reviewed and analysed, to be then be used to further inform policymaking.
Asked by: Sarah Gibson (Liberal Democrat - Chippenham)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR-recognised support centres will be evenly distributed across rural areas.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Applications are currently open for organisations to bid to become VALOUR recognised centres. The locations of centres will be dependent on which organisations apply and are awarded funding; however, consideration will be given to the geographic spread of centres. The programme guidance for applicants encourages them to consider how their bid will deliver more equity of access and consistency in service quality throughout the UK.
VALOUR recognised centres will facilitate in-person access to multiple services for veterans right across the UK. These centres will be required to meet high standards and provide timely data to the UK Government regarding the needs and experiences of veterans to inform future service improvements.