Armed Forces Financial Capability

John Pitt-BrookeMoneyForce programme manager

The Royal British Legion

Standard Life Charitable Trust

• Independent charity established in 2009

• Money from demutualisation

• Purpose is to ‘develop skills of people most in need of support to manage their finances’

• Bring about ‘lasting and sustainable changes’ in behaviour

• Does not give money direct but works through other charities

Armed Forces project

• Armed Forces was early priority for Trust

• Meets important welfare need identified by MOD – concern about mismanagement of money by Armed Forces personnel

• Legion selected as ideal partner

• Working together since last Autumn

Partnership working very well

• SLCT provides

– Funding

– Experience of helping with financial capability

• Legion provides

– Knowledge of working with Armed Forces

– Other related welfare products

– Experienced staff in these areas

Progress so far

• Research into nature of problem

• Very attractive Armed Forces specific website under preparation

• Fit into training schedule for all the services

• Hope to launch later this year

Advantages of approach

• Standard Life Charitable Trust money

• Legion experience of working with MOD

• ‘Free gift’ to MOD, though needs their support (for example, through training)

• Can be expanded to Armed Forces community more widely

If it works, will give us…

• Really good information, education and guidance to the Armed Forces

• Attractively presented, Armed Forces-specific, fun to use

• Real changes in behaviour and reduction in problems

• All under Legion banner

• Watch this space