Armed Forces Financial Capability John Pitt-Brooke MoneyForce programme manager The Royal British Legion

1. Armed Forces Financial CapabilityJohn Pitt-BrookeMoneyForce programme managerThe Royal British Legion

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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