A pioneering programme which helps to improve the lives of veterans and their partners in care homes across England has won a prestigious award.

The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) won the Connecting Society Together category at the Armed Forces Community Awards at Soldiering On ceremony, on Thursday 17 September.

The free-to-access VFF programme helps providers to identify their Armed Forces residents and partners, ensuring that their distinct life experiences and support needs linked to service life are recognised.

It was launched in 2023 and funded by Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion in alliance with the NHS Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance. To date, over 400 care homes in the country have achieved VFF status. 

The Connecting Society Together category honours a team, organisation or community group that demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

“Addressing a critical gap in later-life care”

Praising the Framework, judges at the Armed Forces Community Awards said: “The VFF stands out for addressing a critical gap in later-life care. By embedding an understanding of military experience into everyday practice, it ensures veterans and their families receive personalised, dignified support, improving quality of life in a meaningful and connected way.”

Kathryn Glass is Head of VFF at Royal Star & Garter. She attended the awards ceremony with Programme Support Officer Jules Walker and said afterwards: “The Veteran Friendly Framework is rapidly expanding into care homes across England and is having a significant impact on the lives of the Armed Forces community living in our homes and the staff that provide their care. I’m incredibly proud and honoured to receive this award on behalf of my team and our VFF family of care homes. It truly is a testament to the commitment and dedication of everyone involved in delivering and participating in the VFF programme.”

“Recognise the service of the Armed Forces community”

Hannah Pearce, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research for the Royal British Legion said, “We are thrilled the Veteran Friendly Framework has received a Soldiering On Award – a testament to the great work of the project team and every care home who works hard to support their Armed Forces community residents. The project shows just how meaningful it is to recognise the service of the Armed Forces community and take action to provide excellent, individualised care and support.”

Last year an independent evaluation praised the impact of the VFF on the lives of veterans living in care homes, finding they gained from improved social connections and felt less isolated.

The evaluation also found that the VFF delivers significant benefits for staff by supporting professional development, boosting confidence in working with veterans and improving job satisfaction. It also provides clear business advantages for care homes, enhancing their reputation and visibility within the community.

It concluded that the VFF should continue to be rolled out across England, and expanded into Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can visit https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk, email VFF@starandgarter.org or call 07425 326070.

The full VFF evaluation can be viewed here: VFF-Final-Evaluation-Report-July-2025.pdf