Lord Ashcroft will carry out a review and take a fresh look at the advice and support package currently in place for personnel leaving the Armed Forces.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:
This is an important new appointment which is further confirmation of this Government’s commitment to looking after those who give so much to protect and serve the United Kingdom.
Lord Ashcroft has a long-standing and deep interest in the Armed Forces and a track record of support for veterans.
In addition to the welfare provisions already made available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, Lord Ashcroft will work with departments across Government to provide advice to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and the Cabinet Committee on Armed Forces and Veterans.
Lord Ashcroft’s work will champion the cause of servicemen and women making the transition to civilian life, liaising with Armed Forces charities, industry and across departmental boundaries to support access to employment and the package available for those transitioning into civilian life.
This new appointment, which Lord Ashcroft takes up with immediate effect, reaffirms the Government’s pledge to rebuild the Armed Forces Covenant, the principles of which this Government has enshrined in law.
This position is unpaid.