Welfare Support & Branch Guidance

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Welfare Support

Guidance for Branch Welfare Officers

Branches are the first place members can turn to for support. This page explains the welfare officer’s role, how branches can help, and when and how to refer cases for further assistance.

Role & Responsibility

Appointing a Welfare Officer

Each branch should have a Welfare Officer. By default, the Branch Secretary takes on this role, as set out in the Association Rules, so the responsibility is always covered. However, branches can appoint someone else if the workload is high or if another member has the right skills and is willing to help. In these cases, it is helpful to include the Welfare Officer on the Branch Committee.

A good Welfare Officer is caring, discreet, fair to everyone, and able to respond quickly when a member needs help.

Local Support

What Can Branches Do

The branch should first decide if it can help directly. Often, the most valuable support is making a phone call or going with a member to an appointment.

Branches should keep an up-to-date list of local organisations, including at least: local GP surgeries, local authority housing and benefits teams, social care services, SSAFA, the Royal British Legion, the Armed Forces Covenant Outreach Support Hub, Combat Stress, the Samaritans, and services for domestic abuse and dementia care.

It is best to build relationships with these organisations before a case comes up, not during one.

Sometimes, the National Association may ask a branch to reach out to someone in the area who is not a current member but is entitled to RAMC support because of past service.

Case Referrals

Referring Cases to SSAFA or the RBL

If financial help is needed, the right step is to refer the case to a SSAFA or RBL caseworker. The caseworker will do a full assessment and refer the case to the RAMC Benevolence Committee and other charities.

The Benevolence Committee does not accept direct referrals from branches or individuals. If mobility equipment is needed, an occupational therapy assessment will also be required.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality & Record Keeping

All welfare casework must be handled with strict confidentiality. Personal details must not be shared without consent.

Records should be marked “In Confidence” and handled in accordance with UK GDPR.

Branches should keep simple records and send an annual summary to the National Association.

Ongoing Support

Annual Welfare Seminar

The Association holds a one-day seminar each year for Branch Welfare Officers. We strongly encourage attendance, especially for those new to the role.

Useful Contacts

Key Organisations

SSAFA: 0800 260 6767 — ssafa.org.uk
Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080 — rbl.org.uk
Soldiers’ Charity: soldierscharity.org
RHQ RAMC: ams.benevolence@ramc.org.uk