Thank you for your interest in becoming the next Chief Executive of Veterans Outreach Support (VOS).
VOS exists to ensure that Armed Forces and Merchant Navy veterans, their families and carers can access the welfare, wellbeing and mental health support they need. Our approach is personal, collaborative and grounded in a clear understanding that people’s needs rarely fit neatly into a single service. By bringing together our own expertise with that of trusted partners, we provide welcoming and accessible support that responds to the whole person.
Over recent years, VOS has developed considerably in its reach, reputation and influence. We remain deeply rooted in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the wider Solent area, while taking an increasingly important role in leading regional partnerships and contributing to national discussions about how veterans and their families can be better supported. VOS has recently opened as a VALOUR-recognised centre, bringing government-backed support to veterans and their families across the Solent as part of the programme’s first national rollout. Alongside our leadership of Thrive Together South East, this reflects the confidence placed in VOS and the strength of the relationships we have built.
This appointment comes at an important point in our story. Our outgoing Chief Executive has led VOS through a period of significant development, strengthening the organisation, extending its partnerships and establishing its voice within the wider sector. The next Chief Executive will inherit strong foundations, an experienced and committed team, dedicated volunteers and a Board that cares deeply about the charity and the people it serves. They will also have the opportunity to shape VOS’s next chapter, consolidating what has been achieved while helping us respond thoughtfully to new needs and opportunities.
We are a relatively small charity with significant regional leadership responsibilities and growing national influence. Our next Chief Executive must therefore be equally comfortable contributing to senior external discussions, building relationships with funders and partners, supporting the Board and engaging directly with our staff, volunteers and the people who use our services.
Visible and approachable leadership matters to us. The successful candidate will need to understand the work of VOS from the inside, earn the trust of the team and remain connected to the experiences of veterans, families and carers. At the same time, they will empower our people, respect their expertise and create the conditions in which they can do their best work.
We recognise that our next Chief Executive may not have held that title before. You may currently be leading another organisation or overseeing a substantial function or area of delivery. You may have developed your career within the Armed Forces and then gained wider organisational experience, or you may bring leadership expertise from the charity, public health, mental health, social care, welfare or commercial sectors. What matters is your ability to provide credible, values-led leadership, understand the wider organisational picture and build trusted relationships with the communities and partners connected to VOS.
If VOS’s mission resonates with you and you believe you can bring the leadership, commitment and adaptability this role requires, I warmly encourage you to apply. Thank you again for considering VOS, and I wish you every success with your application.
John Scivier
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Veterans Outreach Support
Thank you for your interest in becoming the next Chief Executive of Veterans Outreach Support (VOS).
VOS exists to ensure that Armed Forces and Merchant Navy veterans, their families and carers can access the welfare, wellbeing and mental health support they need. Our approach is personal, collaborative and grounded in a clear understanding that people’s needs rarely fit neatly into a single service. By bringing together our own expertise with that of trusted partners, we provide welcoming and accessible support that responds to the whole person.
Over recent years, VOS has developed considerably in its reach, reputation and influence. We remain deeply rooted in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the wider Solent area, while taking an increasingly important role in leading regional partnerships and contributing to national discussions about how veterans and their families can be better supported. VOS has recently opened as a VALOUR-recognised centre, bringing government-backed support to veterans and their families across the Solent as part of the programme’s first national rollout. Alongside our leadership of Thrive Together South East, this reflects the confidence placed in VOS and the strength of the relationships we have built.
This appointment comes at an important point in our story. Our outgoing Chief Executive has led VOS through a period of significant development, strengthening the organisation, extending its partnerships and establishing its voice within the wider sector. The next Chief Executive will inherit strong foundations, an experienced and committed team, dedicated volunteers and a Board that cares deeply about the charity and the people it serves. They will also have the opportunity to shape VOS’s next chapter, consolidating what has been achieved while helping us respond thoughtfully to new needs and opportunities.
We are a relatively small charity with significant regional leadership responsibilities and growing national influence. Our next Chief Executive must therefore be equally comfortable contributing to senior external discussions, building relationships with funders and partners, supporting the Board and engaging directly with our staff, volunteers and the people who use our services.
Visible and approachable leadership matters to us. The successful candidate will need to understand the work of VOS from the inside, earn the trust of the team and remain connected to the experiences of veterans, families and carers. At the same time, they will empower our people, respect their expertise and create the conditions in which they can do their best work.
We recognise that our next Chief Executive may not have held that title before. You may currently be leading another organisation or overseeing a substantial function or area of delivery. You may have developed your career within the Armed Forces and then gained wider organisational experience, or you may bring leadership expertise from the charity, public health, mental health, social care, welfare or commercial sectors. What matters is your ability to provide credible, values-led leadership, understand the wider organisational picture and build trusted relationships with the communities and partners connected to VOS.
If VOS’s mission resonates with you and you believe you can bring the leadership, commitment and adaptability this role requires, I warmly encourage you to apply. Thank you again for considering VOS, and I wish you every success with your application.
John Scivier
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Veterans Outreach Support
