Armed Forces Service Complaints process
Information about how to make an Armed Forces Service Complaint.
Making a Service Complaint
Serving or former members of the UK armed forces can make a Service Complaint if they feel they have been wronged on a matter that arises when they are subject to service law. This can include complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination and biased, improper or dishonest behaviour.
Individuals intending to make a Service Complaint are advised to read Redress of individual grievances: service complaints (JSP 831), or seek advice from their local human resource staff or equality and diversity adviser. Either will be able to explain how the matter might be resolved informally or how to submit a formal complaint.
To make a Service Complaint, you should complete a Service Complaint Form on the My Complaint application (accessible via Defence Gateway). Alternatively you can submit a Service Complaint in writing using the form found at Annex F of JSP 831 Part 2.
Related information
- JSP 763: The MOD Behaviours and Informal Complaints Resolution Policy
- The Service Complaint Process easy-read guide
Service contacts
Naval Service
General enquiries: navypeople-sclscgenenq@mod.gov.uk
For Service Complaint Admissibility (Annex F): NAVYPEOPLE-SCLSUBMITCOMPLAINT@mod.gov.uk
For Submission of Appeals (Annex G): NAVYPEOPLE-SCLAPPEALS@mod.gov.uk
Army
General Enquiries: apsg-armyscsec-enquiries@mod.gov.uk
For Service Complaint Admissibility (Annex F): APSG-ArmySCSec-Group@mod.gov.uk
For Submission of Appeals (Annex G): APSG-ArmySCSec-Appeals-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
RAF
General Enquiries: air-people-services-sctgpmlbx@mod.gov.uk
For Service Complaint Admissibility (Annex F): air-people-services-sctcat@mod.gov.uk
For Submission of Appeals (Annex G): Details of the Case Manager to who a Complainant should submit an Appeal will be provided in the Decision Letter.
The Armed Forces Commissioner
The Commissioner provides the independent and impartial oversight of the Service Complaints system previously undertaken by the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces.
You can contact the Commissioner at any time during the Service Complaints process.
You can ask the Commissioner to:
- help you get access to the complaints system through a Service Complaint referral
- review any decision not to treat a matter as a formal complaint
- review any decision not to consider an appeal
- investigate any delay in the Service Complaints process; and
- investigate issues relating to the handling or outcome of a complaint
Access more information about The Armed Forces Commissioner.
Updates to this page
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Reference to the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces has been replaced by reference to the Armed Forces Commissioner, following that office coming into effect on 1 April 2026.
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Added information about the Governance Framework Agreement between MOD and Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces.
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Updated information on making a Service Complaint.
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Page updated with information about the new complaint process which applies from 15 June 2022.
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Added updated contact information.
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Updated service contacts information.
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Updated text in 'The new complaints process' section.
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Made changes to summary and section Service Complaints Commissioner which is now Service Complaints Ombudsman.
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First published.