The Royal Navy Family & People Support (RN FPS), through their Visiting Officer role, provide timely and sensitive support to bereaved Service personnel and their families. 

All RN FPS Visiting Officers (VO’s) are specialist welfare workers.

VO’s could be military or civilian staff; they are either qualified Social Workers or graduates of the Defence School of Specialist Welfare Course. 

This means that to be able to take on this role, they must successfully complete the appropriate training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge for their role and engage in continuous professional development to ensure they are best equipped to meet the needs of bereaved RN families. 

The VO will make contact with a bereaved family, normally within 24 hours, of Kin-forming by the Notifying Officer. 

They will support the family with their grief, and act as a conduit of information and access control between the family, the Chain of Command, and other interested parties. 

RN FPS will continue to provide direct support to the family until such time it is agreed that it is no longer required and all Service-related matters concluded.

VO’s are also appointed to work with Service Personnel who, following diagnosis, receive a poor prognosis. 

The VO will assist and support the Service Person and their families to prepare emotionally and practically for the challenges ahead. 

If you would like to know more about the VO role or the support available through RN FPS, 

FIND OUT MORE: Please contact [email protected]

Purple Book bereavement guide for families of Service personnel - GOV.UK