Officers' Association
1920 - 2025
After more than a century of dedicated service to the officer community, the Officers’ Association has formally concluded its operations and is now closed.
Over the years, the OA has proudly stood as the only UK charity dedicated solely to supporting former commissioned officers and their families, regardless of service branch. Since its founding in 1920, it has provided support to thousands through welfare, employment services, advocacy, and practical assistance—always guided by a deep respect for the contributions of those who have served.
In preparing for closure, the OA worked closely with armed forces benevolent charities including: the Royal Navy Officers’ Charity (RNOC), The Sandhurst Trust and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) to ensure that ongoing support for our beneficiaries is safeguarded. Through these partnerships, the values and vision of the OA will live on—embedded within the wider Armed Forces charitable network.
The decision to close the OA was made following careful consideration by the Board of Trustees, and with grateful permission from the Privy Council. All the necessary legal and regulatory processes have been fully completed. The closure reflects a strategic and timely conclusion to the charity’s long-standing work, ensuring that its remaining resources have been used in full accordance with its founding mission: to support former officers of the Armed Forces and their families.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Presidents, Honorary Representatives, staff (past and present), volunteers, partners, and supporters who have shaped this journey over generations. The OA’s legacy is one of dignity, integrity, and service—and we are proud to leave that legacy in capable hands.
A downloadable copy of the formal joint statement from the Chairman and CEO is available here:
For any remaining enquiries, please contact:
Royal Navy Officers' Charity (RNOC)
Sandhurst Trust
RAF Benevolent Fund
Email:
welfarenavigators@rafbf.org.uk
Our website has details of the wide range of services that we can provide to members of the RAF family.
For service leavers' employment enquiries, please contact:
The Forces Employment Charity
The OA’s specialist employment branch combined with RFEA to become the Forces Employment Charity in 2022.
