[holding answer 6 March 2008]: Upon the launch of the armed forces compensation scheme on 6 April 2005, every member of the armed forces (including reserve forces) was sent a copy of a booklet entitled 'Your Compensation Scheme Explained'; moreover, all service recruits who have joined since that date have received a copy. In addition, details of the compensation scheme are available to all members of the armed forces via the internet (www.veterans-uk.info), updates to the scheme are notified by way of Defence Internal Briefings which are available to all personnel via their chain of command and Intranet. Articles about the scheme have appeared in the in-house service periodicals (Navy News/Soldier Magazine and the RAF News).
Detailed information is held in all Ship/Unit Administrative Offices in the form of booklets and tri fold leaflets. In addition, all personnel have access to the Joint Service Publication 765 'The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme for Injury, Illness and Death Due to Service' either via the MoD Intranet or from their Administrative Offices. Staff at all Service Medical facilities (including the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak and the Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Headley Court) are aware of the scheme and able to advise patients of the process for making a claim. Finally, details of the scheme and how to make a claim are held by Ship/Unit welfare staff and ex-service charities.
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency who administer the scheme have a Free phone helpline (0800 169 2277) which personnel can access to seek specialist assistance with making a claim.