Guidance

Nuclear Test Veteran Community Fund Supporting Documentation (HTML)

Published 15 February 2023

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (Cabinet Office)

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) leads UK Government efforts to make the United Kingdom the best place to be a veteran in the world. The OVA sits in the Cabinet Office to lead the delivery and measurement of the Strategy for our Veterans, and improve coordination of veterans’ work across the Government.

In relation to the funding support provided by the OVA, the OVA reserves the right to make funding decisions based on independent judgments of its panel chairs and staff members. Please note that the decision of the OVA panel will not be open to appeal and the OVA reserves the right to amend the application process.

Purpose

The veterans and civilians who participated in the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme, the first of which was known as Op Hurricane, made the UK the third nuclear power. This work contributed to achieving the nuclear deterrent - the ultimate guarantee of UK sovereignty which continues to keep us safe today, and helps guarantee international security.

The aim of this fund is to enable organisations to deliver bespoke programmes that help to recognise and support Nuclear Test Veterans and their families. Programmes will help to deliver this Government’s commitment to recognise the Nuclear Test Veteran community by supporting the development of memorialisation or educational activity and the delivery of direct support.

Objectives

Programmes should address at least one of the following objectives:

• To provide bespoke direct support to Nuclear Test Veterans and their families. Including through (but not limited to) caseworking, signposting or mental health support.
• To memorialise the service of Nuclear Test Veterans, providing a lasting memory of the service and experience of veterans involved in the development of our nuclear deterrent.
• To raise public awareness of the service of Nuclear Test Veterans, including through the development of educational resources. Resources should be evidence-led and non-political.

Eligibility information

• The competition will be open to Charities, Community Interest Companies, and intergovernmental organisations [others can apply, but the organisation must have a formal not-for-profit constitution (set of rules) or governing document which shows its objectives and management structure].
• The project must support veterans of the UK Armed Forces involved in British Nuclear Testing between 1952 and 1967.
• Bids with a historiographic or research focus, or from academic institutions, will be out of scope for this programme, for the avoidance of duplication with prior projects.

Process

• Grants of up to £70,000 will be available. Organisations may optionally apply for an extended grant, up to £100k, detailing what additional activity could be delivered for an additional sum of money. These will be considered on a case by case basis. Organisations may only apply for one grant.
• The applications process will be handled in house, with a selection panel identified by officials from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and across Government.
• Applications open on Monday 13 February and close at 23.59 on Friday 10 March. The application should be submitted using the application form to veteransgrants@cabinetoffice.gov.uk by 23.59 on 10 March.

The requirements

1. The duration of this project will be two years from the date of the award. Only in exceptional circumstances will the duration of the award be extended.

2. The successful applicant will provide a clear plan explaining how they will execute the proposed project.

3. They will have the responsibility to organise and provide timely reports and updates with the OVA policy team on the outcome and progress of the project (quarterly)

4. A final written report summarising the outcomes and outputs of this project.

Responsibilities of organisations

By submitting an application to the OVA, the organisation indicates their formal acceptance of the proposal in this document and the requirements of the project. The organisation’s administrative authorities have responsibility for ensuring that the expenses cited in the application are sufficient to undertake the proposed work.

What happens if you are successful?

You will be sent a conditional offer letter that you must sign and return within 7 days of receiving the offer. You will receive full instructions and guidance with the conditional offer letter.

Financial documents from your organisation must be completed within 14 days of our offer notification to you.

Project setup, including any requested agreements or financial documentation, must be completed within 14 days of award or funding could be withdrawn.

Your project must not start until you have received a signed and approved grant agreement from the OVA.

Further information and contact information

All application related enquiries should be emailed to veteransgrants@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.