Op NOVA Proven support for veterans in the Justice System
Deborah Ward, Regional Caseworker for Northamptonshire and Warwickshire presented Op NOVA - proven support for veterans in the Justice System discussed the following.
Op NOVA is a dedicated regional teams ensure that veterans can access and engage with national and local support services.
Delivering Op NOVA: Forces Employment Charity
Founded in 1885, we provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their spouses, partners and children.
Our vision: All UK veterans and their families live fulfilling working lives, enabling them to reach their potential.
To achieve this, we develop and deliver a wide range of specialist support programmes.
In 2014 we launched a justice services programme. Our work in the sector ultimately led us to deliver Op NOVA on behalf of NHS England.
A Decade of Delivering Excellence in the Justice System - Timeline
2014 Forces Employment Charity (FAC) launches Project NOVA to support veterans in the justice system.
Care after Combat founded to support veterans in the justice system.
2019 NHS launch ReGroup pilot. A pathfinder service in the East Midlands. This brought together Project NOVA, CaC and Notts NHS Healthcare Foundation Trust, informing NHSE's national strategy for veterans.
2023 NHS England commissions Forces Employment Charity to deliver phase 1 or Op NOVA, support for veterans pre and post custody.
2024 Forces Employment Charity Forces subcontract CaC to deliver phase 2 of Op NOVA, support for veterans in custody.
December 2025: Op NOVA fully operational throughout England.
Veterans in the Justice System: An Overview
The majority of military personnel transition well to civilian life, but for others, issues such as homelessness, debt, poor mental health and substance misuse can bring them into contact with the justice system.
4.86% of the prison population are veterans, making it a significant minority cohort (2021 Census data)
Our experience indicates that veterans in the justice system are often reluctant to reveal their status - true figure may be higher.
Op NOVA in Brief
Op NOVA provides emotional and practical support to veterans at all points of the justice system in England, including pre-arrest, arrest, post-arrest and those serving a custodial sentence.
Veterans are supported on an individual basis, empowering them to engage with and access specialist support services.
The prime objective is to provide a single support pathway for veterans to move away from the justice system.
Op NOVA receives referrals from the Police, the NHS Liaison and Diversion teams, HMPPS, and NHS Reconnect. Any statutory or non-statutory organisation can make a referral.
Phase 1 (pre and post-custody) launched in 2023, with Phase 2 (in-prison) support, rolled out across Prisons in England from April 2024.
Op NOVA: Veteran's referral care pathway
Beneficiary person-centred support, delivered in person and remotely where appropriate
Referral; to Op NOVA, initial registration
Contact; Caseworker to contract veteran
Support Planning; Meeting and needs assessment
Care Co-ordination; Develop support plan with referrals to meet identified needs
Needs assessment and care plan can include: Crime-free life, living skills and self-care, mental health and well-being, friends and community, relationship and family, parenting and caring. drugs and alcohol, positive use of time, Managing strong feelings and accommodation.
Follow up: Follow up and tracking.
Op NOVA: Families referral care pathway
Beneficiary person-centred support, delivered in person and remotely where appropriate
Referral; received from a family member or referral agency
Contact; Op NOVA family caseworker to make contact
Support planning; Meeting and needs assessment
Care Coordination; Develop support plan with referrals to meet identified needs
Needs assessment and care plan can include: Crime-free life, living skills and self-care, mental health and well-being, friends and community, relationship and family, parenting and caring. drugs and alcohol, positive use of time, Managing strong feelings and accommodation.
Follow up: Follow up and tracking.
Op NOVA: In-prison and release transition support
Care After Combat - The aim is to identify, engage and support every veteran in custody in England to improve veteran outcomes and reduce reoffending.
Close, collaborative and supportive relationships with prison staff and healthcare teams.
Specialist and experienced staff. Many are key-trained allowing them free access and movement in the prison
Assisted release package: Op NOVA provides a 'through the gates' managed transition into Op NOVA community team.
Op NOVA: Status and Statistics
Active in all police and probation regions throughout England.
On track to have completed rollout to all prison establishments by December 2024 First 18 months of Service:
Total eligible referrals: 1,565.
Total actively engaged veterans: 1,495.
Total completed: 700.
Proven support for veterans in the justice system
Op NOVA delivers proven benefits to the individual veteran, the justice system and wider society.
82% reported improved mental health.
76% reported progress to a crime-free life (compared to circa 25% of the general population).
76% reported progress in drug & alcohol treatment.
72% reported progress with parenting and caring.
69% reported progress in living skills and self-care.
Op Nova: Status and Statistics
Active in all police and probation regions throughout England.
On track to have completed rollout to all prison establishments by December 2024.
First 18 months of Service:
Total eligible referrals: 1,565.
Total actively engaged veterans: 1,495.
Total completed: 700.
Proven support for veterans in the justice system
Op NOVA delivers proven benefits to the individual veteran, the justice system and wider society.
82% reported improved mental health.
76% reported progress to a crime-free life (compared to circa 25% of the general population).
76% reported progress in drug & alcohol treatment.
72% reported progress with parenting and caring.
69% reported progress in living skills and self-care.
Northamptonshire referrals December 2025 to May 2026
CARE AFTER COMBAT 11 referrals
Op Fortitude 1 referral
Police - Forcer Protocol 1 referral
Police Custody / PIC 22 referrals
Self Referral 2 referrals
Total Combined Referrals 37 referrals
Op NOVA: A single point of referral:
Freephone: 0800 917 7299
Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8.00pm and Saturday from 8.00am to 2.00pm
Online referral form: www.forcesemployment.org.uk/opnovareferral
Email: opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk
Secure Email: opnova@forcesemployment.cjsm.net