Making a Service Complaint
How the Service Complaints process works, what it can address, and how to get it right first time.
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What a Service Complaint is for
The Service Complaints process exists to address treatment you believe was wrong — bullying, discrimination, unfair postings, mishandled welfare cases, pay errors. It is not a criminal process and it is not for operational disagreements.
Time limits
You have three months from the event to submit a complaint. Late complaints can be accepted in exceptional circumstances but it's a high bar — get it in on time if you can.
Getting it right
- Write it factually. Dates, names, specific events. No emotion, no editorialising.
- Attach evidence — emails, JPA records, witness statements.
- State clearly what redress you're seeking.
- Keep copies of everything.
The Service Complaints Ombudsman
If your complaint is mishandled or rejected unfairly, you can ask the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces (SCOAF) to review it. They publish how to do this on scoaf.org.uk.
Where to go next
Independent advice before submitting helps a lot — small wording choices change outcomes. Speak to an advisor →
Still need help?
Speak to a trained advisor. Free, confidential, and judgement-free — for anyone who has served, is serving, or is family of someone who has.