15/04/2026
This morning, Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone met with the Forces Employment Charity, who are leading on the delivery of the NOVA NI project in Northern Ireland.
NOVA is a highly regarded programme that supports veterans who have become involved in the justice system. It provides a comprehensive, person-centred approach, ranging from early intervention to address the underlying issues that can lead to offending behaviour, through to support while in custody, and continued rehabilitation to help reduce reoffending and support long-term reintegration.
The programme is already established in England (delivered through NHS England) and operates across Scotland and Wales in different capacities. This marks the first time NOVA will be delivered in Northern Ireland, in partnership with Start 360, bringing vital support to what is often an underrepresented cohort of veterans.
This important development has been made possible through a ยฃ450,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to the Forces Employment Charity, supporting the rollout of NOVA in Northern Ireland over a three-year period.
As part of this initiative, a community-based Caseworker is currently being recruited and is expected to be in post by June 2026. This role will play a key part in delivering tailored, one-to-one support to veterans across the region.
๐ Further details regarding Caseworker role here:
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/forces-employment-charity/caseworker-nova-norther-ireland/1061028
We look forward to working collaboratively with the Forces Employment Charity and the NOVA NI team to make a meaningful, positive, and life-changing difference for veterans in Northern Ireland who have come into contact with the justice system.
