Legislation.gov.uk has published SI 2026/14, the Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026. The instrument starts the new regime in two steps: the office is created on 2 March 2026 and the Commissioner’s complaints and welfare functions begin on 1 April 2026. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/new/uksi?utm_source=openai))
From 2 March 2026, section 1(1) and (4) of the 2025 Act and Schedule 1 are commenced, formally establishing the Armed Forces Commissioner. Schedule 1 sets the Commissioner up as a corporation sole, provides for appointment by His Majesty on the Secretary of State’s recommendation, and sets out disqualifications and term limits. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/23?utm_source=openai))
From 1 April 2026, further provisions take effect. Section 1(2)–(3) abolish the Service Complaints Ombudsman; section 2 transfers all functions under Part 14A of the Armed Forces Act 2006 to the Commissioner; section 4 activates the general service welfare remit; and section 5 with Schedule 2 updates cross‑references across related statutes. Notably, section 3 amends section 340B AFA 2006 so that admissibility decisions can be taken by “a person”, allowing civilian caseworkers to perform roles previously limited to “an officer”. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/23?utm_source=openai))
Transitional measures ensure continuity for complainants. Any application made to the Ombudsman before 1 April 2026 is treated from that date as made to the Commissioner, and investigations that the Ombudsman could begin or had begun may be started or continued by the Commissioner. These provisions dovetail with the investigative framework in section 340H AFA 2006. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/new/uksi?utm_source=openai))
The Regulations limit repeat investigations. Where the Ombudsman has already investigated a complaint under section 340H(1)(a) or (b), the Commissioner may not re‑investigate unless the case falls within circumstances specified in regulations made under section 340H(11). This preserves finality in concluded Ombudsman cases. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/52/part/14A/crossheading/investigations-by-service-complaints-ombudsman?utm_source=openai))
Reporting is bridged for the transition year. The Commissioner’s annual report for 2026 under section 340O must reflect both the Commissioner’s activity after 1 April and the Ombudsman’s exercise of functions earlier that year, ensuring a single account to Parliament of the service complaints system’s performance. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/52/part/14A/crossheading/annual-report-by-service-complaints-ombudsman?utm_source=openai))
Administrative continuity is secured beyond casework. Acts, omissions and legal proceedings underway in relation to the Ombudsman continue as if done by or in relation to the Commissioner, references to the Ombudsman in existing enactments and documents are to be read accordingly, and the Ombudsman’s property, rights and liabilities transfer to the Commissioner. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/new/uksi?utm_source=openai))
For personnel and families using the system, routes into the service complaints process are unchanged in March. From 1 April, the Commissioner becomes the escalation body for finalised complaints and allegations of maladministration or delay, mirroring powers previously held by the Ombudsman under Part 14A. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/23/crossheading/service-complaints?utm_source=openai))
For commanding officers and complaints teams, the operational impact concentrates in April. Materials, templates and public‑facing guidance should be updated to reference the Commissioner rather than the Ombudsman, and casework procedures should reflect the amended section 340B allowing appropriately trained civilians to take admissibility decisions. ([legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/23/crossheading/service-complaints?utm_source=openai))
Set‑up continues alongside recruitment for the new role. The Ministry of Defence has described the Commissioner as an independent champion able to visit Defence sites, commission reports and report directly to Parliament; those functions become operational once the April provisions are in force. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-ever-independent-armed-forces-champion-gets-the-royal-seal?utm_source=openai))