Following the announcement of the planned closure of the Officers’ Association Benevolent Fund (OABF), the Sandhurst Trust is proud to confirm that it will assume responsibility for all Army officer beneficiaries previously supported by the OABF.

For many years the OABF has played a crucial role in supporting former commissioned officers and their families from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. Its mission has been to alleviate hardship amongst those who have served, as well as their dependants.

Early in 2025, the OABF’s Board of Trustees announced the charity’s decision to close subject to the necessary legal formalities including Privy Council consent. After careful discussions between both organisations, it was agreed the Sandhurst Trust would take over the ongoing support of the current Army beneficiaries. This transition ensures the continuation of a legacy of care and assistance that the Officers’ Association has proudly upheld for over a century.

On 5th June 2025, representative of both charities met to formally finalise the transfer of beneficiaries.

Lee Holloway, CEO of the OABF, said:

“Our core has been supporting OABF’s beneficiaries over many years and with closing, ensuring our beneficiaries continue to receive the best support. Our positive collaboration with Sandhurst Trust has been most welcome, knowing that our Army family of beneficiaries will receive ongoing help and Sandhurst Trust will hold OABF’s legacy.”

 Sandhurst Trust Chaiman of Trustees, Lieutenant General (Retired) Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB emphasised:

‘At a time when the issue of the care of Veterans is rightly very prominent, I am delighted that the Sandhurst Trust has been able to take on the responsibilities of the Officers’ Association Benevolent Fund, thereby continuing the high quality of benevolence provision for which the OA was justly renowned. It is a great legacy, and one of which the Sandhurst Trust is proud to be the guardian’. 

Sandhurst Trust Director, Vaughan Kent-Payne stressed:

" As the official charity and alumni community of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Sandhurst Trust is honoured to take on this responsibility. We are committed to upholding the high standards of support and compassion that the OABF has provided and we look forward to serving those officers who have served our nation"

Further details and next steps will be shared soon.  We encourage you to stay connected as this marks the beginning of an important new chapter of the Sandhurst Trust.