Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) is celebrating after a successful evening at the 2026 English Veterans Awards, which recognised the outstanding contributions of VOS CEO Ian Millen and Chairman John Scivier.
Ian Millen was named the winner of the ‘Leader of the Year Award’, recognising his leadership and contribution to VOS and the wider veterans’ community.
John Scivier also received significant recognition, winning the category as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and took silver for the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ category – he was also named ‘2026 Veterans Champion’.
These awards recognise the dedication and commitment of VOS staff, volunteers and supporters, as well as the organisation’s ongoing work supporting veterans and their families in our local community.
Ian Millen was recognised for his leadership and contribution to VOS and the wider veterans’ community. Over the past eight years, he has helped guide VOS from a relatively small local charity into a respected organisation with local, regional and national reach.
John Scivier’s recognition reflects his extensive voluntary service and his longstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Ian Millen, VOS CEO said:
“I’m thrilled to have won the ‘Leader of the Year’ award, especially amongst a field of so many great finalists who were equally worthy of this great honour. My thoughts turn to those I have the great privilege of leading in VOS, wonderful colleagues, volunteers and partners, and to those whose leadership and vision we, in turn, rely upon, from our Board of Trustees to those that support our work for veterans and their families. Good leadership is easy when you have such talent around you, and I’m very lucky to be in such a position.”
VOS Chairman John Scivier said:
“It was humbling to be amongst so many great people and to win was an unexpected honour. I was immensely pleased to see Ian win the Leader of the Year award and it is a great testament to his dedication to VOS. Winning awards is not a sole achievement, and I am conscious that over the many years I have been involved in the charity sector, I have worked with many great people whose sole aim is to help others. It is to them and all those that help and support others that I dedicate these awards.”
Sharon Wemyss, VOS Deputy CEO said:
“We are incredibly proud of Ian and John, whose awards reflect their tireless dedication to the veterans’ and Armed Forces communities.
“Ian’s ‘Leader of the Year’ award recognises the clear vision and commitment he has brought to VOS, while John’s awards celebrate his many years of voluntary service and his continued commitment to supporting others.
These achievements are a testament to the entire VOS team and the importance of people who inspire and support others within the veterans’ community. We’re delighted to celebrate this wonderful recognition with Ian, John and everyone connected with VOS.”
The 2026 English Veterans Awards took place on 1 October 2026 at the De Vere Cotswolds Water Park. These UK-wide awards are supported by Thales Group, the main group sponsor, while CXC Ltd is the lead sponsor of the English Veterans Awards, in association with the Army Benevolent Fund and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity.
Read our nominations news story here
