General James (Jamie) Balfour lends a lifetime of service and leadership as new VOS Patron

Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) is delighted to welcome Major General James Balfour CBE DL as one of our esteemed Patrons.

General Balfour brings an exceptional record of service and commitment – not only to the Armed Forces but also to veterans and charitable causes across the UK. His distinguished career spans military leadership, judicial reform and tireless advocacy for initiatives that support the rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen and women, especially those with mental health issues. Through his work in penal reform and reoffending reduction programmes, he has achieved outcomes that are both inspiring and impactful.

Throughout his career, General Balfour has advocated on behalf of community foundations and local charities, raising awareness and endorsing their vital work. He chaired ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in Hampshire (2008-2015) and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire.

Born in Hampshire, General Balfour joined the Army at 19 and served for 37 years with the Royal Green Jackets (now The Rifles). His military service included operational deployments in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and with the United Nations in Cyprus and Kosovo. He also completed four tours at the Ministry of Defence in London and held postings in Berlin, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, India and Rwanda. As Director of Infantry, he oversaw 27,000 infantrymen and his final appointment was as President of the landmark “Baha Musa” Iraq court martial – the first to feature a High Court judge as Judge Advocate.

General Balfour was appointed High Sheriff of Hampshire in 2014-15 and he served as President of the Royal Green Jackets Regimental Association for 10 years. He also chaired the ABF Hampshire branch (2008-2015), reflecting his strong commitment to veterans’ welfare.

Away from his civic and military service, he was Director General of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT) – Sir Winston Churchill’s national memorial and living legacy. Established in 1965, WCMT enables British citizens from all walks of life to travel abroad, gain insights, and bring back best practices to benefit their professions and communities.

Beyond his public service, General Balfour manages a Hampshire farm of historical and ecological importance, including Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) water meadows and a Roman road! He also participates in the Higher-Level Stewardship scheme.

On his appointment, General Balfour stated:

“Having both served and worked with veterans, I look forward immensely to working with VOS, to help the work that they do in reaching out and providing all-embracing support to those ex-service personnel in need.”

Ian Millen, VOS CEO, added:

“We are delighted to welcome General Balfour as one of our new Patrons. He brings exceptional gravitas and experience through his distinguished service in the Armed Forces and his significant civic and charitable roles. His deep understanding of VOS’s ethos and the needs of our service users, combined with his extensive knowledge and strategic acumen, will greatly enhance the support we provide to veterans, their families, and carers in the local community.