Tribunal Intention Letter — Armed Forces: Free Template and What to Include

There is no legal requirement to tell your chain of command before you make an employment tribunal claim. This letter is optional: it puts your intention on record and invites early resolution. Below is what it can include, and what the law does require.

What this letter can cover

• The service complaint you have made about the matter, with its reference if you know it
• That you intend to bring an Equality Act 2010 claim to an employment tribunal
• That the tribunal time limit is 6 months starting with the date of the act, and that you will not wait for the service complaint to finish before claiming
• An invitation to resolve the matter early

What the law requires before a tribunal claim

There is no rule that you must notify your chain of command first. In England, Wales and Scotland the law requires:

• A service complaint about the matter that you have made and not withdrawn. It does not have to be finished
• Acas early conciliation before most employment tribunal claims. Do not count on it giving you extra time
• A claim made within 6 months starting with the date of the act, or the end of the period if it went on over time. A later claim is accepted only if the tribunal thinks that is just and equitable

The Equality Act 2010 work rules on age and disability do not apply to service in the armed forces. In Northern Ireland, discrimination claims go to an industrial tribunal or the Fair Employment Tribunal under different law: ask the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (028 9050 0600).

Time limits are strict

Missing the 6-month time limit can mean losing the right to claim. Sending this letter does not stop the clock, so do not leave the claim until close to the deadline. See our service complaints guide and the employment tribunal guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to do this if I've left the service?
This letter is never required. If your claim is about something done while you were serving, the same service complaint rule and 6-month time limit apply after you leave.

Can I get legal advice before sending this?
Yes, and it is worth doing early. A solicitor, or Acas in England, Wales and Scotland (0300 123 1100), can help you check your time limit.

See our full list of letter guides for related letters.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Service Number, if applicable]
[Name or Title of your Commanding Officer]
[Recipient's Address]
[Recipient's Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name or Title, e.g. Colonel Smith],

Subject: Notice of intention to bring an employment tribunal claim

I am writing to let you know that I intend to bring a claim to an employment tribunal under the Equality Act 2010 about [brief description, e.g. the harassment I reported on [date]].

I have made a Service Complaint about this matter on [date] [reference: [number], if you know it].

The time limit for my tribunal claim is 6 months starting with the date of [the act / the end of the conduct], so I will not wait for my Service Complaint to finish before I make my claim.

I would welcome the chance to resolve this matter early. Please contact me if you would like to discuss it.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: In Northern Ireland, discrimination claims go to an industrial tribunal or the Fair Employment Tribunal under different law - ask the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.]