Tribunal Intention Letter — Armed Forces Template & Generator

If you need to notify your chain of command of intention to bring an Employment Tribunal claim, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong tribunal intention letter — armed forces should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Reference the Service Complaint already raised and its reference if known
• State the 6-month Employment Tribunal time limit for armed forces discrimination and harassment claims applies regardless of the Service Complaint's progress
• Confirm the claimant does not intend to wait for the Service Complaint to conclude before filing at tribunal
• Invite early resolution before proceedings are issued

Why you need to notify your chain of command first

Before bringing an Employment Tribunal claim connected to your service, there's normally a requirement to first raise the matter through the Service Complaints process and notify your chain of command of your intention to escalate. This isn't just a formality — failing to follow the correct internal route first can affect whether a tribunal will accept your claim at all.

What to include before you send it

• A clear statement of your intention to bring an Employment Tribunal claim
• Reference to the specific matter and any Service Complaint already raised about it
• The legal basis for your claim, in general terms — for example, discrimination under the Equality Act 2010
• A request for confirmation of receipt

Time limits are strict

Employment Tribunal claims connected to Armed Forces service have their own specific time limits, distinct from standard civilian employment claims — generally 6 months for discrimination-related matters rather than the standard 3 months minus 1 day that applies to most other employment claims. Missing this window can mean losing the right to bring a claim entirely, so don't leave notification until close to any deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to do this if I've left the service?
Yes — if your claim relates to events during your service, the same notification requirements and time limits generally still apply even after you've left.

Can I get legal advice before sending this?
Yes, and it's worth doing given the specific and sometimes shorter time limits involved — a solicitor or the Armed Forces legal support services can help confirm your exact deadline.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.