Action on Armed Violence
London-based charity (AOAV, formerly Landmine Action) that researches armed violence; in 2024 publicised the MoD order deploying 77th Brigade on domestic COVID-19 operations
| Action on Armed Violence
| |
|---|---|
| Logo |  AOAV logo (aoav.org.uk) |
| Type | Charitable company limited by guarantee |
| Founded | 25 September 2007 (company incorporated) |
| Registration ID | 1122057 (Charity Commission); company 06381573 |
| Headquarters | 5th Floor, 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PF |
| Services | Research and advocacy on armed violence and its impact on civilians |
| Registration | England and Wales |
| Key people | Iain Overton (executive director) |
| Website | aoav.org.uk |
Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) is a London-based charity that "researches the threat and impact of weapons in order to reduce the risks that provoke violence and conflict and to support the recovery of victims".[1] Its previous names include Landmine Action Charitable Trust and Human Security Action. It was registered as a charity on 19 December 2007.[1] Its executive director is Dr Iain Overton.[2]
77th Brigade disclosure
On 13 November 2024 AOAV published a Ministry of Defence freedom of information disclosure showing that members of the 77th Brigade were deployed to "various UK-based locations" during the pandemic under Operation RESCRIPT. AOAV quoted the order as saying personnel would "adopt civilian or military attire as directed", with a passive media role, "to support the UK's overall ability to counter threats posed by COVID-19".[2] AOAV contrasted this with a 2022 MoD freedom of information reply stating that "the military do not and have never conducted any kind of action against British citizens". Overton said the revelations "highlight the critical need for transparency, accountability, and defined limits on military roles in civilian matters".[2] The underlying order (Activation Order 144-20, dated 24 March 2020) also lists Army officers embedded with the Cabinet Office Rapid Response Unit and liaising with the Cabinet Office National Security Communications Team.[3]
Trustees
| Name | Appointed |
|---|---|
| Dr Saleyha Ahsan | 18 March 2021 |
| Professor Theodora-Ismene Gizelis | 15 December 2021 |
| Olivia Helena Mary Dix | 10 January 2024 |
| Martin Francis Butcher | 11 December 2025 |
| Mira Naseer | 11 December 2025 |
| Professor Michael Spagat | 11 December 2025 |
Source: Companies House officer register (directors of the charitable company).[4]
See also
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Charity Commission for England and Wales, ACTION ON ARMED VIOLENCE – 1122057 Register of Charities, accessed 22 October 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Action on Armed Violence, Mission Creep? Freedom of Information disclosure proves 77th Brigade was deployed on UK operations during Covid pandemic AOAV, 13 November 2024, accessed 22 October 2026.
- ↑ Ministry of Defence, 77X Support to Op RESCRIPT and Wider Operational Activity (Activation Order 144-20), 24 March 2020, released under the Freedom of Information Act and published by AOAV, accessed 22 October 2026.
- ↑ Companies House, ACTION ON ARMED VIOLENCE (06381573): officers Companies House, accessed 22 October 2026.