The Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) is the deputy to the Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the British Armed Forces.

[1] It is also the second most senior position within the British Armed Forces.

The position was titled Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff before 1964.

[2] The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff deputises for the Chief of the Defence Staff and has responsibility for running the armed forces aspects of defence business, principally through the central staff.

VCDS is responsible for:[3] These are:[2]