Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in multiple locations UK-wide - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

                               

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 433 – HMRC Field Collections Team - Debt Collector (Multiple Locations)

30 posts in England, Wales (Bilingual required), Scotland and Northern Ireland

Closing Date: 4 Jun 2025

Job Description Click to open     

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

 

 

Little Troopers reunites military families in first-of-its-kind family reconnection weekend

                                           

Credit to Paul Brewer Photography

Military families were reunited this week when Little Troopers, the children’s military charity, kicked off the first of their “All Together” family reconnection weekends.

In January, the organisation revealed they were launching a series of four fully funded family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality time together outdoors, funded by Team Forces.

The charity hosted its first weekend this week in Portland, Dorset, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the Portland Outdoor Centre in Castletown.

Families arrived on Friday (2nd May), kicking off the weekend by spending time together over a beautiful sunset on the beach and drinking hot chocolates.

On the second day, families got to try out coasteering at Portland Bill, exploring the shoreline by swimming, jumping, scrambling and climbing the rocks and cliffs, and learning coastal bushcraft and cooking fish on the fire. Families headed home on Sunday 4th May after giving kayaking, rafting and stand-up paddleboarding a go.

Louise Fetigan, Founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our new family reconnection weekends are aimed at families before, during or after a period of separation or deployment, to help ease periods of separation and help children to connect with their parents. Our Dorset weekend went brilliantly. It was so lovely to see families getting stuck in with all the activities and it was a real joy to see everyone laughing and enjoying some special time together. Military families are generally quite active families, so we felt the weekend really played to these families’ strengths and interests and we hope it will help them to have bonded with one another, whether they’re facing the difficulties of an impending deployment, missing a parent who is away, or welcoming a parent home as they settle back in.”

The Little Troopers weekends invite between six and eight families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 18, to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection, where they are encouraged to put down their phones, meet new people and make memories. Each weekend runs from Friday to Sunday at no cost to the families.

The dates and locations for the next three Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are: 

• Friday 13th June to Sunday 15th June 2025, New Forest, Hampshire.
• Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July, Brenscombe, Wareham, Dorset.
• Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset.  

The events form part of the charity’s broader ‘All Together’ programme which brings together young people from across the military community to benefit from spending time with others who have shared similar life experiences. For more information about Little Troopers All Together and to learn more about the charity’s work supporting military children, visit www.littletroopers.net. 

Gov.uk News Update: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network

                                       

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system announced 5 May, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

To read the news update in full, please go to: Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network. 

National Stop Loan Sharks week 2025 – 19 to 25 May

                                               

It can take time – sometimes months, even years – for someone to reach out for help with a loan shark debt.

Stop Loan Sharks figures show some borrowers waited for around four years before seeking support. But it’s worth it when they do.

These are real words from borrowers who took that brave first step and reached out to Stop Loan Sharks for help:

“It feels like a massive weight has been lifted.”

“You just understand and haven’t been judgemental.”

“After reporting you came back really quickly which put my mind at rest.”

“The person on the hotline created an immediate bond with me. I feel so much better.”

The Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7. No call centres. No scripts. Just real people who care.

Call in confidence on 0300 555 2222
Text or WhatsApp on 07860 022116
Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk where you will find a reporting form and a Live Chat option, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Frontfoot Jobs: Engineering job opportunities open nationwide

                                 

Frontfoot Jobs are pleased to announce that they now have engineering job opportunities open nationwide.

Please visit their website for more details: https://www.frontfoot.life/jobs and any questions please get in touch with admin@frontfoot.jobs.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

 

Free from Fear Programme reopens for applications

 The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced their Free from Fear Programme is once again accepting applications for funding.

In 2024/25 the Trust awarded over £1M to seven major projects under their Free from Fear programme which seeks to address and prevent domestic abuse within serving armed forces communities.

 

The programme is seeking applications for projects that will achieve one or more of the following outcomes.

 

• Effective measures are delivered to prevent incidences of domestic abuse within armed forces communities and these address emerging and current challenges.
• Clear routes are provided which enable victim-survivors from armed forces communities to access effective support, including the ability to recognise and report domestic abuse.
• Sustainable improvements and adaptations are made to service provision to meet the evolving support needs of victim-survivors from armed forces communities.

 

Grants of £75,000 to £150,000 are available for projects lasting one-to-two years.

 

Why is the Trust running this programme for a second year?

 

Domestic abuse happens in all cultures and social groups. Research by Kings College London (KCL), jointly funded by the MOD, found increased prevalence of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) in armed forces communities compared to the general population.

 

Collectively, the projects supported under Free from Fear last year cover many aspects of much needed support and awareness of this issue. From a UK-wide helpline, work to spot the early signs of abuse, development of training programmes, addressing behaviour change, developing support networks for victim-survivors, and ultimately creating and maintaining strong links within communities, the military and beyond.

 

What’s new for 2025/26?

 

This year, the Trust has widened eligibility to apply for this funding, and is now accepting applications from:

• registered charities and CICs with recent, relevant experience in the field of domestic abuse
• local authorities
• NHS bodies
• armed forces units/bases.

 

Full eligibility guidance is available on their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

 

Chief Executive of the Trust, Anna Wright said: “In the light of the success of the Free from Fear Programme last year, it feels right that we seek to make further impact in support of those living with or in fear of domestic abuse. We’ve widened our eligibility this year to include NHS bodies and local authorities and look forward to receiving a rich portfolio of potential work to target this issue.”

 

Find out more

 

The Trust’s Free from Fear programme page has full details about this important programme, including how to apply. You can also read about the projects awarded funding under this programme last year.

 

Application deadline is 2 July 2025.

 

Are you on the mailing list?

 

Did you know the Trust have a newsletter? Get the latest updates and news straight to your inbox via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

 

Defence Children Services (DCS) Attendance Week 2025: Celebrating School Attendance, Achievement and Educational Opportunities Available to Service Children

                                           

Defence Children Services (DCS) are thrilled to announce DCS Attendance Week 2025, which will take place from the 19^th to the 23^rd May 2025. The week will showcase the incredible educational opportunities available to Service Children, whilst emphasising the importance of fostering partnerships among communities, schools, students, and families.

Service Children are excelling in their educational journey, embracing diverse opportunities to learn in schools across the globe. Despite the challenges of high mobility rates that can lead to educational gaps, DCS are proud to highlight the remarkable attendance rates in educational facilities within Host Nations worldwide, and in DCS Schools and Settings, whose attendance is consistently above the UK national average. 

In collaboration with the Education Welfare Service, DCS Schools and Settings are championing the significance of education for all Service Children overseas. They aim to raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities accessible to Service Children and address the issues and trends that may impact their attendance and achievement. 

Join us in supporting this vital campaign by sharing this article, advocating for school attendance in your community, and fostering a positive dialogue about education, attendance, and attainment. Together, let's ensure every Service Child receives the best educational experience possible.

#DefenceChildrenServices #DCSAttendanceWeek2025

For more information about the services provided by DCS, please visit their website.

 

 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

                                    

Almost £800,000 Awarded to Support Partners Unlock New Opportunities

Fifteen projects have been awarded a share of almost £800,000 in grants to empower partners and spouses of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund. 

The projects will also provide tools. Resources and training to support partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support as part of the Fund's Supporting Partners programme. 

Anna Wright, CEO of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said: "This award will provide vital support for service spouses and partners, helping them build resilience, connect with others, and navigate the challenges of military family life. It also opens new opportunities, offering practical guidance and wellbeing activities, to create a stronger, more confident community.”

Family Action Job Opportunity: Social Media Manager, Full Time, Home-based

  

 

Family Action Social Media Manager, Permanent, UK Remote, Full Time, £36,842 to £41,106 FTE per annum

 

A great opportunity to lead Family Action’s social media and manage a team of two Social Media Executives, driving brand awareness, income generation and service marketing whilst also providing strategic insight around wider external engagement activity. Closing date 1st June. 

 

 

DIO Families First Newsletter for SFA Occupants – 1 May Edition

   

Link to read online: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/latest-news-for-families/