Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

                              

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE - 313 DWP Work Coach, Luton

​Job Description Click here to open
Closing date: 18 Nov 2024

​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 Click here to open  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)

Military Mortgage Advice Webinars: November to Jan

 

To book a place: https://www.militarymortgageadvice.co.uk/webinars​

For more information: Military Housing Webinars Nov24 to Jan25.pdf

Stem Cell Donation: Sign up to save a life!

Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.

Stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers like leukaemia, aplastic anaemia as well as other diseases of the immune system. Chemotherapy can help in some cases, but for many people a stem cell transplant is the only chance of a cure.

30,000 new donors are needed in the UK each year to find matches for the steadily rising number of stem cell transplants taking place in the UK every year. Stem cells are found in the bone marrow – a soft, spongy tissue at the centre of certain bones – and can produce all essential blood cells, including red and white cells and platelets (which stop bleeding).

Give blood and save a life

Sign up today

Supporting each other – give blood and save a life

Places where kids eat free (or for £1) this October half-term

                                                

Please click the image to enlarge.

Money Saving Central - October half-term​

AWS Community Support Annual Report 2024

                                          

The Army Welfare service is proud to present the AWS Community Support Annual Report for 2024.

This Report outlines some of the key achievements delivered and challenges faced by our team over the past year. It provides an overview of key areas of work, statistical information and also looks forward to the year ahead. It demonstrates the breadth and depth of the impact that the Community Support team have.​

Please click HERE to read this report online.

Forces in Mind Trust Post-Service Employment Research Policy & Practice Summaries

                                                  

New research and policy summaries focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.

These summaries form part of our commitment to ensuring evidence is at the heart of decision making for the benefit of ex-Service personnel and their families.

The summaries provide easy digestible access to up to date research evidence and an overview of current policy and service provision focused on post-Service employment among ex-Service personnel and their partners.

A robust methodology has been used to create these summaries meaning they are an accurate and trustworthy source of information which can used to inform and transform policy, practice, and future research priorities.

You can access the full summaries and two-page infographics here:

Research summary: Research | FiMT Research Centre (fimt-rc.org)

Policy summary: Policy Practice | FiMT Research Centre (fimt-rc.org)

Armed Forces in Policing Recruitment Event

                                               

We have planned the 2025 series of events called National Joining Forces – these are police recruitment events for all police organisations in England and Wales. They are designed to provide insight and understanding into police careers; the recruitment process and the structures in place to support candidates through the process. In particular the events highlights the qualities and skills veterans possess which are transferable into British policing.

​The events are advertised on Eventbrite and are as follows:

Tuesday 14th January 2025 from 1800 x 1900

Tuesday 15th April 2025 from 1800 x 1900

Tuesday 15th July 2025 from 1800 x 1900

​Friday 14th November 2025 from 1800 x 1900

Naples Newsletter Oct 4

Click here for the latest newsletter Naples Newsletter Oct 4 

Naples Newsletter Oct 3

 Click here for Naples Newsletter Oct 3

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

                                  

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE- 402, Dept of Work and Pensions, Service Delivery Officer, Leicester - Job Description

Closing date: 15 Nov 2024

​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 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)

Travel to Refuge Scheme: Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse

                          

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:

• Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse.

• Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.

For more infomation please visit: Travel to Refuge

Reminder: Set up your eVisa Account

                              

You can now set up your eVisa account. An eVisa is an online record of a your immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. It can be viewed by logging into the online ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service using your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

For more information on getting an eVisa, visit: ​​​www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa​

Sign up to your SFA roadshow - Aldershot 6th Nov or Leuchars 28th Nov

                                  

Come and instigate change!

DIO along with Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO invite Service Personnel and your families to the Roadshows hosted by our senior representatives. We will share updates about investment in your homes, the steps we're taking to improve the services you rely on and give you the opportunity to share your experience of living in SFA.

Click here to sign up or scan the QR code on the poster. 

A reminder about electric heater safety in the home from DIO/Pinnacle

                            

RAND Europe Research: Meeting the Needs of the RAF and RN/RM Family

                                   

RAND Europe is currently undertaking research to support the Royal Air Force (RAF) Benevolent Fund and Greenwich Hospital in understanding the current and future size, demographics and support needs of RAF and Royal Navy/Royal Marines (RN/RM) Service People, Veterans and Families.

We are recruiting participants!

As part of our research, we want to better understand the experiences of current and former RAF, RN and RM serving personnel and their families. We are intending to do this through interviews and surveys, focusing on:

• RAF, RN and RM families' experiences of military life, military-to-civilian transition and post-Service life.
• Issues/challenges former and current Service personnel and their families may be experiencing in relation to day-to-day living, health and wellbeing (including mental and emotional), education, housing, finance and employment.
• Experiences with accessing support and perspectives on how support to RAF, RN and RM families could be improved.

​Who is eligible to participate?

Autumn updates from Recruit For Spouses

                             

Please click here​ to read the Autumn edition of The RFS Digest.

Further information has also been released regarding the launch of RFS's Foreign & Commonwealth programme, which is now open for applications. Updates can be found here.

Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

 

Please click the image to enlarge.

It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, providing additional benefits such as help with Council Tax and Housing Benefit and a free TV licence for those over 75.

In addition to Pension Credit, those who qualify could also receive Winter Fuel Payment and other support like help with housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months, (ticking the backdating box on the claim form). This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024.

To note, Pension Credit can also provide extra support for heating costs such as The Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments​.

Checking entitlement is easy with this on-line calculator: Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

NDNA Childcare Works supported employment programme - starts next week!

                                               

Please click the image to enlarge.

Are you a spouse/ partner of a serving military personnel or a reservist?

Are you interested in career in childcare but don't know where to start?

Then the Childcare Works project could be for you.

Act quick as the project starts on 22nd October and there are only a couple of spaces left!

Contact Lesley.williams@ndna.org.uk or call on 07718 803652.

Please click here to read more about this project online

Army HQ Welfare Matters Newsletter - Families Edition

                                

Army HQ publishes the Welfare Matters newsletter quarterly, and this is shared internally with MOD staff and Army units.

A new families version of the newsletter is now available, as it is recognised that Service family members may also be interested in the latest news updates, and will find the newsletter informative.

Please click here to view the newsletter online 

Serve and Protect Webinar: Understanding Wills & Lasting Power of Attorney's

                                    

Monday, November 4 ⋅ 12:00 – 12:30 (UK Time)

Want to gain a better understanding of setting up a Will and LPA? In this free webinar by the team at Serve and Protect Credit Union, we'll help you understand the importance of having a will in place which is vital to ensure that your money, property and possessions are distributed exactly how you wish after your death and that your loved ones are properly cared for. Also looking at setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney which allows you to appoint people you trust to make decisions about financial affairs and health and care, if you are unable to due to injury, accident or illness

We look forward to you joining us. Book your place today! completely free

Webinars - Serve & Protect (serveandprotectcu.co.uk)

Veterans ID Card accepted as Polling ID

                              

The government has backed the armed forces community by allowing HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards to be used as Voter ID in forthcoming elections.

More information can be found here.

Naples newsletter Oct 3

 

Click here for the Naples Newsletter Oct 3

Defence Children Services: New information on school admissions and education support to Service families

                                

Defence Children Services and Education Advisory Team (UK) have released some new information for Service families. This includes guidance about key dates related to school admissions which are coming up; the first of these is October 31st for families who have a child due to start secondary school in September 2025. There are also leaflets explaining the support available from EAT (UK) and the Overseas Education and Supportability Team (OEST):​

Letter for families

Top Tips Information sheet with some FAQ

EAT(UK) leaflet

OEST leaflet

​DCS also has a new website with comprehensive information for Service families: www.dcs.school

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Civil Service Job Vacancy for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

                                     

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

GFIE- 339 Associate Supplier Manager
Blackpool, Newcastle or Manchester
Job Description
Closing date: 11 Nov

​​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 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)

Army Health Promotion: New Leaflet - An Individual's Guide to Mental Fitness

                             

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please click here for full guide.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Various Locations

                                       

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have the Executive Officer opportunities shown below coming up with roles across England:

Universal Credit Job centre Work Coach (Executive Officer) - Leicestershire and Northamptonshire (Ref: 714) open from 8/10/24 to 22/10/24. 30 jobs available.

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Staffordshire and Derbyshire (Ref: 717) open from 9/10/24 to 23/10/24. 30 jobs available.

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - West Yorkshire (Ref: 716) open from 10/10/24 to 24/10/24. 30 jobs available.

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite

Naples Newsletter for Oct 2

 Click here for Naples Newsletter Oct 2

Launch of New British Forces Cyprus Community Website

                                      

HQBFC are pleased to announce the formal launch of the new British Forces Cyprus Website:

Welcome to British Forces Cyprus - The central point for all information on living and working in British Forces Cyprus.

World Mental Health Day - 10th October: Defence Relaunch of HeadFIT for 2024

                                  

HeadFIT is an externally accessible website, developed by Defence to assist our people in developing a proactive approach to mental fitness. It provides techniques and methods to manage your mental resilience, enhance your mood, and improve your confidence. For further information please go to: HeadFIT - Success, it's all in your head

Headspace App: Free Enrolment for Army Personnel and MOD Civilian Staff

                                  

For more information see the poster here Please use your mod.gov.uk email address to sign up before downloading the App. Link to enroll: Headspace for Work

                                                               

Whether you are starting out in your career, or you already have an administrative background and are looking for a change, MOD Administrative Officer roles are an opportunity to join the Civil Service and deliver outputs for the benefit of the Army and Defence.

The MOD is recruiting for a variety of exciting Administrative Officer roles throughout all areas of the Army in locations across the UK. You will have the opportunity to work directly with military colleagues to enable key outputs and can take advantage of training and development opportunities available to enhance your skills and career pathway in the Civil Service.

A total of 34 job vacancies are open for applications until 17 Oct.

To find out more, and to apply, please go to the Civil Service Jobs website (job reference 364057): Army - Administrative Officers - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK​​

Protecting Grey Matter - Mental Health support

                                  

Please click the image to enlarge.

For more information on any of the resources within this poster, please contact your nearest HIVE or use the 'contact Army HIVE' facility on the right-hand side menu of this Blog.

Ripple Pond - October Newsletter

  

Please click here to access the Ripple Pond Autumn 2024 Newsletter.

Duke of York's Royal Military School - Cyprus Visits 10-15 Oct

                                          

Click on this link to see further info: https://www.doyrms.com/​ and poster here

Samaritans Walk 50 miles with your dog in November

                               

Take on the challenge to walk 50 miles with your dog this November, whilst raising vital funds and awareness for Samaritans!
We know that life can sometimes be incredibly tough. Thanks to the dedication of more than 20,000 volunteers, Samaritans can be there for anyone, whatever they are going through and whenever they are struggling to cope.

Visit the website to sign up - https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/events-and-fundraising/walk/walk-50-miles-with-your-dog-in-november/

To find out more about Samaritans support to the Armed Forces community, please go to In the military and Armed Forces Community | How we can help (samaritans.org)

The Poppy Factory: Supporting veterans and families towards employment

  

For more information please see:

TPF - Families Service Flyer

TPF Employment Support Leaflet

​Register for Support - Veterans Employment Services

Register for Support - Families Employment Support

Research Participants Request: Study into the effects of Impostor Phenomenon in Military Veterans

                                         

Imposter Phenomenon, commonly known as Imposter Syndrome, is a widely reported but hugely misunderstood mental health condition that affects the majority of the population and is suspected to affect Veterans in transition to civilian life, perhaps more than other groups; stopping veterans from integrating back into society and limiting their success in their new employment.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, we are studying Impostor Phenomenon and UK Veterans, and what might be done to limit its effects.

The autumn edition of Army&You magazine is out now!

                           

To read this issue online, please go to Army&You Autumn 2024 Issue.

There is an article on page 56 covering HIVE's 40th Anniversary.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Disability Services and Retirement Services - Nationwide Locations

  

DWP have Executive Officer roles available in both Disability Services (Nationwide) and Retirement Services (Cumbria and Lancashire). Both will be open until 15/10.

Civil Service job links:
DWP Executive Officer - Disability Services - National (Ref: 711) 160 vacancies


DWP Executive Officer - Retirement Services - Cumbria and Lancashire (Ref: 712) 50 vacancies

​More information on DWP, the various roles currently being advertised, and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, is celebrating ten years of its ‘Little Trooper of the Month’ award scheme.

 

Established in 2014 to recognise children of our British Armed Forces the charity has awarded medals to 120 children who have been especially brave and resilient in the face of adversity.

The Little Troopers winners are all children who have parents serving in the forces and understand first-hand how challenging life can be growing up with a serving parent. Many of the youngsters have experienced long periods of separation from their serving parent due to deployments and military exercises, as well as frequent house and school moves, on top of other challenging life circumstances at home.

Thu 10 Oct - World Mental Health Day and Togetherall.

 

Whatever you're going through, you're not alone. Let's support each other this #WorldMentalHealthDay.

The UK Armed Forces have FREE access to @togetherall and you can join at https://account.v2.togetherall.com/register/uk-armed-forces

Forces Employment Charity's next LinkedIn Essentials online workshop on 14 November.

 

The Forces Employment Charity has an online workshop 'LinkedIn Essentials', which is free for the whole military community (including Families) to join.

​Registrations are now live. Past feedback received says, “The most useful LinkedIn session I have attended to date. No sales speak or jargon, just practical advice and thoughts with supporting reasoning. Really helpful and much appreciated thank you."

Register here: https://loom.ly/kazxuKc

It's also advertised on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AFCAS 2025 is open – make your voice count!

The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) is open!

The annual Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) gives Service personnel the chance to share your views on working conditions, living conditions, and day-to-day Service and family life. Take part in AFCAS and tell us how to better understand your needs in the areas below:
Service life
Accommodation
Catering and retail
Deployments
Allowances and pensions
Service complaints/Service Complaints Ombudsman
Armed Forces Covenant
Factors influencing intentions to stay/leave the Armed Forces
Defence Estate, e.g., training facilities, opportunities for sport and much moreWho can complete AFCAS, and how?

If you are a Service person who has been invited to take part in this year’s survey, you will receive an email with information on how to complete the survey. Your Service number – which is case sensitive – is the token you need to enter. Please be assured that your responses will be confidential.

Every response counts…

The more people we hear from, the better able we are to improve your Service and family life. Your voice matters. To view previous AFCAS results, visit GOV.UK.