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CONTENTS WELCOME

CHINA FLEET COUNTRY CLUB

SAVA

CARS DIRECT

ELCAS

CLAYESMORE SCHOOL

USEFUL CONTACTS - SCHOOLS

FORCES CHARITIES

WELCOME Welcome to Military Mate. The first project from the UK Armed Forces Engagement Initiative, doing what our slogan says…cutting through the camouflage. We are trying to make things easier and clearer for those in the forces when it comes to using resources for advice in a range of elements. From housing to recruitment to training to legal, medical, charitable and more, it will all be in Military Mate.

Military Mate is accessed via a QR code on our stylish business cards distributed around the UK. Military Mate is also a website and has additional content for the forces family to use. Welcome on our journey, we will be with you all the way, whether you are still serving, are now a veteran, a spouse, partner or family member of a forces family. Kind regards, The Military Mate Team.

CHINA FLEET COUNTRY CLUB Welcome to China Fleet Country Club If you are a serving or formerly serving member of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserve or RFA, China Fleet Country Club has a door that has always been open to you. Situated in Saltash on the Devon and Cornwall border, a short drive from Plymouth and HMNB Devonport, the Club has deep and genuine roots in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community. Our name, our heritage and our China Fleet Trust all speak to that connection. The trust is a registered charity dedicated specifically to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community and their families and remains at the heart of what we do. China Fleet Country Club was built around the idea that everyone deserves a place to breathe, recover, stay active

and enjoy time with the people who matter. Whether you are resettling from the Royal Navy or Royal Marines and looking for a new routine, formerly serving and wanting to stay fit and connected, or a naval or marine family in need of a proper break, you will find something here that is genuinely for you. Golf, spa, swimming, fitness, short-break accommodation, adventure golf and more, all in one place, all year round. Come and see us. We think you will feel at home. China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall PL12

www.china-fleet.co.uk

SAVA At the Sava School of Surveying, we’re proud to sponsor Military Mate and to support a service dedicated to helping service leavers and veterans navigate the transition into civilian life. Leaving the military is a significant milestone, often bringing exciting new opportunities and challenges in equal measure. As you explore new careers, build professional networks and adapt to a different working environment, Military Mate has been created to provide trusted guidance, support and connections throughout that journey, and we are delighted to be part of it. For more than 20 years, Sava has been helping people develop rewarding careers in the residential property sector. Through our Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, we provide a flexible, part-time pathway into the residential surveying profession, enabling individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the profession. Over the years, our diploma training has supported many service leavers and veterans, and we have seen first-hand the value they bring to the profession. The qualities developed during military service – discipline, integrity, attention to detail, problem-solving and a strong work ethic – strongly align with the skills needed to become a successful residential surveyor.

As an ELCAS-approved learning provider, we are also pleased that eligible learners can use Enhanced Learning Credits towards the cost of our Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, helping to make career transition and professional development more accessible. Our decision to sponsor Military Mate is rooted in a simple belief: those who have served their country deserve every opportunity to build fulfilling and successful careers beyond military life. We have seen how transformative education, training and professional qualifications can be for service leavers, and we are passionate about helping individuals channel their existing strengths into new opportunities. Whether you are exploring your options, preparing for your next chapter, or actively looking to retrain, we hope you find the support, advice and connections available through Military Mate both valuable and inspiring. From everyone at the Sava School of Surveying, thank you for your service, and we wish you every success in the future.

WELCOME CLAYESMORE SCHOOL Clayesmore School Proudly Supports Military Mate Clayesmore School is delighted to support the Military Mate initiative and the invaluable work it does in helping the Armed Forces community access information, guidance and support at every stage of service life. For many years, Clayesmore has welcomed and supported military families, understanding both the opportunities and challenges that a mobile lifestyle can bring. Frequent moves, changing communities and periods of transition can be unsettling for children, making continuity, belonging and a strong support network more important than ever. At Clayesmore, we believe that every child should feel known, valued and empowered to flourish. As a coeducational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 to 18, we provide a warm and inclusive community where

children are encouraged to discover their talents, build confidence and develop lifelong friendships. Our approach combines academic ambition with creative, sporting and personal excellence, ensuring that every pupil is supported to pursue a pathway that is right for them. Through opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, pupils develop resilience, leadership and the confidence to embrace new experiences – qualities that are particularly valuable for children whose lives are shaped by change and adaptability. We are proud to stand alongside Military Mate in supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families, and we look forward to helping more military children and young people discover a community where they can belong, thrive and shape extraordinary futures

BUILT ON BELONGING China Fleet Country Club has had deep roots in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community for decades. This is what that looks like. The Club’s name alone tells a story. Rooted in naval heritage and sitting a short distance from HMNB Devonport, one of the UK’s largest naval bases, China Fleet Country Club has been intertwined with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community for decades. It is built into the fabric of the place. At the heart of that commitment is the China Fleet Trust, a registered charity that provides rest, recuperation and recreational facilities for serving and formerly serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families. The Trust ensures that the Club remains a genuine, accessible haven for those who serve and those who have served, not just a destination for the few. A Destination Built for Real Life China Fleet Country Club sits on the Devon and Cornwall border, making it uniquely accessible for the significant Royal Navy and Royal Marines community across both counties. And what it offers is genuinely exceptional. For those who want to stay active, there is a championship 18-hole golf course, a high-tech Toptracer Driving Range, a fully equipped gym, group exercise classes and an indoor swimming pool with water slide. For those who need to slow down and

recover, the Barn Spa offers a full range of treatments, while the Aqua Spa provides sauna, laconium and steam facilities designed for proper, unhurried relaxation. Families are genuinely catered for, not as an afterthought. Woodland Adventure Golf, the leisure pool and self-catering apartment accommodation mean that a visit to China Fleet Country Club works for everyone, all at the same time. Here When It Matters Most Naval life is not an easy one. Postings, resettlement, the adjustment back to civilian routine, the pressure on relationships and family life. China Fleet Country Club understands that more than most. As a Military Mate Associate Sponsor, the Club is proud to be part of a directory that puts practical help and trusted destinations directly into the hands of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community. Whether you are resettling from the Senior Service, formerly serving and looking to stay connected and active, or a naval family simply ready for a proper break, China Fleet Country Club is ready for you. Come for a day. Stay for a week. Join as a member. However you choose to use it, this is a place that was built with people like you in mind. China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 01752 848668 www. chinafleet.co.uk

FROM SERVICE TO SITE

SUPPORTING ARMED FORCES CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION For many Armed Forces personnel, the transition into civilian employment is an opportunity to apply years of leadership, teamwork and problem-solving experience in a new environment. At Esh Construction, we are committed to helping service leavers make that transition with confidence through our dedicated Armed Forces support programmes.

leavers the chance to experience construction sites and officebased environments, helping them explore careers in civilian employment. While roles within Esh are not guaranteed, the business has teamed up with specialist Ex-Mil Recruitment to help service leavers find positive destinations outside of the Armed Forces.

In 2026, Esh has supported four ex-military personnel through 46 placement days. Shaun Hardy from Middlesbrough recently joined Esh-Stantec as a Project Manager after completing 23 years in the Army as a Royal Engineer. Shaun was introduced to Esh through a careers fair in Newcastle and within weeks had been given insights into construction roles, prior to landing a role in the team. He said: “As I approached the time for leaving the Army, I was trying to get an idea of different industries and career opportunities by attending the careers fair. After speaking with

Esh, I found that a lot of my skills aligned and I’ve really landed on my feet. I’d definitely recommend other service leavers to check out programmes like the one I embarked on with Esh.” Through Soldiers to Site and our wider Armed Forces commitment, Esh is helping service leavers discover new opportunities, build rewarding careers and bring their valuable skills into the construction industry. Find out more at www.eshgroup. co.uk/join-us/armed-forces/

As an Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award holder, Esh recognises the immense value veterans, reservists and service leavers bring to our industry. As our sector continues to face skills shortages, many military personnel possess highly transferable skills that align with construction roles. The North of England contractor’s bespoke Soldiers to Site programme, delivered in partnership with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), has been designed to bridge that gap. The initiative gives service 10

estate agents, housing associations and local councils, and opportunities to work independently or as part of a franchise.

What makes a great surveyor?

Do you have what it takes to become a residential surveyor? 5 transferable skills that make surveying the perfect post-military career move: For most Forces personnel, returning to civilian life is an inevitability, but the shift from the demands of military service to the often-unfamiliar landscape of everyday society can be both exhilarating and disorienting. Finding a new career is just a one of the challenges faced by military leavers and having a plan in advance is crucial to ease the anxiety felt during the transition period. In this article, we explore five key military-acquired skills that seamlessly transfer to a successful career in residential surveying.

What is a residential surveyor? Residential surveyors play a crucial role in the property market, inspecting homes to identify risks, defects and opportunities. Their expertise in property condition helps homebuyers and homeowners make informed decisions when buying, selling and renovating. Residential surveyors work across the private and public sector, with roles available in established surveying firms and

Surveyors come from all walks of life, but what binds them is an interest in property. Beyond technical know-how, military service instils a range of skills that lend themselves perfectly to the surveying profession. 1. Problem-Solving Military personnel develop strong analytical and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments. Surveyors use these skills to assess properties, identify defects, and determine their severity. Quick thinking is often required, especially when areas are inaccessible or unsafe to inspect. 2. Time Management Military operations depend on strict time management – a crucial skill for surveyors. The role involves research, property inspections, report writing, and customer interactions. Whether working independently or for a firm, efficient scheduling is essential. 3. Effective Communication In the military, clear communication ensures mission success. Similarly, surveyors must communicate findings effectively, both in reports and client interactions. A well-explained report can significantly impact a homebuyer’s purchase decisions. 4. Adaptability Military service requires flexibility and quick decision-making, traits that are invaluable in surveying. No two properties are the same, and inspections often present unexpected challenges. Adaptability is key to

overcoming these obstacles and delivering accurate assessments.

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Flexible working arrangements

5. Professionalism

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Opportunities for self-employment

Respect for hierarchy and professionalism are integral to military life. As a surveyor, you will be eligible for membership with professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) which has its own expectations regarding the behaviour of its members, with a strict code of conduct to follow.

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A healthy work-life balance

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Long-term career security

Why Ex-Forces Personnel Thrive in Surveying The surveying profession values individuals who are disciplined, dependable and capable of working independently. Unlike some careers that require service leavers to completely reinvent themselves, residential surveying allows military personnel to build upon many of the strengths they’ve already refined. The profession also offers: •

A structured career pathway

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Professional recognition

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Strong demand for skilled

practitioners

As the UK’s housing stock continues to age and demand for professional property advice grows, the need for qualified residential surveyors remains strong.

Train as a Surveyor with the Sava School of Surveying For military personnel considering a career in surveying, the Sava School of Surveying offers a practical and accessible route into the profession. Sava delivers the ABBE-accredited Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, a respected qualification that provides an alternative route into the profession without the need for a traditional surveying degree. The diploma is popular among career changers, with a programme designed to fit around existing commitments. The qualification is studied parttime, making it particularly suitable

for service personnel approaching resettlement or those who have recently left the Forces. Over 24 - 30 months, Sava learners develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional competence required to begin a career as a residential surveyor. Training combines virtual classrooms, online learning and face-to-face practical days to ensure learners are fully prepared for life in the profession. Sava School of Surveying graduates have gone on to secure roles with surveying firms and housing providers across the UK, while others have chosen to work independently or establish their own businesses. Many even secure roles in the final stages of their qualification.

ELCAS Funding Support The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) scheme can help eligible military personnel reduce the cost of training. The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation is approved for ELCAS funding, enabling eligible service leavers to use their learning credits towards course fees and invest in a professional qualification that can support a successful second career. For many military personnel, ELCAS funding provides an excellent opportunity to gain industryrecognised qualifications while making the transition into civilian employment.

What do our surveying graduates say? “Sava is a credible route into residential surveying for service leavers. If it can survive my role change, house move, wedding, and six-month deployment, it can handle

anything. The blended learning and flexible financing made it possible to study without pressing pause on real life.” ~ John Higgins (Major, UK Defence Operational Safety Lead) “After serving almost fourteen years in the Royal Navy, I was looking to start a career in something new. I didn’t want to spend the next four or five years at university in order to become qualified. Sava solved that problem. I would encourage any former Military personnel or those coming to the end of their career to make good use of their ELCAS funds by considering enrolling on the Sava diploma.” ~ Matthew Barton (Former Petty Officer, Royal Navy)

Take the First Step A successful transition from military service starts with a clear plan. If you’re looking for a professional career that values the skills you already have, residential surveying could be the ideal next step. To learn more about the profession, training options, and ELCAS funding, contact a course advisor at hello@ sava.co.uk, call 01908 442158 or head to our course page at https://

info.sava.co.uk/become-asurveyor-military-mate, visit our main website at www.sava.co.uk or scan the QR code.

From Service to Project Success: Turning Military Experience into Career Opportunity A military career develops more than technical expertise. It builds leaders who can plan under pressure, manage risk, coordinate diverse teams and deliver against demanding objectives. These are the same qualities that organisations across every sector look for in successful project professionals. Whether delivering major infrastructure, leading digital transformation or managing complex engineering programmes, the skills gained through military service are highly transferable. For those considering their next career move, investing in recognised qualifications can provide the bridge between military experience and civilian opportunity. Accredited training in project management, project controls and leadership not only validates existing capabilities but equips service leavers with the language, frameworks and confidence employers expect.

At 20/20 Project Management Training, we’ve been helping individuals and organisations develop project excellence since 2003. As an employee-owned training provider, our focus is on delivering practical, expert-led learning that enables delegates to apply their knowledge immediately in the workplace. We are also proud to be an ELCAS Approved Learning Provider, helping Armed Forces personnel make the most of their Enhanced Learning Credits. Our programmes are designed to help military professionals translate years of operational leadership, planning and governance into qualifications that open doors across industries including defence, energy, construction, infrastructure and technology. Your military service has given you the foundations for a successful project career. With the right training and recognised credentials, your next mission could be leading projects that shape the future. Find out more at: www.2020projectmanagement.com or email: enquiries@2020projectmanagement.com

Forces Cars Direct – Built by Veterans, Trusted by the Armed Forces Community For more than two decades, Forces Cars Direct has been helping serving and former members of the Armed Forces access exceptional savings on brand-new vehicles, backed by the kind of personal service that only comes from people who truly understand military life. Veteran founded and veteran owned since 2001, Forces Cars Direct was created with a simple mission: to reward those who serve and have served with unprecedented discounts and a customer experience built on integrity, trust and flexibility. Founded by former AAC soldier, Steve Thornton, the company was born from first-hand experience and a desire to ensure that military personnel receive genuine value when buying a new car. Based from its central office in Lincolnshire, the dedicated team works with customers across the UK and serving overseas, providing a straightforward and convenient service designed around the realities of military life. Frequent postings, deployments, changing circumstances and the unpredictable nature of service can make major purchases difficult, but Forces Cars Direct understands those challenges and has built its service to remove stress and simplify the process.

Today, the company offers exclusive discounts on more than 30 leading manufacturers, including Audi, Jaecoo, Ford, Kia, Volkswagen and many others. Working directly with manufacturers and trusted dealer partners, Forces Cars Direct delivers vehicles nationwide, whether to a home address, military base or local dealership for ultimate convenience. The results speak for themselves. Customers save an average of £7,500 on their new vehicles, and over the years the company has helped its customers save more than £275 million! Those impressive figures are matched by an unwavering commitment to service, earning Forces Cars Direct an outstanding reputation and consistently excellent customer feedback, as shown through multiple awards including The Veteran Business Awards, Gold status with The Armed Forces Covenant, and customer TrustPilot reviews. Whether you’re currently serving, transitioning into civilian life, or have been a veteran for many years, Forces Cars Direct remains committed to recognising your service with the savings and support you deserve. If you serve, you save. Visit www.forcescarsdirect. com/mm to explore the latest offers

and see how much you could save on your next new car.

ELCAS GUIDE TO USING YOUR ENHANCED LEARNING CREDITS We continue our focus on education within the forces family by highlighting how to use educational allowances for serving personnel and in particular the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme.

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY! Before being eligible to make an ELC claim, individual scheme members must have completed not less than six years eligible service (lower tier). If you have completed 4 years qualifying service prior to 1st April 2017, please read JSP 822. The lower tier of funding is up to £1,000 per claim instalment and the higher tier (eight years service) is up to £2,000 per claim instalment. Only service accumulated since 1st April 2000, may be counted as eligible service for the purpose of the ELC Scheme. You are entitled to make three ELC claims in total. You can only make one claim per financial year (1 April- 31 March), however if you have served between 6 and 8 years you may be eligible to aggregate all three lower tier claims together subject to meeting the qualifying criteria in JSP 822. As the expiration date of your claims is dependent upon many factors please read JSP 822. If you are claiming in the last year of your scheme eligibility,

you must commence study before your scheme expiry date. If you are in your qualifying resettlement phase you may be eligible to claim under the Joint Funding Initiative (PF FE/HE Scheme). For the full details and to check the eligibility rules, please view the Serving Personnel/Claiming Publically Funded FE/HE page.

Procedure for Eligible Service Personnel You must complete an online claim and submit to your Education Staff a minimum of 25 working days prior to your course start date. On receipt of your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN), you must present it to your chosen Learning Provider before the course is due to start.

Service Leaver Claiming ELC These guidance notes are for claimants who are no longer in service. Personnel who are still in Service, and/or in their resettlement phase, should refer to their Education Staff, Education Centre or Resettlement Centres.

after you leave the service. Please read JSP 822 for the expiration date of your claims particularly in respect of those service leavers who were medically discharged. You can only make one claim per financial year (1st April to 31st March), however if you have served between 6 and 8 years you may be eligible to aggregate all three claims together subject to meeting the qualifying criteria outlined in JSP 822. If you are claiming in the last year of scheme eligibility, study must commence before scheme expiry date. As a Service Leaver you may be eligible to claim under the Joint Funding Initiative (PF FE/HE Scheme). For full details and to check the eligibility rules please click here.

Procedure for Claimants No Longer in Service Please note that the following information must be submitted with your electronic claim (Paper claims by authorised exception) to your Single Service Representative a minimum of 25 working days prior to your course start date/registration date: •

•Evidence of your last day of Service (copy of your discharge document or P45)

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•A copy of a utility bill showing your home address.

Choosing your Learning Provider Your course of study must be delivered by an organisation that holds ELC Approved Learning Provider status and has your chosen course(s) approved for funding. Not all learning organisations are listed; if you know where you would prefer to study and they aren’t listed, you may wish to contact them directly and ask them to make an application (subject to qualifying criteria). Only MOD approved courses will appear on the Provider’s course listing on the ELCAS website. If your chosen course does not appear in the search results for an approved Learning Provider but would result in a level 3 (or above) nationally recognised qualification, please ask the Learning Provider to submit their course for approval by MOD via their online portal. Only approved courses can be selected when making a claim. For further information and guidance please see the Enhanced Learning Credits website at www. enhancedlearningcredits.com

Once eligible to claim you may submit a claim up to five years (if you left on/after 1st April 2016) or up to ten years (if you left before 1st April 2016)

Clayesmore: Individual Journeys, Extraordinary Futures Set in the Dorset countryside, Clayesmore has a quiet magic – a rare combination of warmth, ambition and opportunity that empowers every child to flourish. At its heart is a deep belief that every child should have the confidence and freedom to discover their own path. This philosophy has long resonated with military families, for whom continuity, community and belonging are especially important. Frequent moves can bring new experiences and opportunities, but they can also disrupt friendships, routines and learning. In this context, a school community that offers stability and a genuine sense of belonging becomes invaluable. At Clayesmore, every pupil is known, valued and supported to pursue a pathway that is right for them. From age four to eighteen, Clayesmore is a co-educational day and boarding school, giving children the time and freedom to grow, change direction and discover who they are and who they can become. Academic ambition sits alongside creative, sporting and personal excellence. Through the school’s unique LEX programme, alongside opportunities such as Model United Nations, Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, pupils develop character, leadership and resilience. A rich programme of sport, music, drama, outdoor adventure and intellectual enquiry encourages children to explore widely and discover talents they never knew they had. For military families, the breadth of opportunity available at Clayesmore is complemented by something

equally important: a strong sense of community. Pupils are welcomed into an environment where everyone looks out for one another and where belonging comes first. Sport, music, drama and outdoor education enrich daily life, strengthening friendships, confidence and connection, and helping each pupil discover their potential. The boarding and day community creates a genuine home-from-home environment where relationships matter and children quickly feel part of something bigger than themselves. Success at Clayesmore is personal and varied because there is no typical Clayesmorian. Pupils follow different paths and pursue different passions, united by the simple fact that they all go on to pursue their dreams.

ONE SCHOOL. ONE JOURNEY. RECEPTION TO SIXTH FORM One school for the whole family, providing continuity for military children.

Some progress to Russell Group universities, others to specialist colleges, apprenticeships or careers, their choices shaped by different ambitions and talents. The school does not attempt to define success through a single measure, nor does it tell young people what they should become. Instead, it gives them the confidence to discover who they are, the courage to pursue it and the resilience to enjoy the journey. What emerges is a community of scholars, artists, sportspeople, visionaries and leaders, each shaped by their own experiences and aspirations. At Clayesmore, futures are not prescribed; they are shaped individually. For military families, that quiet magic offers something profoundly important: not simply educational continuity, but a place where children can belong, thrive and carry their confidence with them wherever life takes them next.

A Community Where Every Child Belongs Inclusive Excellence That Inspires Children to Believe Opportunities That Empower Children to Become CEA Plus 10% or a 20% Military Discount

01747 812122 | clayesmore.com | Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, DT11 8LL 20

USEFUL CONTACTS - SCHOOLS USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS FOR ORGANISATIONS AND BODIES WITHIN THE UK TO ASSIST WITH ADVICE ON BOARDING AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND) AND OTHER LINKS CAN BE FOUND BELOW.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)

ARMED FORCES EDUCATION TRUST

THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

The British Dyslexia Association, Office 205 Access Business Centre, Willoughby Road, Bracknell, RG12 8FB

The Armed Forces Education Trust is a charity working for children and young adults whose education has been compromised or put at risk as a result of parents’ past or current service in our Armed Forces. The grants we give make a difference to young lives, helping improve their educational opportunities or supporting special skills or talents.

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. DfE is a ministerial department, supported by 18 agencies and public bodies.

Telephone: 0333 405 4555

https://www.gov.uk/browse/education

www.crested.org.uk

admin@armedforceseducation.org WhatsApp - 07464732000. Armed Forces Education Trust PO Box 684, Farnham, GU9 1LP.

THE BOARDING SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION (BSA) www.boarding.org.uk Telephone: : 020 8253 8388 Email: boardingschools@metropolis. co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL (ISC) The Independent Schools Council is a non-profit lobby group that represents over 1,300 private schools in the United Kingdom. Independent Schools Council, First Floor, 27 Queen Anne’s Gate, London, SW1H 9BU Telephone: +44 (0)20 7766 7070 Fax: +44 (0)20 7766 7071

British Dyslexia Association (BDA)

Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CReSTeD) CReSTeD, C/o Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, 24 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS Council of British International Schools (COBIS) www.cobis.org.uk

Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS)

www.iaps.co.uk

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

www.ucas.com

FORCES CHARITIES AA Veterans Support AA Veterans Support is a Northern Ireland based charity set up to provide help and support for Veterans and their families throughout Northern Ireland. info@aavsni.com Unit C3 Edenderry Industrial Estate, 326 Crumlin Rd, Belfast, BT14 7EE. T: 028 9074 7071

Change Step Change Step is a veteran to veteran peer mentoring and advice service. Ask@change-step.co.uk Ty Dafydd Alun, 39 Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay. LL29 8LA T: 0300 777 2259

AFV Launchpad Launchpad is a registered charity that provides veterans (and their partners) of all Services with affordable, selfcontained flats arranged in managed houses in Newcastle (34 flats) and Liverpool (52 flats). enquiries@afv-launchpad.co.uk 3 Hansard Mews, Holland Park London. W14 8BJ. T: 0300 1111 238

Agamemnon Housing Association

Armed Forces Community Support Hub (Devon)

To provide affordable and sensitively managed sheltered housing for people over 60 years of age, giving priority to those who have served in the Armed Forces and their surviving partners or relatives.

The Hub provides a Tri-Service Hub offering a safe environment with a single point of focus for Armed Forces Personnel, Service Leavers, Veterans and their families/dependents.

enquiries@agamemnon.org.uk Agamemnon House, Lindisfarne Close, Cosham,Portsmouth. PO6 2SB. T: 02932387086

Aggie Weston’s Dedicated to supporting the serving men and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and their families. office@aggies.org.uk Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth. PO2 8RN. T: 02392 650505

Amicus Trust

info@armedforceshub.org First Floor, 6 Southernhay West, Exeter. EX1 1JG

Army Benevolent Fund The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity, here for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life. info@armybenevolentfund.org Mountbarrow House, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London. SW1W 9RB T: 0207 901 8900

Army Families Federation

To give everyone an opportunity to have a home, and to work towards independent living with their community.

AFF is the voice of the Army family. It empowers and acts as an advocate and an independent expert witness to promote a quality of life which reflects the military covenant.

info@amicustrust.org

contact@aff.org.uk

31a Prebend St, Bedford, Mk40 1QN T: 01234 334 607

IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 7, Ramillies Buildings Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road ,Andover. SP11 8HJ T: 01264 382326

Belfast Health & Social Care Trust

Better Lives Better Lives is the official charity of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust. betterlivescharity@bdct.nhs.uk T: 01274 251575

Blind Veterans UK Support for blind and visually impaired ex-Servicemen and women. fundraising@blindveterans.org.uk 12-14 Harcourt Street, London. W1H 4HD T: 020 7723 5021

British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) The Services Sound & Vision Corporation exists to inform, entertain and connect Britain’s Armed Forces around the world. WelfareMedia@ssvc.com Chalfont Grove, Narcot Lane, Gerrards Cross. SL9 8TN. T: 01494 878239

Broughton House To provide nursing and residential support for Ex-Service men and women. info@broughtonhouse.com Park Lane, Salford. M7 4JD T: 01617402737

Non Clinical Support Building, Royal Victoria Hospital, 274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast. BT12 6BA.

FORCES CHARITIES Building Heroes

Combat Stress

Firefighter Foundation

Forces Pension Society

Building Heroes provides ex-service personnel with a rapid transition into careers in the construction industry through retraining and employment support.

Combat Stress provides effective treatment and support, delivered by qualified and understanding professionals, to Veterans of the UK Armed Forces who are suffering from mental ill health.

The Firefighter Foundation is committed to promoting and preserving the heritage of firefighting.

The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit membership funded organisation that acts as a pension watchdog for the whole military community.

info@buildingheroes.org.uk Lodge Cottage, Brinsbury Estate, Staine Street, North Heath,Pulborough. RH20 1DJ T: 01798 874521

Call4Backup Call4Backup was founded to provide confidential support, advice and direction to every member of staff, officer or volunteer working within the UK Police Forces. International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London. EC1A 2BN. T: 0844 5899957

China Fleet Trust To provide recreational and other leisure time facilities for serving members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, or the Maritime Reserve and their families. trust@china-fleet.co.uk China Fleet Country Club, Saltash. PL12 6LJ T: 01752 848668

contactus@combatstress.org.uk Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead. KT22 0BX T: 01372 587 000

Council of Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

Forces Employment Charity Part of the Career Transition Partnership. To help men and women of all ranks leaving the Armed Forces to find and remain in employment throughout their working lives. info@forcesemployment.org.uk

Point of contact for Reserve Associations.

Mountbarrow House, 6-20 Elizabeth Street, London. SW1W 9RB

co-info@rfca.mod.uk

Fighting With Pride

Holderness House, 51-61 Clifton Street, London. EC2A 4EY T: 020 7426 8350

Defence Medical Welfare Service

FWP is a lived-experience charity supporting the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ Veterans, service personnel and their families. info@fightingwithpride.org.uk

To ensure the well-being of all Armed Forces personnel.

45 Roedean Crescent, Brighton. BN2 5RG

info@dmws.org.uk

Forces Children Scotland

The Old Stables, Redenham Park, Redenham,Andover. SP11 9AQ T: 01264 774000

ELFT Charity The charity supports innovative projects that make a positive lasting change and go above and beyond what the NHS would usually provide. East London NHS Foundation Trust, Robert Dolan House, Trust Headquarters, 9 Alie Street, London. E1 8DE. T: 020 7655 4000.

Office 2, Tweed House, Park Lane, Swanley, Kent. BR8 8DT.

Forces Children Scotland supports children and young people from serving personnel, reservist and veteran families to reach their potential and thrive. admin@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk 15 Hill Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3JP. T: 0131 240 2224

memsec@forpen.co.uk 68 South Lambeth Road, London. SW8 1RL T: 020 7820 9988

Heads On Heads On is Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s charity. Swandean, Worthing. BN13 3EP. E: headsoncharity@spft.nhs.uk T: 07469 351 456

Healthier Heroes CIC 4 Elizabeth Street, Burnley. BB11 2BQ T: 01282 966730 Healthier Heroes CIC provides support to ex-service personnel, their families and carers who are struggling with an array of complex requirements and support. The support offered to our service users includes housing, education, employment, tackling isolation and health and wellbeing. We are running a programme called UNITE INSPIRE BELIEVE which aims to tackle the complex needs of those in need. This will help to stop the cycle of reoffending while providing 24-hour care and support to those that will be accommodated with us. Bancroft house offers accommodation with 21 double on suite rooms.

FORCES CHARITIES Help For Heroes

Merchant Navy Association

RAF Benevolent Fund

Help for Heroes helps members of the Armed Forces community to live well after service.

Bringing all serving and retired Seafarers together in a spirit of companionship, consideration and commitment towards a united lobby for the Community of the Sea.

The RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing practical, financial and personal lifetime support to all members of the RAF family whether serving or veterans and their families.

28A Bassenhally Road, Whittlesey. PE7 1RN

mail@rafbf.org.uk

14 Parker’s Close, Downton Business Centre, Downton. SP5 3RB T: 0300 303 9888

Helpforce Community A charity with the mission to accelerate the growth and impact of volunteering in health and care. New Wing Somerset House, Strand, London. WC2R 1LA. T: 0207 759 1050

HorseBack UK

Naval Families Federation The Naval Families Federation exists to give all currently serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families the opportunity to have their views heard by those in positions of power. contactus@nff.org.uk

HorseBack UK is a charity which was set up in 2009 to empower service personnel and veterans suffering from life-changing injuries and post traumatic stress disorder.

Building 25, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth. PO2 8ER T: 023 9265 4374

emma@horseback.org.uk

The Association of NHS charities, operating as NHS Charities Together is a federation of over 250 charitable organisations that support the devolved NHS, their staff, volunteers and patients in the UK.

Ferrar, Dinnet, Aboyne. AB34 5LD T: 01339 880487

Imperial Health Charity Fund major refurbishments to hospital buildings and facilities, invest in ground breaking research as well as helping patients and families with support. 178=180 Edgware Road, London. W2 2DS. T: 020 3857 9840

NHS Charities Together

Suite 68, Lake View House, Wilton Drive, Warwick. CV34 6RG. T: 0300 303 5748

Police Care UK Police Care UK provides assistance to serving and veteran police officers and staff, volunteers and their immediate families. Nova Scotia House, 70 Goldsworth Road, Woking. GU21 6LQ. T: 0300 012 0030

67 Portland Place, London. W1B 1AR T: 020 7580 8343

Recruit For Spouses Recruit for Spouses is the award winning social enterprise which has helped hundreds of military spouses find employment. enquiries@recruitforspouses.co.uk Hartham Park, Corsham. SN13 0RP T: 0333 2020 996

Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society provides nursing, specialised dementia care, respite care & sheltered housing for ex-seafarers & their dependents. It also has limited spaces for nonseafarers, situated within the idyllic grounds of the Weston Acres Estate, near Banstead, Surrey.

Scottish Fire & Rescue Family Support Trust The only fire service charity run within a specific fire and rescue service for the benefit of service personnel and retired members and their families. Westburn Drive, Cambuslang, Glasgow. G72 7NA. T: 01698 402657

SSAFA SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families. 4 St Dunstan’s Hill, London. EC3R 8AD M: 020 7403 8783

The Blue Lamp Foundation Supports members of the emergency services who have mental or physical injuries as a result of being injured whilst on duty. 3 Front Street, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. NE64 6NU. T: 0871 2345 999

The Fire Fighters Charity

Contact: Tel: 01737 353763 Email: enquiries@royalalfred.org.uk

Helping all serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family to live healthier and happier.

Royal Voluntary Service

Level 6, Belvedere, Basing View, Basingtsoke, Hampshire. RG21 4HG. T: 01256 366 566

Helping people keep leading independent, healthy and happy lives by offering a helping hand where it’s needed. Hanley Centre, 29 Charles Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. ST1 3JP.

FORCES CHARITIES The Police Children’s Charity

Veterans At Ease

Supporting the children of our police forces.

To increase the mental health fitness levels by delivering 1:1 specialist psychotherapy to serving members of the Armed forces, Veterans and their immediate family members.

St Andrews, Harlow Moor Road, Harrogate. HG2 0AD. T: 01423 504448

The Royal British Legion Caring and campaigning for the serving and ex-Service community. info@britishlegion.org.uk 199 Borough High Street, London. SE1 1AA T: 02032072100

Thin Blue Line UK The charity is for the benefit of all serving police officers in the UK. T: 07545 376939

Tri-Services & Veterans Support Centre Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre. Registered Charity 1159599. Veterans House, Hassell Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. ST5 1AR

Head Office: 11 Jackson Street, Gateshead. Tyne & Wear. NE8 1EE. T: 0191 249 9944

Veterans In Crisis Sunderland Helping Veterans requiring a range of services in and around the City of Sunderland. ERV, 1 Roker Avenue, Sunderland. SR6 0BY. T: 0191 567 1878.

Veterans Into Logistics Formed to provide training and support, our main aim to change the lives of ex-forces, individuals with convictions and any other vulnerable people who need help in gaining paid employment within the logistics sector. Birch Mill Business Centre, Heywood Old Road, Heywood, Greater Manchester. OL10 2QQ. T: 0330 111 9320.

Tel 01782 713963.

Volunteer Global Health

We have a drop-in Centre and we offer the following services: SSAFA caseworker, Walking with the wounded, Op Courage, Veterans UK, Nurse Practitioner, Foodbank.

A healthcare non-profit that helps volunteers and charities find each other.

We work with Veterans/Veterans families/Serving Personal and Reservists. www.veteransupportcentre. org.uk

www.volunteerglobalhealth.org

Award-winning mortgage advice

from the UK’s favourite mortgage partner We've helped thousands of customers secure the right mortgage with ease and conﬁdence. Including mortgages for... • First time buyers (incl. buying support schemes) • Remortgaging • Moving home • Buying to let Taking care of the entire process, we... Find you the right mortgage Arrange life insurance / income protection Recommend a conveyancer Recommend a surveyor And we don't charge a fee, saving you both time and money.

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SUPPORTABILITY ENGINEERING TRAINING Presenting Supportability Engineering Training… Supportability Engineering Training will be present at BOTH Military Mate and Forces into Aviation and Engineering…here’s a further insight on them… We are committed to building the future of Supportability Engineering by providing foundational knowledge and practical understanding through flexible, modular e-learning. By empowering people with the skills and confidence to grow, we help develop the workforce that will design, sustain, and support the mission-critical systems of tomorrow. “Supportability Engineering is essential to system design and system life cycle and not a consequence of it“

What This Course Is About System Operational Effectiveness: A Practical Approach explores the concept and importance of system operational effectiveness within System Engineering. While academic engineering programs provide theoretical knowledge essential for various roles, they often overlook the practicalities 32

of a system’s life cycle including working processes, logistics and maintenance. This course aims to bridge that gap by raising awareness and understanding of system operational effectiveness. Learners will gain a deeper appreciation for the needs of system maintainers and the system life cycle. Ultimately, this knowledge will help a system maintain optimal performance, remain costeffective, be environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient throughout its life cycle.

This course presents the fundamental principles of Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability, which are essential to system operational effectiveness and its life cycle. To enable learners to appreciate a system life cycle beyond the design phase, the course introduces additional system support activities of Spares Provisioning, Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA), and the Failure Reporting and Corrective Action System (FRACAS). Upon completion, learners will be able to demonstrate their commitment and achievement in the foundational knowledge of system operational effectiveness.

This foundational knowledge also serves as a primer for the sophisticated software modelling tools used today to optimise system spares, simulate maintenance operations and predict and analyse system life cycle costs. As an accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) provider, Supportability Engineering Training will award an Official CPD Certificate and 23 hours of CPD credits. These credits will be added to a learner’s CPD portfolio. Those without a CPD portfolio can include the course on their CV as proof of their commitment to continuous learning. For more information and contact details visit the website - www.

supportability-elearning.com

Why Do This Course Whether you are an engineer or technician looking to build on your existing knowledge as part of your continuous professional development (CPD), or you are exploring a career in engineering and want to understand how successful systems are designed, operated, and supported, you have come to the right place. This course has been created to help you develop a practical understanding of system operational effectiveness, what it is, why it matters, and how it helps engineers and technicians make informed decisions throughout a system’s life cycle.

MAKE THE SAFE CHOICE JOIN OUR TEAM careers.ainscough.co.uk

We are proud holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award We work with the Sunderland Armed Forces Partnership to ensure Sunderland remains a Forces Friendly City recognising the huge contribution and skills that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families can bring to our workforce. EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME GOLD AWARD 2024 Proudly supporting those who serve.

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FUTUREPROOF YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN CAREER Learn | Achieve | Succeed Gain industry-recognised qualifications and professional membership with IoSCM

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Develop new knowledge or formalise your existing skills with our Ofqual-accredited qualifications and bitesize courses in: Supply Chain Management | Logistics & Transport | Procurement | Warehousing Available at Level 3, 5, 6 & 7 Flexible online learning FUNDING AVAILABLE Access funding through your SLCs or ELCs, making it easier to invest in your future. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP Enhance your professional credibility with IoSCM Gain industry recognition Access resources and career support Networking opportunities Start your journey with IoSCM today ioscm.com info@ioscm.com | 0800 1422 522

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A M A Z I NG B U SE S, AW E SOME PE OPL E , IN D U S T RY L E AD E R S

Powering Efficient poultry farming

I in Yorkshire & Lancashire experienced in bus, coach or HGV

Your next mission starts with Vencomatic Group UK. For over 40 years, Vencomatic Group has developed innovative automated systems for the poultry sector. Our UK engineering teams install, maintain and support our technology for customers nationwide. Experience in electrical, mechanical, vehicle, electronics, aircraft or other technical engineering disciplines can transfer directly into maintaining, diagnosing and supporting our automated systems.

Bring Your Military Engineering Experience to Vencomatic Are you currently serving, preparing to leave the Armed Forces, or already a veteran? Your technical experience could be an excellent match for a career with Vencomatic Group UK. We’re recruiting for engineering roles across the UK and value the practical engineering, fault-finding, problemsolving and independent working skills developed in military technical roles.

From REME to Field Service Engineering If your background is with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), including Vehicle Mechanic, Electronics Technician, Aircraft Technician or another technical trade; many of the skills you’ve developed could transfer well to a career with Vencomatic.

01845 521 360 Vencomatic.co.uk

For our Electrical Engineering roles, relevant electrical experience and strong fault-finding skills are essential. For our Mechanical Fitter roles, we’re looking for practical mechanical experience, confidence using hand and power tools, and the ability to work independently and solve problems in the field.

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You don’t need previous experience with Vencomatic systems or the poultry industry. We’ll provide training on our equipment and technology, helping you turn your existing technical skills into specialist industry knowledge.

40+ Years of Engineering Experience At Vencomatic, you’ll receive structured training, ongoing support and opportunities for career progression. As part of your development, you’ll also have the opportunity to train with Vencomatic Group in the Netherlands, gaining handson experience and specialist knowledge of the automated systems you’ll work with across the UK.

Ready for your next engineering career? Get in touch info@vpauk.com | 01845 521 360

find out more at transdevbus.co.uk/careers

Legal Support For Those Who Served

Service (AFOS) for support. Thanks to an established and proactive partnership, Believe Housing and AFOS helped Terry apply for a bungalow in County Durham and access benefits advice. Social Housing Provides Lifeline for Veteran after Home Repossession Army veteran Terry Coxon says he was struggling to cope until he secured a new home with believe housing, after his mortgage lender began proceedings to repossess his home.

Even when you’ve signed up to serve, your health still matters. If it hasn’t been protected properly, there may be legal options available.

Terry had been paying an interest-only mortgage for years; unaware he still owed a significant sum. Approaching 70 and in poor health following a heart attack and two strokes, he was unable to repay the debt and feared becoming homeless.

We offer clear and jargon free legal advice and support.

With 22 years’ service in the Royal Artillery, including four tours of Northern Ireland, Terry turned to Believe Housing, one of the largest housing associations in the northeast of England, and the Armed Forces Outreach

Free initial consultation. No obligation.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Blast Exposure Vibration and Repetitive Strain Injuries Asbestos Exposure Musculoskeletal and Body Armour Injuries

0113 200 9720

Scan to see how we can help you. www.oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk/armed-forces-legal-support/

enquiries@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk

“My house was being repossessed, and it shook me to the core,” he said. “I was barely managing before, so to get the help and home I needed is beyond my wildest dreams. I found it difficult asking for help, but once I did, the support was fantastic.” AFOS Outreach Worker, Steve Winter, said: “We recognised Terry’s vulnerability early and worked with Believe Housing to prevent homelessness by looking holistically at his needs.” Simon Bartlett, Interim Director of Neighbourhoods at Believe Housing, said: “This is a great example of how social housing and partnership working can protect wellbeing and prevent crisis.” Believe Housing is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and holds the Employer Recognition Scheme gold award.

Veterans in Crisis Sunderland supporting our serving and ex-forces community in 2026. Services include: Walking Club, Boot Camps, Coffee Mornings, Art Therapy, Outward Bound Training, Counselling, Free Gym Membership, Day Trips, help for Veterans made homeless and much more. ERV, 1 Roker Avenue, Sunderland. T: 0191 5671878 info@veteransinscrisis.co.uk www.veteransincrisis.co.uk