When your loved one leaves the Forces, life shifts for you as well. The routine, the structure, even the community –it all changes.
Whatever challenges you might face, Help for Heroes is here for you. Whether for mental health support, financial guidance or help finding your new community.
We’re here for you, whenever you might need us. helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help
Welcome to the summer edition of Envoy! As the sun (hopefully!) shines and schools break up, we know this season brings a unique rhythm to RAF life. For many, summer is synonymous with the ‘moving season’ – new schools, settling into new accommodation, and navigating the familiar flurry of activity that comes with relocation – doctors, dentists... we get it! While the warmer weather might lift spirits, it certainly doesn’t magically resolve the practical challenges our families face. We want to reassure you that the RAF Families Federation is acutely aware that issues with Service Family Accommodation (SFA) don’t take a summer break just because the sun is out. Whether it’s concerns about maintenance, the moving process itself, or settling into a new home, we remain steadfast in our focus on representing your lived experiences to the Chain of Command and the relevant authorities.
A highlight of our summer calendar is always attending the RAF Families Days across the stations. These vibrant events are a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with you directly. Please do come and say hello at our stand! We’re eager to hear about your experiences – the good, the challenging, and everything in between – or simply to offer a friendly chat and, of course, you can always grab one of our freebies!
Your feedback during these informal conversations is invaluable fuel for our ongoing advocacy.
Speaking of advocacy, be assured that our work at the senior level continues relentlessly. We are constantly engaging with decision-makers across the RAF, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and Government to push for tangible improvements in housing, healthcare, education, childcare, partner employment, and overall family wellbeing. Your voices are the foundation of these crucial discussions. Finally, it is with immense pleasure that we extend a very warm welcome to our new Director, Andrea Devlin MBE, who joined the RAFFF team in June. Andrea brings a wealth of experience and passion for Service families, and she has already made an immediate, energising, and highly positive impact on our entire organisation. We are thrilled to have her leadership as we continue our mission. However you are spending this summer –moving, exploring, or simply relaxing at home – the RAF Families Federation is here for you. Enjoy this edition of Envoy!
Telephone: 01780 781650
email: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk
Website: raf-ff.org.uk
Envoy – The magazine of the RAF Families Federation, published 4 times a year.
To have your FREE copy delivered quarterly to your home, Simply subscribe online: raf-ff.org.uk/publications/envoy-magazine
Director: Andrea Devlin MBE
Office Manager: Ruth McClelland
Communications Manager: Tim Unwin
A Bristol school with a global reputation. Proudly supporting Forces families.
Full, weekly and flexi boarding available.
Open Morning (ages 3 – 18) Saturday 27 September.
It is with immense pride, deep respect, and no small amount of excitement that I write my first words as your new Director of the RAF Families Federation for Envoy. Stepping into this role feels less like starting a new job and more like coming home to a cause that has been woven into the fabric of my life for decades.
Why did I want this role? The answer is simple, yet profoundly personal. I am the third generation of my family to have served in the Royal Air Force; my great aunt was one of the first women in the RAF in December 1917 and my mother also served in the 1960s. Following in their footsteps, for over 20 years, I have served the Royal Air Force as a People Operations Professional, dedicated to the welfare of our personnel. Before that, I served both as a Regular and Reservist Fighter Controller. And crucially, for many years, I also stood shoulder-to-shoulder with you facing the challenges of bringing up three children as the spouse of a serving officer. This unique perspective – seeing the challenges, the triumphs, and the unwavering spirit of our community from multiple angles – fuels a passion I couldn’t ignore. I have long admired the vital work of the Families Federation, and the opportunity to lead it, to extend my contribution to supporting our global RAF family at this pivotal point, is truly a privilege. You might reasonably ask, "What experience does she bring?" My career has been centred
on listening, understanding, advocating, and driving positive change for RAF people and their loved ones, especially during the most challenging times. In my most recent role, I was responsible for the welfare of personnel on extended sickness absence and for overseeing RAF casualty and bereavement support. This work isn't abstract; it’s deeply human, often complex, and sensitive.
I’ve seen first-hand the irreplaceable role families play in the morale and operational effectiveness of the RAF, and the critical importance of ensuring they feel supported, valued, and remain connected to our community, particularly after loss.
I believe in challenging the status quo when it serves our people better. For instance, championing improvements to the RAF Recovery Pathway involved meticulous evidence gathering, broad stakeholder engagement, and presenting reasons for change to the RAF Senior Leadership Team. This experience – identifying root causes, building consensus, advocating persuasively at all levels, and implementing practical solutions – aligns directly with the Federation’s core mission of fearless, evidence-based advocacy. Managing complex, emotive casework has also ingrained in me the absolute necessity for clear signposting and consistent, nonjudgemental support – principles that will guide our Federation’s work.
As I approach the natural conclusion of my RAF service career, I am utterly committed
to channelling everything I’ve learned –professionally and personally – into this role. My focus is clear:
1. Listening Deeply: To truly understand the evolving needs and concerns of RAF families worldwide.
2. Advocating Fearlessly: Using evidence and experience to champion your interests with the RAF Leadership and Government, ensuring your voice is heard where decisions are made.
3. Driving Tangible Improvements: Focusing on practical solutions that enhance the quality of life for all service personnel and their families, building on the Federation’s strong legacy.
4. Strengthening Community: Ensuring every family feels connected, supported, and an integral part of the RAF family, especially during challenging times.
This Federation is your voice. I am here to serve you, to represent you, and to work tirelessly alongside the dedicated Federation team to make a real difference. I am honoured to begin this journey with you. I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead and hearing your stories, your ideas, and your hopes for the future of our remarkable RAF family.
With warm regards and shared commitment,
Andrea Devlin Director, RAF Families Federation
Telephone us on: 01780 781650
Contact us for help: www.raf-ff.org.uk/report-an-issue-form
For general queries, magazine article information: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk
By | Wing Commander Andrea Dowds, MBE, OC BSW RAF Lossiemouth
Approximately 223 miles from the Scottish Border, right on the Moray coastline, is the beautiful town of Lossiemouth. Nestled between its golden beaches and stunning scenery is RAF Lossiemouth, one of the largest and most operationally-focused bases in the UK, where you will find: 4 x Typhoon Squadrons, 3 x P8 Squadrons and number 8 Sqn preparing for the E7 Wedgetail to arrive as well as 51 Sqn RAF Regiment, our Reserve Contingent and the supporting elements of Eng and Logs Wing, Operations Wing and Base Support Wing – all of whom contribute to this thriving community many are pleased to call home.
Serving at Lossiemouth is not without its challenges; distance from loved ones, lack of childcare and the disparity between the ‘English Offer’ and that of the devolved nations can be difficult, especially for our families. This, on top of a differing education system, can make the transition to life and work at Lossie harder, but along with the Families Federation, Charity Partners, Community Networks and Community Support we are driving forward changes to make things that little bit better for ‘Team Lossie’.
Thanks to the issues raised by our families through the Families Federation we were able to provide evidence direct to Defence detailing independent case studies on the effect the lack of childcare was having on our people. This has led to funding being identified to deliver a new childcare centre that will create over 100 childcare spaces as well as offering Wrap Around Childcare. The difference the Families Federation involvement has made is significant and has helped elevate our case to the right levels. If there are issues affecting your unit, I
strongly advise you to contact the Families Federation so they can record your issues, track cases and help your unit work to find a solution.
In addition, we have significantly enhanced our Community Support Offer with a focus on combatting social isolation and giving extra assistance during periods of deployment. Delivering a range of events from ‘Caffeine and Crumbs’, ‘Lossie Look and Lunch’, which welcomes new families onto station and allows them to make connections to others in their situation. Fitness sessions such as ‘Sweaty Mamas’ - a childfriendly exercise class funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund - and the recently delivered Operation Snuggle, have all been hugely popular. Offering a minimum of four deployment events a month, including those specific adult-only events for when you just need some adult company, this is on top of a range of wider events that are open to everyone, including ‘Messy Church’, and extremely popular event delivered by the Padres, which is definitely worth a look!
Thanks to direct engagement with DIO we have been able to purchase new houses, as well as significantly upgrading much of our current housing estate, and this is on top of an enhanced Single Living Accommodation Programme. By 2031, we aim to have all rooms en-suite.
Enhanced investment in welfare spaces is our key priority, with over £50k being spent on the Barrel and Bean, the JRs social facility, the opening of the new E-Gaming Room, thanks to Central Fund and NAAFI monies, and over £400k of enhancements to crew rooms, welfare spaces, and a new gym floor, as well as a programme to bring in all new gym equipment and improve the range of classes available. This is just snapshot of what Lossie has to offer. It’s true what they say; once people arrive, they never want to leave…
AFCAS 2025: Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey results published
AFCAS measures how military personnel feel about life in the Armed Forces. 9360 responses were received in 2025, representing a TriService response rate of 29%. The RAF response rate was 37%.
DIO SFA Roadshows 2025
The roadshows provide Service personnel and their families with the opportunity to engage directly with senior representatives from DIO Accommodation, Pinnacle and Amey/VIVO.
Support for Armed Forces children: Thriving Lives Toolkit Updated
DIO Accommodation Update: Service Family Accommodation
Update from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for those living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA).
Defence Homes website launched
DIO has launched a new website called Defence Homes for Service personnel and their families, as part of its commitment to enhance the overall SFA experience.
New guidance for schools and local authorities on supporting Service pupils
The Thriving Lives Toolkit from the SCiP Alliance has received some significant updates to enhancing support to Service children.
Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide VALOUR support network
Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system. £50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK.
The Ministry of Defence and Department for Education has published non-statutory guidance to help statefunded schools and local authorities in England to understand and address the needs of Service pupils.
Forces families make lasting memories at a SSAFA Short Break
Short Breaks are organised by the Additional Needs and Disability Team of SSAFA. They are put on for serving families with children living with a range of additional needs and disabilities.
for the headlines on our website
RAF Association’s Women’s Wellbeing Network: forthcoming webinars
Members of the network benefit from a programme of interactive webinars delivered by expert guest speakers. Topics include mental health, worklife balance, menopause and financial literacy.
Key report on the experience of single RAF personnel
The results of the Single RAF Personnel Service Evaluation were presented in an online RAF Community Forum hosted by the RAF Families Federation.
Supporting bereaved military children in education
New research from Scotty’s Little Soldiers reveals the urgent need for better support for bereaved military children in UK schools.
Evidence: Remote and Hybrid Working UK Armed Forces Families
The RAF, Army and Naval Families Federations, have highlighted the importance of remote and hybrid working for military families in their submission to the House of Lords Select Committee.
Service Family Accommodation: Business from Home update
Applications to run a Business from Home in your SFA were paused in January 2025. DIO have announce applications to run Business from Home can resume with immediate effect.
Service Family Accommodation improvements
Defence Secretary John Healey has announced a new Consumer Charter to improve SFA for personnel and families. This forms part of the Defence Housing Review.
Armed Forces Spouse Development programme: 2025
The Armed Forces Spouse Development programme is back for 2025, with a new online self-paced format. The Spouse Development programme is an online personal development programme.
Updated guides: Global Support Organisation overseas guides
The GSO European location guides to be made available on GOV. UK in a move to better utilise existing technology in order to aid communication and the delivery of support.
Military
Jon Egging Trust (JET) graduate, Nathan Holland, 26, from Norfolk, has ‘paid it forward’ to the next generation of JET students, presenting a £6,000 cheque from his employers, Taylor Woodrow (via the VINCI UK Foundation), to the youth charity that supported him as a schoolboy. The cheque presentation took place at RAF Marham, a station which Nathan visited many times as a JET student, and which today hosted a JET session for current Year 8 pupils from Nathan’s former school in Downham Market.
The significant donation, which was applied for and coordinated by Nathan, will be used to help integrate cutting edge technology into future JET sessions, including iPads, MetaQuest VR headsets, and robotics coding equipment.
Nathan was enrolled onto JET’s Blue Skies programme in 2013 when his teachers at Downham Market Academy identified him as a high potential student who was struggling to engage at school. After three years on Blue Skies, Nathan went on to become Head Boy at the academy, before beginning an apprenticeship with VINCI UK’s civil engineering division, Taylor Woodrow, where he now works full time as a Quantity Surveyor.
Nathan says: “The Jon Egging Trust was a catalyst in helping me find my potential, and the skills I gained from working with them allowed me to flourish and realise that I could achieve so much more. The impact it has had on my life has left a debt I will forever pay back.”
JET CEO, Dr Alex Brown, who accepted the cheque from Nathan alongside RAF Marham Station Commander, Gp Capt Leonie Boyd, celebrated this significant milestone for the charity: “As a charity that was only founded in 2012, it feels so special to now see our oldest graduates, like Nathan, thriving in the workplace and building impressive careers.
“Our programmes focus on young people who are struggling at school, and we support them to build the skills and aspirations they need to thrive into employment. This is the first time we have received a significant donation from a former student and it feels like such a big milestone. We can’t thank Nathan and the VINCI UK Foundation enough for this substantial funding boost, which will help integrate technology into the Blue Skies experience for thousands of JET students across the UK. We are also indebted to RAF Marham, and indeed RAF bases and personnel across the UK, who continue to work alongside us to inspire and upskill new generations of JET students each year.”
Founded in 2012 by Dr Emma Egging OBE, following the tragic death of her husband, Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging, the Jon Egging Trust (JET) supports young people who are facing adversity and come from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop aspirations and social and emotional skills, re-engage with learning, improve their grades and maximise their employment potential.
JET’s experiential learning programmes provide long-term support and access to extraordinary workplaces and STEM environments and the inspirational role models within them.
On May 8, the 80th anniversary of VE Day, The National Lottery Heritage Fund announced major funding to celebrate the heritage of the Royal Air Force and safeguard it for future generations when RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford was awarded £9.3m for a wide-ranging Engagement Programme, national exhibition, learning centre, collections hub and enhanced public realm.
The RAF Museum Midlands is home to the world’s oldest Spitfire and exhibitions exploring the Battle of Britain and Bomber Command. The National Lottery investment will support plans to transform how the RAF’s 100+ year story is shared
The Museum is working with visitors, Access and Youth Advisory Panels, Schools Advisory Panels, community groups, staff and volunteers to transform its spaces and visitor experience.
The RAF Museum is the guardian of a national collection that spans over a century of RAF history, capturing every aspect of RAF life. Yet, today, less than 1% of this inspiring heritage is accessible to the public. A new Collections Hub at the Museum’s Midlands site will unlock the doors to stored objects for the first time, enabling public access to artefacts of regional, national and international importance.
During the Second World War, RAF Cosford played a vital role in training engineers and delivering Spitfires built in the Midlands. The National Lottery supported programme will redevelop a 1930s hangar as a new exhibition and Learning Centre, continuing this legacy of skills building, with a focus on STEM, geography, art and design.
A new exhibition will explore the critical role of the Royal Air Force since 1980.
Visitors will discover how the RAF’s mission continues today and imagine how the service will adapt in the future as it delivers 24/7 Air, Land, Maritime, Space and Cyber defence.
The transformation extends beyond the buildings. A new public realm will provide spaces for outdoor events, learning, rest and relaxation. A three-year multi-strand Engagement Programme will offer activities onsite, offsite and online.
It is estimated that 20 million people in the UK have direct connections with the RAF. This project will protect that
heritage and enable future generations to explore and draw inspiration from the remarkable RAF story.
Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said: “Warm thanks on behalf of all our team to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all National Lottery players. This very generous support will enable us to engage with our communities and wider partners to care for and share our collections and their fascinating stories in new, ambitious and creative ways.”
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
At the RAF Museum, every visit is a journey through the extraordinary. We bring the powerful stories of the Royal Air Force to life – from tales of bravery and resilience to moments of innovation, love, laughter, and loss. These are the voices of serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and reserves, woven into the fabric of our national history. Explore our rich collections of cutting-edge aviation technology, personal artefacts, and the heritage of our historic sites. Discover untold stories from times of conflict and peace, at home and across the globe.
Whether you're walking through our exhibitions or engaging with us online, you'll find inspiration at every turn – and maybe even share your own story. Best of all, entry is completely free.
To find out more about the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands
Visit the Museum:
• Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, Lysander Avenue, Cosford, TF11 8UP
• Open daily from 10am
Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson survived childhood abuse and PTSD - now she’s breaking silences and redefining strength in the RAF community.
When she reflects on her decorated RAF career, Jacqui credits her success not despite her past, but because of how she transformed it. A survivor of childhood abuse and complex PTSD, Jacqui’s story isn’t about victimhood - it’s a testament to the power of vulnerability, leadership, and the courage to seek help. In her book, she shares how her journey can light a path for others.
Jacqui says: “I would encourage anyone to read my story who may either be a survivor of childhood abuse themselves or know of someone who may have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). When you find it too challenging to read, please stop, take a moment, and only return when you feel you can.”
Jacqui says: “Although I cannot change my story, I have changed what it looks like inside my mind which has allowed me to change how it plays out in my present and future. The mind that holds the problem also holds the solution. I consistently put into practice the knowledge that I learn, which creates the actual change. Change is possible and accessible to everyone, and we can have, be, and achieve anything we want in life when we put our minds to it.”
Jacqui says: “No healing journey is linear, and I know that it will be an ongoing process throughout my whole life as I will have to learn how to face and overcome unknown obstacles. However, the more self-aware we are, the more agile we become at jumping over these obstacles or smashing right through them!”
Jacqui says: “I overcame my breakdown and returned to work emotionally and mentally stronger than I was before. This was because I allowed myself to feel all the dark and dominant emotions of pain from what my father did to me during my childhood, and I learnt how to be vulnerable. I finally accepted who I was, my past story and I learnt to let go of the shame.”
Jacqui says: “I received weekly pastoral support from the most wonderful Padre I have ever met, and I was supported in finding a humanistic therapist so that I could deeply work on healing my inner child, the ruptured Self, and the broken little girl who had returned. This time and space enabled me to re-commence my journey of healing and resolve my unhealed wounds. I am truly grateful to those individuals who came into my life to guide me, listen to me without judgement, and hold my hand. The RAF gave me the gift of time that I desperately needed to heal, which helped me to reclaim my power and rediscover my inner strength. I could not have asked for more.”
Jacqui says: “Health and fitness are important ingredients for everyone’s mental health, which I believe is especially useful for trauma survivors. Yoga and meditation are powerful tools to facilitate recovery. The benefit of evening sessions naturally creates a deep sense of calm at the end of the day, which leads to improved sleep quality and a more positive outlook in the future"
Jacqui says: “Perhaps I was born to serve or perhaps the stars just aligned but the moment I made the decision to join the RAF was the moment my life changed, and it shaped the person that I have become, and my decision to join the RAF all those years ago has positively contributed to a life which has always been full of positive purpose. When we find a community with whom we can identify, connect, and belong, the meaning that it will give to our lives is extremely beneficial, which for survivors, will have significant healing benefits”
Jacqui says: “Remember to self-love and nurture; please don’t berate, and don’t forget to learn to let go of that hate, true happiness will come if you forgive your sad fate, for it is only love and hope that you must now contemplate.”
Jacqui’s mission - to build a trauma-informed Defence community - starts with one conversation. Whether through her book, her advocacy work, or simply sharing our stories, she reminds us: ‘Healing isn’t a solo mission. In the RAF family, no one flies alone."
If Jacqui’s story resonates with you, her book Turning the Tables on Trauma is available on Amazon – all profits go to Axis Counselling. www.axiscounselling.org.uk.
For those currently serving who feel they might benefit from confidential support, the RAF Chaplaincy is available 24/7, SSAFA www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help are available (for families too), and for veterans, visit bit.ly/OpCourageNHS
ACEs are traumatic events in a child’s life before the age of eighteen, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to household adversity, such domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, divorce, imprisonment. These experiences can alter the trajectory of our lives, affecting our health, relationships, and overall well-being well into adulthood. ACEs can significantly impact our sense of safety and stability, leading to an increased risk of negative health outcomes, such as heart disease, substance abuse, and mental health conditions. Shockingly, six ACEs can reduce life expectancy by 20 years and increase the risk of suicide and imprisonment. The World Health Organisation's 2022 Mental Health Report reveals that more than half of children aged 2-17 experienced violence and abuse in the previous year. These statistics highlight the widespread and urgent need to address ACEs. Parents and carers have a responsibility to keep children and young people safe from harm and sometimes need support themselves to protect families from ACEs. Seeking to learn about and adopt healthy caring styles can make a big difference.
For more information, visit bit.ly/ACEsAdvice
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Boarding at Framlingham: A Home for Service
For families in the armed forces, boarding at Framlingham offers stability, continuity, and a welcoming home-away-from-home. We understand the unique challenges of service life and provide tailored flexibility to suit your family needs. From Year 3 to Year 13, our boarding provision: Flexi, Weekly and Full, provides a vibrant, supportive environment where pupils can grow, thrive, achieve and aspire.
START YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY TODAY Spaces available for September 2025 and beyond. Discover Framlingham College on one of our Open Days or book a private visit today. Visit framlinghamcollege.co.uk or contact admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk 01728 723789
Here at Babcock we provide critical services to both civil and defence sectors, providing you with a career full of variety and opportunity. In defence, you can be part of teams delivering essential training, engineering support, and air station operations to militaries across Europe. Whilst on the civilian side, you’ll help to provide emergency air services, including air ambulance, search and rescue, and firefighting operations.
We know that in your military career you have been committed to helping create a safe and secure world too. That’s why we’d like to hear from you. The skills and experience you have gained during your Service could find a perfect home here at Babcock.
Every year hundreds of service leavers start or continue their civilian career with us, and we take pride in providing them with the support they need to enjoy a rewarding career. And with roles available across the UK we can help you make the transition too.
Babcock offers many benefits to Service Leavers and Reservists, including:
Guaranteed interview as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the role
Up to 10 days of special paid leave for reservist duties
Training
Career opportunities and progression
Our commitment
Employee Share Ownership Scheme
Occupational Health Services
Salary Sacrifice benefits e.g. childcare vouchers; cycle to work scheme
With a variety of vacancies across the UK, Babcock has challenging and rewarding opportunities waiting for you.
Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) has been recognised with a Gold Award from the AFC’s Employer Recognition Scheme
If you are considering a new career then visit our website and register to receive job adverts at https://jobs.babcockinternational.com/talentcommunity/subscribe or email: armedforcescareers@babcockinternational.com for more information.
The past quarter has provided very little update from DIO regarding the ‘Modernised Accommodation’ (MAO) offer – the RAF Families Federation are aware that discussions are ongoing between DIO, MOD and Government. Once we have an update, we will publish that information on our website and SM channels.
Recently, DIO announced a sudden pause of the Business from Home (BfH) Policy which was not welcome; fortunately, the pause was only in place for 3 months – DIO have now lifted that pause; applications are raised by accessing the Pinnacle SFA Application form here https://bit.ly/MODBfromH
The RAF Fam Fed Accommodation Policy team were recently invited to attend the Defence Housing Strategy Review (DHSR) where we presented our evidencebased findings of our RAF SP and their families of the lived experience of SFA and the FDIS contract. As we are aware, recent surveys (TriService Families Continuous Attitude Survey Results 2024) have stated “Service Families Accommodation (SFA) service provision does not fully meet the expectations of Service Personnel and has relatively low satisfaction scores” - the recently announced ‘Consumer Charter’, more information can be found at www.raf-ff.org.uk/gov-commitment-improving-sfa defines the level of service associated with the provision of SFA to Service Personnel and their families. This Consumer Standard places families at the heart of SFA provisioning, therefore, the standards and development of SFA including a more considered approach to maintenance and repairs will ensure the strategy meets the needs of Service personnel and families.
Looking forward, the RAF Fam Fed will continue to champion on behalf of our SP to ensure that Pinnacle, Amey and VIVO continue to improve the repairs and maintenance delivery at unit level and we welcome the introduction of the ‘Housing Officer’; families will have clear routes for reporting all manner of issues, such as, maintenance, complaints security issues and anti-social behaviour – we will watch the development of this role!
The enquiries and cases we receive from our Armed Forces community play a central role in shaping our policy and engagement work. These insights help identify areas for improvement across various services, specifically in my remit the NHS, Local Authorities, DWP and financial products and services.
Over the past year, we have worked with several families transitioning from Service Family Accommodation (SFA) into Local Authority housing. While the level of engagement has generally been positive, it became clear that a more collaborative approach between military and civilian sectors could lead to better outcomes for service families.
In March, I attended the first Lincolnshire Armed Forces Military and Civilian Housing Options Meeting. The session focused on fostering a shared understanding of the challenges faced by service families during housing transitions. It served as an initial step toward building more effective partnerships between local authorities and military representatives.
In addition, I gave a presentation at the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Meeting, which included key stakeholders from across the region. The session provided an opportunity to highlight current initiatives, promote awareness of our work, and establish new professional connections to enhance support for the RAF community. Looking ahead to the upcoming summer conference season, I am looking forward to learning more about research, increased support and new ways that national and regional services find new ways to make life better for the RAF community.
After the busy drop-in clinic sessions finished at the end of March, where we engaged with over 600 personnel and family members, planning was swiftly underway for the Summer Families Day season. By the time you read these, we will already have attended both Lossiefest 25 and RAF Halton Families Day. We will be busy throughout July and August, closing our Summer run at RAF Brize Norton. Come and meet us at : RAF Waddington, RAF Digby, RAF Henlow, RAF Honington, RAF Leeming, RAF Coningsby, RAF Odiham, MOD Wyton, RAF Wittering, RAF Cranwell, RAF Benson, RAF Marham, RAF Shawbury, and RAF Brize Norton.
In addition, we shall be increasing our engagement presence by running a series of short presentation and Q&A sessions via MS Teams. These ‘Get to know us’ sessions should last no longer than 30 to 45 minutes. Sessions will take place on the following dates at 1500 BST (1400 GMT). 14th and 17th July; 11th and 14th August; 1st and 4th September. To secure a place please email enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk stating which session you wish to attend.
INTO WHAT OUR TEAMS ARE FOCUSING ON
THE TEAM ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU AS A SERVICE PERSON OR FAMILY MEMBER. We provide an independent voice, educate networks and push for policy change that supports the RAF community. Here is a snapshot of a few of our current areas of work – aimed at making life better for you at work or at home whether in the UK, or overseas.
At the Families Federation we are all about evidence! The information you share with us is vital when we advocate for change. Recently, we worked together with the Naval and Army Families Federations to respond to a House of Lords Call for Evidence on Home and hybrid working. We were able to include evidence and stats to emphasise how important remote working is for our serving military partners, to be able to maintain careers and income. We highlighted the need for portability and flexibility, arising from challenges faced by mobility and separation as a result of military life.
We successfully launched the new look www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk in April, and had an impressive 621 new job seeker registrations in the first month! Please see our article in this edition for more information, on page 24
At the time of writing this update, I am working on putting together an RAF Community Forum on the subject of Partner Employment, which I hope will be informative and provide updates on the work going on in this area.
We are delighted to have been successful in securing funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for a tri-service families federation project, which will look at information and support for overseas assignments.
During this period, I have also delivered briefs to the Modularised Initial Officer Training Course, to inform on how the RAF Families Federation can form part of their Leadership Toolkit when they embark on their careers as commissioned officers.
In addition, I had the opportunity to meet with the Families Section, and the Education and Medical Supportability Teams where it was great to get an insight into the work they do, and how we can better support and inform those going on assignments overseas. I also met with the Welfare Team from the Joint Admin Support Unit (London) to share common themes and explore how we can work together, along with other agencies, to provide information, support and signposting.
Over the last few months, I have been very much head-down in pulling together the results from the Single RAF Personnel Service Evaluation to formulate the ‘Interim Report’. I am pleased to say that this report was released on 29 Apr, launched via a webinar on the same day and is available at bit.ly/3RFM7Hy
For more information about the report and the progress of the project, please read the article on page 30
In my last Snapshot I mentioned about our work around the introduction of VAT on private school fees that came into force in January 2025. Whilst we weren’t able to stop this from happening, the rate of Continuation of Education Allowance (CEA) that some personnel are eligible to receive was increased by the MOD to counter the introduction of the VAT charges.
Our work in this area also included a piece of research where we asked the RAF community a series of questions to identify the impact that the introduction of the VAT charges is having on them. 74 personnel took part in this research, the findings of which were shared with the MOD, the RAF Remunerations Team, the RAF People and Families Team, and RAFA. Of note, 92% of the 66 respondents who answered the question ‘Have your school fees changed since the introduction of VAT on school fees in January 2025’ reported a change, with 49% also reporting further increases to be levied by the school in September 2025. These increases are having a significant impact on our personnel and their families with many considering removing their children from private education. This not only has very negative connotations for the affected child, but also for the service person who may no-longer be able to maintain the mobile and flexible lifestyle that private education allowed. Indeed, 63% of the 54 that answered the question ‘Will the introduction of VAT on school fees impact the Service Person’s decision to remain in Regular RAF Service?’, responded ‘Yes’. The impact of the introduction of VAT on school fees is far reaching and we will therefore continue to monitor the situation and will be carrying out further research in this area.
I have also been involved in a tri-Fam Fed piece of work around non-UK personnel serving in the Armed Forces, the results of which are still being pulled together. It’s been a very busy time, and I have been doing a lot of number crunching, but as the summer months approach, I am looking forward to getting out and about and meeting our service personnel and families at a number of Families Day events.
With April providing an opportunity to celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we were thrilled to support the judging of the Never Such Innocence competition. There was a fantastic range of poetry and artwork, and we were really impressed with the powerful language and images in this year’s entries. Well done to all those who participated - we look forward to seeing the winners’ creations published soon!
We were pleased to share that the MOD and Department for Education Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance was published in April 2025, and can be found here bit.ly/SPiSguidance. We hope it will help state-funded schools and local authorities understand how to address and support the needs of Service pupils.
Over the past few months, we have attended the Forces Children Scotland Children’s Rights roundtable in Edinburgh to join discussions focusing on ensuring children and young people from an Armed Forces background’s voices are heard, they are involved in decisions that affect them, and their rights are protected.
We also attended a Supporting Service Children conference in Oxfordshire to hear from a variety of stakeholders about their experiences of working with and supporting the Armed Forces community. This provided an opportunity to spotlight good practice and consider where further improvements are needed.
With many families encountering challenges accessing and transferring additional educational needs provision for their child(ren), we welcomed the invitation from the Royal British Legion to join discussions in Cardiff focusing on additional learning needs. This included an update from researchers from the Supporting All To Thrive project and SSCE Cymru on the experiences of families and schools and an opportunity to reflect on where improvements are still needed and how stakeholders can contribute to improve the lived experience. With the summer being a busy time with many Service personnel and families relocating, we often receive enquiries requesting information and guidance to support with school admissions and the transfer of additional needs provision. We encourage families to investigate what is available in the new area early, including researching early learning and childcare options in advance if appropriate. Please do get in touch or contact the Education Advisory Team (part of Defence Children Services) here bit.ly/3NQlo91 if you need education-related support.
Coworking is not just about having a space to work or study. It’s more.
Here at the MCN, we believe it’s all about putting the ‘CO’ into coworking.
The four ‘CO’ pillars of our hub model are:
• COmmunication
• COllaboration
• COnnection
• COmmunity.
And it’s this winning formula that makes them perfect for tackling isolation and loneliness in the Armed Forces community.
Communication
Having regular touchpoints and opportunities to chat to your peers is important for your mental health. They say ‘expression’ is the opposite of ‘depression’ and it’s true. Being deprived of opportunities to communicate with your peers can lead to social isolation. Communication, on the other hand, opens the doors to more social and emotional support, both essential for our wellbeing. Having a physical space where you can simply pop in for a coffee and a natter whenever it suits, is a lifesaver.
“I’ve made so many new friendships through the hub. It gives me a place to go to where I can be with other like-minded people. People to talk to and laugh with, share problems and learn from.”
Katja Johnson, Sandhurst Collaboration
When you’re working from home, especially when you run your own business, opportunities for effective collaboration are in short supply. But without it, you are at risk of stagnation. It needs to be fed and nurtured.
With members working across multiple industry sectors, our coworking hubs offer a platform for some fantastic diverse collaboration, boosting creativity and driving innovation, and creating a channel for personal and business growth.
“I’ve met people from all different fields, which has opened unexpected opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
Jo Loly, Hereford Connection
Human connection is vital for wellbeing, impacting physical and mental health, fostering resilience, and promoting a sense of belonging, making it a true cornerstone of a balanced and fulfilling life.
Our hubs provide the perfect gateway to vital connections with people who understand the military lifestyle and the challenges it brings.
“Military life was a lifestyle I wasn’t familiar with; I was cut off from my normal work environment and was living in a place where I knew few people. The hubs have been a great way to connect with people.”
Liv Bolton, Bovington and Blandford Community
Coworking hubs create an environment where community thrives with a strong sense of belonging. They offer support and encouragement and create opportunities for networking and socialising. They improve wellbeing and happiness. In short, they’re community-building powerhouses.
"Nowadays, for so many people, community can only be found online on social media. But sometimes we need physical connection, a friendly word, a shoulder to lean on, even a simple hug."
Katyia Johnson, Sandhurst
“Through the hub I’ve been able to meet some lovely people and make some brilliant friendships, friendships that extend far beyond the walls of the hub and seamlessly spill over into my private social life, which has improved my quality of life on base immensely.”
Stephanie Barry, HMNB Clyde
To find out more about MCN Coworking Hubs visit www.militarycoworking.uk/hubs
Our Partner Employment and Overseas Support Policy Advisor, Sue, has been working closely with the Naval and Army Families Federations on delivering the Positive Futures Project, and is pleased to see the results of their hard work with the launch of the updated Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) website. FFJ is a free careers platform for family members of currently serving UK personnel, run by the tri-service Families Federations.
Sue says “It’s great that we can all work together, not just on FFJ, but across all aspects of partner & spousal employment, both at home and overseas. As a united voice, we can pull together and highlight the needs and lived experiences of our military spouses & partners, to advocate for change where necessary, and make Service life better as a result.”
The Forces Families Jobs website has undergone a major revamp with the aim of making it a go to career platform for military spouses and partners. Along with a new home page that means users are never more than a few clicks away from the information they’re seeking, there is improved guidance in each of the sections.
FFJ’s Employment and Training Specialist, Lucy Ritchie, said: “The team has been working hard, making it more accessible and relevant to all our users. It is really exciting to see it all come together now, and to be able to share it with our community.”
An exclusive service
Because the website is intended exclusively for members of military families rather than the wider public, users will need to register.
Lucy explained: “This is to ensure that it remains a valuable resource, creating an inclusive community for serving military spouses/partners and boosting confidence.
“It also enables us to better engage with employers on the skills offered by this community, and the unique barriers that they have to overcome.”
The employer hub has also been updated with information to ensure that FFJ continues to highlight the benefits of employing members of the serving military family, and to ensure that they continue to attract new Forces friendly employers.
The new look FFJ platform is rebranding to be ‘the career portal for family members of serving military personnel’.
“We hope this will now give serving families information and guidance on every step of their career journey, while recognising everyone’s pathway may be different.”
The sections on finding a job, career advice and self-employment have been enhanced. The training section has been revamped to focus on upskilling and reskilling opportunities and ideas for serving military families. Each section contains a list of ‘things to think about’ along with information and signposting to organisations.
New sections on overseas employment and volunteering have been introduced to reflect the growing interest in these areas. FFJ’s events page shares information on upcoming online and face-to-face events offered by both employers and partners focussed on supporting the serving military community.
Alongside the website revamp, FFJ is also launching on Instagram to complement their Facebook and LinkedIn pages, with the aim of engaging with as many members of the serving community as they can. The team will be sharing details of events and programmes, and highlights to help military spouses and partners on their individual career journey.
The upgrade came about after an independent review of employment support available to military spouses and partners in 2023 found much of the valuable information on FFJ’s website wasn’t accessed by visitors because it was difficult to find. As a result, it was used mainly as a jobs board.
Last year the Army Families Federation received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) for the Positive Futures project. The website revamp marks the first phase, and the next will focus on increasing employer engagement and raising FFJ’s online presence.
For more details, visit www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk
Lucy Ritchie
Lucy is the Army Families Federation's Employment & Training Specialist and leads the FFJ Team.
She's an Army spouse and joined the team three years ago following an overseas posting.
She has worked in HR in both the public and private sectors and served in the Army.
Sarah Johnson
Sarah is the FFJ Administrator and joined the team over five years ago. She's an Army Spouse of 25 years and counting.
Having been part of a mobile Army family for all of this time she fully understands the challenges that military families face when navigating the job market in the UK and overseas.
Sue Gee
Sue is the Partner Employment and Overseas Policy Advisor at the RAF Families Federation.
She has worked in the Civil Service and the NHS.
She previously served in the RAF, has been an RAF spouse and is now an RAF Reservist so she understands the unique challenges of Service life
Vicky Brindley
Vicky is the Devolved Policy Manager and Partner Employment Lead for the Naval Families Federation.
She is a Navy spouse and fully understands the complexities of employment for serving families having lived it herself.
Before joining NFF she had a career in retail management and as a manager of a small Children's charity.
The RAF Association is inviting serving RAF personnel to volunteer at the annual London Wings Appeal Collection. Taking place on Thursday 11 September, this public engagement event will see volunteers covering major railway stations, key landmarks and street locations throughout London to raise money for the Association.
There’s an option to join early in the morning to collect at railway stations, or later in the morning at a street location or landmark across the city.
Sqn Ldr Dean Gibson, who has supported the event for many years, said: “Taking part in the London Wings Appeal has been so rewarding. I’ve enjoyed meeting the public and often hearing wonderful stories of their relatives’ activities in the RAF, especially during the Second World War.
“This year, I’m looking forward to the camaraderie across the generations, as we will be part of a team of cadets and veterans, all doing our ‘bit’ for our Association to support the RAF community.”
Volunteering for this collection will help the Association continue to support serving RAF personnel, RAF veterans and their families by providing a range of vital welfare and wellbeing services.
To find out more and register your support please visit: rafa.org.uk/fundraising-events/london-wings-appeal-collection
By | Wendy Drysdale RAF Families Federation Evidence Officer
In our Winter 2024 issue of Envoy, we updated you on the work we are carrying out on behalf of the Single cohort in the RAF. Since that time, we’ve been analysing the responses from the 635 personnel (from over 70 locations globally) who completed our Service Evaluation.
Due to the high number of responses, but most significantly, the level of detail contained in the ‘free text’ responses (of which there were over 800), it was decided that the analysis would be undertaken in two stages:
• Stage 1 - Interim Report providing a brief analysis of the quantitative data.
• Stage 2 - Full Academic report in collaboration with Northumbria University that will contain a thorough analysis of both the quantitative and qualitative data. The Interim Report was released on 29 April 2025, which was launched via a webinar event, and presented an overview of the results of the report. We invited Air Cdre Chris Todd, Head of the RAF People and Families Team, to join us to provide the updates on some of the areas highlighted in our report.
This interim report along with the restricted-access appendices has been shared with key stakeholders in the RAF/ MOD, so they can consider how best to address the issues highlighted.
One of the first things we identified was the demographic of the single cohort. Contrary to what was probably the case in the 1950s the single cohort is not just the 17-25 year-olds, in the early stages of their RAF career, living in SLA and returning to their childhood home at the weekend. Yes, they do make up some of that cohort, but over half of the respondents questioned stated that they were either in long-term relationships, had previously been married/civil partnership, were bereaved or had parental responsibilities. Two thirds of the respondents had served in-excess of 6 years, with 40% having served for over 13 years, and 55% having previously owned or currently owning a home.
So having found out a little bit about the respondents, we next needed to gain an understanding of their lived experience – of life as a ‘singly’ in the RAF. We asked a number of questions which included their experiences of SLA and its allocation, the SLA maintenance & repairs processes, general administration and some of the allowance packages.
A few of the notable stats from the findings are included below:
• 63% considered their SLA as their main home
• 11% felt that Station personnel treated SLA as an individual’s home
• 33% considered the SLA Maintenance/Repair process to be effective
• 55% have been allocated temporary accommodation at a permanent assignment
• 21% always receives the necessary financial advice from HR
• 17% find it easy to use the RAF’s HRs Centres
• 61% were not aware of the Global Removals Managements Service Self Pack Service (GRMS SPS)
• 74% were out of pocket when claiming costs through the UK Private Arrangement Self Help Scheme (UKPASH)
To view all the stats, please take a look at the Interim Report at bit.ly/3RFM7Hy
We also provided the opportunity for respondents to include free text responses, whereby meat could be added to the bones of the tick-box responses, plus any additional comments/ experiences they wanted to share. Many of the comments were highly emotive, providing a detailed insight into the daily lived experiences of our single personnel. One comment that epitomised many of the feelings expressed by respondents was:
“Being single in the RAF opens you up to constant discrimination, which is not only allowed, but stipulated in Policy”
The interim report provides a brief overview of some of these
comments, but Stage 2 of the project, which is underway - in collaboration with Northumbria University, will carry out a thorough analysis of all the data (quantitative and qualitative). Once complete, a full analytical report will be published. We are aware that some of the issues identified in the report have already been acknowledged and in some instances, work is already underway, as explained by Air Cdre Todd during the webinar. What was loud and clear from the research though, is not only do the single cohort feel underrepresented, but they also feel like second class citizens in the RAF, especially when comparing them to their married colleagues, particularly in respect of accommodation and allowance entitlements.
In carrying out this research, we have already addressed the first point of the single community feeling underrepresented, by highlighting to the RAF community that the RAF Families Federation is here for ALL RAF personnel including single pers, and families, Regular and Reserves. As such, we will ensure that we actively advocate for the single cohort in the RAF as we already do for the married/family RAF community.
The second point of feeling like a second-class citizen – that is what needs to be put right - and we will work hard to represent the single community to remedy this.
Thank you to everyone that has been involved in this piece of work so far. This is just the beginning!
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Veterans are eight times more likely to be affected by gambling harm.
“Contacting GamCare felt like a huge step, and it was the best step I could have taken. The GamCare adviser talked to me as an equal and instantly put me at ease. I knew then that I would have the support I needed to get through this.” Serving member of the Armed Forces www.gamcare.org.uk/armed-forces-project
Good news for RAF families! If you’ve been waiting to start or grow a business from your Service Family Accommodation (SFA), applications are now open again. Here’s what’s changed and how it affects you.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In January 2025, the Ministry of Defence paused new applications to run businesses from RAF housing. This was done to review the rules and make sure the process works well for families, while keeping homes safe. That review is now complete, and the system has reopened. You can submit your application today using the existing forms and guidance.
WHAT’S IMPROVED?
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Pinnacle
(the team managing RAF housing) are making some final tweaks to simplify the process. These updates will include:
• A clearer application form.
• Better guidance to help you understand the rules (e.g., what types of businesses are allowed).
• A named Housing Officer to answer your questions about housing-related issues, like property safety or modifications.
These changes aim to support families while ensuring businesses don’t disrupt your home or neighbours. The final updated policy will be shared at www. pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk soon, but you don’t need to wait - apply now using the current process at www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-home-requests.
Running a business from home can be a great way for RAF spouses, partners and family members to earn income, especially when postings or deployments make traditional jobs harder. The review focused on balancing flexibility with fairness, so your housing remains a safe and stable place to live.
1. Check the rules: Read the current guidance [here] to see if your business idea fits the criteria (e.g., no noisy machinery, hazardous materials, or lots of customer visits).
2. Submit your form: Fill out the application and send it to Pinnacle. Even though small updates are coming, your application will still be processed.
3. Ask for help: You’ll now have a direct contact - a Housing Officer - to answer questions like, “Can I install a business phone line?” or “Does my childcare service need extra checks?”
- Apply now if you’re ready—don’t wait for the policy tweaks.
- Keep an eye on the Pinnacle website for the final updated policy later this year.
- Spread the word! Let other families know the opportunity is back.
IF YOU CAN’T, OR DON’T WANT TO WORK FROM HOME: If you would welcome the company of like-minded individuals there is an online resource, as well as physical hubs that are there to support the non-serving spouse. Have you joined the free online community that could help your business?
For more details, visit www.militarycoworking.uk
Page56for an Armed ForcesexplainerCovenant
Children and young people from Armed Forces families often face unique challenges in their education journey – from frequent relocations to emotional pressures linked to separation or deployment. To bridge the gap between awareness and action, the Highland Council (Scotland) have partnered with students from Raigmore Primary School to co-produce a new resource to help stakeholders, including schools and local authorities, better understand how the Armed Forces Covenant can be used to offer meaningful support in education.
Lou Kinnear, Lead of the Military Liaison Group (Education) (MLG)*, Highland Council, highlights that, ‘Children and Young People (CYP) from Raigmore Primary School in Highland, Scotland have co-created the most amazing resources at bit.ly/AFFHamazing - an online book and a summarised poster that makes clear links to their UNCRC [United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child] Rights.’ These resources aim to explain what the education section of the Armed Forces Covenant means in a language and format that helps make it accessible to all, outlining what the key areas mean and what support children can expect.
The CYP have said, ‘It’s better than the official guide… We want everyone to know about it … Everybody needs to see this!’
The CYP have delivered presentations to showcase these resources to a wide range of stakeholders and Lou added that they are, ‘Delighted that our MLG partners and wider organisations are proudly signposting these resources both locally and nationally.’
Children and Young People from Highland, Scotland co-create resources to support understanding and engagement with the Armed Forces Covenant –Education
The Highland Council would like to thank the children and young people who co-produced these resources – their voices, lived experiences and insights have shaped something truly meaningful that will make a difference for others in Armed Forces families and help towards making a positive difference in understanding, learning and engaging with the Armed Forces Covenant – Education.
If you have children that are part of an Armed Forces family or work in a school or local authority supporting them, we encourage you to use the resources on the MLG (Education) website to help enhance your understanding of how the Armed Forces Covenant can support these CYP in education.
The MLG (Education)
A tri-service (Army, RAF, Royal Naval and Royal Marines) multiagency and multi-disciplinary partnership that supports the equity and equality of CYP from Armed Forces families (Regular, Reserve & Veteran). It works within an educational context to ensure the best possible outcome; ensuring CYP suffer no disadvantage being from Armed Forces families and that they can thrive and be empowered to be and do the best they can. You can find out more about the MLG by accessing this helpful resource bit.ly/MLGoverview
On 1 April 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education published non-statutory guidance (visit bit.ly/SPiSnsg) to help state-funded schools and local authorities in England to understand and address the needs of Service pupils in schools (reception to year 11).
Speaking about the new guidance, Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: “Armed Forces families play a vital role in supporting our Service personnel to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Fittingly, this announcement coincides with the Month of the Military Child, which is a time to speak up for our Service children.
“Service children face many challenges due to the unique nature
of Service life, but it’s important that they are able to benefit from their exceptional experiences.
“That’s why this joint guidance with the Department for Education, explains how we can break down barriers and help our Service children to thrive in education.”
Minister for Education, Stephen Morgan MP, said: “Through our Plan for Change we are focused on breaking the link between young people’s background and their future success.
“Military families make a huge sacrifice for serving this country and their children face unique challenges that can impact their learning from family members being in active warzones, to frequently having to move schools.
“We provide a range of support for service families and their children to help break down the barriers they face. This includes additional funding for schools through the Service Pupil Premium, giving priority to service children in the admissions process and ensuring there is a school place for every service pupil returning to England from overseas bases. To build on this we have published new guidance for schools to help them to provide the targeted support service children need to achieve and thrive.”
What educational needs do Service pupils have?
Life as a Service child has unique challenges, which are not often recognised in wider society and is therefore not always reflected in an educational setting. Service pupils often move schools several times and experience family separation as their Service parent(s) are deployed. It is during these periods that Service children need extra support from local authorities and schools.
How will the new guidance help Service pupils? This guidance brings together existing guidance into one, easily accessible, place. It outlines the support that schools and local authorities should provide to Service children, and signposts to useful resources.
This includes new guidance on the Service Pupil Premium, which recently announced more funding for schools to offer pastoral and academic support
to eligible Service pupils as they move schools and cope with family separation.
It also encourages local authorities to appoint a Service pupil champion to provide individual support for Service children and outlines their responsibilities and duties.
This aligns with the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation that the Armed Forces Community should be treated fairly, and not be disadvantaged when accessing public and commercial services, with special provision provided, where appropriate.
Help schools and local authorities to support your child
Please read and share this new guidance with the below:
• school leaders, school staff, trust leaders, trust boards and governing bodies in all maintained schools, academies, and non-maintained special schools in England
• local authorities in England
Visit Defence’s new Families Hub, www.discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families, which signposts the support, guidance and organisations that can help to navigate Service family life. The hub includes a section on education and childcare.
Children and young people from Armed Forces families bring a wealth of experiences, adaptability, and resilience to their school communities. While their journeys may involve frequent moves, changes in routine, or periods of parental deployment, schools have a powerful opportunity to ensure these pupils are not only supported but thrive. The SCiP Alliance’s Thriving Lives Toolkit provides a practical, researchinformed framework to help schools reflect on and strengthen the ways they support Service children— ensuring their strengths are nurtured and their needs fully understood.
One of the most impactful recent enhancements to the Toolkit is the inclusion of example responses aligned with each of the Toolkit’s seven principles. For every selfassessment question, schools can now explore what practice might look like at emerging, developing, and embedding levels. These structured examples provide clear guidance, helping schools more confidently evaluate their current level of support and identify specific areas for development.
Rather than completing the Toolkit in isolation, educators are now equipped with practical models of effective provision that reflect real-life application. This strengthens the rigour and consistency of self-assessment and builds confidence among staff—particularly in schools that are new to the Toolkit or those with smaller cohorts of Service children. Schools can benchmark their existing activity, celebrate progress, and develop realistic, meaningful improvement plans.
Crucially, these example responses also act as a motivator for change. By illustrating what strong, embedded support for Service children looks like in practice, they provide inspiration and direction for schools striving to improve outcomes and foster more inclusive, supportive environments.
Adding further depth to the Toolkit is the well-established case study bank, developed with support from the Naval Children’s Charity. Fully integrated into the online Toolkit platform, this collection of 50 case studies continues to serve as a valuable resource for schools across the UK. The case studies highlight a wide range of contexts—from schools with large populations of Service pupils to those with only a few—and demonstrate how the Toolkit is being used to drive meaningful change. Each example is aligned to one of the seven principles and showcases specific actions that have led to measurable improvements in provision and outcomes for Service children.
These real-world examples offer rich insight into the diverse contexts in which the Toolkit is used and demonstrate its adaptability to local needs. From enhancing pastoral support during transitions to empowering student voice through ambassador programmes, the case studies reflect innovative and practical approaches that other schools can learn from and adapt. For schools looking for a starting point or seeking to deepen their work, the case study bank offers a valuable source of ideas and evidence-based practice.
Together, the example responses and case studies are equipping schools with the tools they need not only to reflect on their current support but to take purposeful, informed action. For many, the Toolkit has become much more than a self-assessment - it’s a catalyst for change, a guide for improvement, and a framework for ensuring no child’s education is disadvantaged by their parent’s service.
To access the Thriving Lives Toolkit and explore the new case study bank, schools can sign up or log in online at www.scipalliance.org/thriving-lives-toolkit
During the month of April, we celebrated Month of the Military Child (MotMC), giving us a wonderful opportunity to recognise Service children and young people. It has been fantastic seeing schools, local authorities and SSCE Cymru network members across Wales take this opportunity to celebrate Service children, taking the time to express their appreciation for their unique lifestyle and thank them for their sacrifices.
This years’ Month of the Military Child celebrations included activities such as awareness raising assemblies, Little Troopers virtual workshops, dandelion themed crafts and artwork, creative writing and songwriting sessions, Armed Forces themed physical activities and lots of purple to celebrate ‘Purple up’ day.
SSCE Cymru celebrated Month of the Military Child this year with the launch of our new school good practice films and sharing the voices of Service children and educators across Wales. Following consultations with our network members we also re-launched and created new SSCE Cymru tools during the month of April.
What a fantastic month it was, SSCE Cymru would like to thank all schools, local authorities and network members across Wales who got involved in different activities and events to highlight and celebrate their Service children. Visit our Month of the Military Child webpage to see individual journal entries from across Wales.
We look forward to celebrating Month of the Military Child 2026!
It ’s the hardest thing the y’ll ever love to do
For our families an assignment in the USA is an exciting prospect, with many opportunities and new experiences on offer. We know that families find it is an ideal time to grow and strengthen family bonds and some choose to expand their families whilst overseas. For those families who have children born in the USA there are some citizenship and tax implications to be aware of.
US automatic citizenship has been enshrined in the US Constitution for over a century and the right to adopt dual citizenship has been granted in US law since the 1960’s. All children born in the USA automatically receive US citizenship alongside that of their parent nation, regardless of their parents’ nationality, or whether they have applied for a passport; they hold dual citizenship.
Understanding the Tax Implications In 2010 the USA introduced the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) that requires US citizens, including
By | Caz Evans RAF Families Federation Finance lead
those with dual nationality to report financial assets to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This was largely to ensure that US citizens are fully disclosing their worldwide income gains to the IRS for tax purposes and to prevent tax evasion in overseas locations. In other words, even if your child grows up in the U.K, lives, studies, and works outside the United States, their global income could still be subject to U.S. taxes.
What does this mean for service children born in the US? For those children with dual UK/US citizenship there are tax implications once they reach the age of 18, at which point they will be required to report financial assets and earnings to the IRS.
Are there steps I can take to prevent any US tax liability?
• Renounce Citizenship
US/UK dual citizens can renounce their US citizenship if they have no plans to live in the US.
•
The U.S. government will attempt to contact citizens resident overseas at the time of their 18th birthday offering the chance to renounce citizenship, providing no prior U.S. passport has been issued. However, our families often have had multiple addresses by this stage and they may often not be traceable. It is worth noting that US law requires that the individual themselves — not a parent or guardian — makes this decision, and only after the age of 18 yrs old. Any decision to renounce citizenship requires careful thought; it is generally irreversible, the process involves an interview at a US Embassy involving a formal declaration process and attracts a fee of £1850.
US/UK dual citizens can apply for a waiver of US taxation if their UK tax affairs are in order and a tax return is submitted to the Internal Revenue Service in the US. Individuals who hold dual US/UK citizenship will be granted a waiver from US taxes provided their foreignearned income is within the exclusion credit, currently equivalent to just over £96,000.
The birth of a child is always a joyous occasion, but if it happens on U.S. soil, it comes with responsibilities many parents don’t anticipate. Understanding the tax implications early can save your family from financial surprises later on. Whether you choose to comply with the U.S. tax system, apply for exemptions, or explore renunciation, seeking professional advice is essential. British accounting firms familiar with U.S. tax law can guide you through the paperwork and help you weigh your options carefully. For more detailed guidance, both the U.S. Embassy in London and the official U.S. government websites offer comprehensive information tailored to dual citizens and their families.
For information for defence personnel about USA tax regulations on GOV.UK, visit bit.ly/USBornTax
For Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information on Foreign earned income exclusion, visit bit.ly/RAFIRS
During your Armed Forces service you have been earning an Armed Forces pension but, don’t forget, you have also been contributing to your State (or Old Age) Pension. In this article, Mary Petley of the Forces Pension Society outlines how it works and signposts sources of further information.
In 2016 the new Single Tier State Pension was introduced requiring 35 years’ worth of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to qualify for the full Single Tier Pension. If you contribute for more than 10 years (about 8 years of which must be at the higher rate) but less than 35 years, you will receive a proportion of the full Single Tier rate commensurate with the NICs you have paid. Anyone who has less than 10 years’ contributions in total or from April 2016 will not qualify for anything from this scheme.
The annual increase to State Pensions is calculated using the ‘Triple Lock’ mechanism which provides for an increase
worth the best of: 2.5%; Consumer Price Index (CPI); or Average Pay growth.
That means, using this formula, that the Single Tier Pension rose by 4.7% in April 2025 giving a revised rate of £230.25 per week (so, about £12,000 per year).
You are probably a long way from reaching your State Pension Age (SPA) but it is not a bad idea to check your contribution record which you can do online at : https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/check-your-statepension.
If you have had no breaks in your Armed Forces service, your NIC record for that period should be complete. If it is not, you need to challenge it and you will probably need the help of DBS to prove what has been paid on your behalf. If there are gaps in your record that should be there – for example, you took an unpaid career break - you can buy back up to 6 years NIC ‘cover’ by means of paying Voluntary Contributions (Class 3 NICs). More information about Voluntary Contributions can be found at https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-nationalinsurance-contributions
SPA can change, so it is a good idea to check yours from time to time. It is quick and easy to do. Visit https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age to keep yours under review. You can also obtain a State Pension forecast on line at https://www.gov.uk/check-statepension - and this could be of particular interest to those of you who have not paid 35 years’ worth of NICs and do not intend working or paying Voluntary Contributions once you leave the Armed Forces.
If you are a Member of the Forces Pension Society and have pension questions, please contact us via ‘Submit a Question’ in the Members’ area on the website.
Finally, remember, if you emigrate, your State Pension is still payable. You do not have to pay NICs if you work abroad – but you can if you so wish. For more about this and other relevant information visit https://www.gov.uk/new-statepension/living-and-working-overseas
If you are not a Member but would like to learn more about us, visit our website www.forcespensionsociety.org
Upcoming Open Days
Friday 26th September
Preschool - Year 6 Friday 3rd October Sixth Form Saturday 4th October
Year 7 - 11
Clifton College is a co-educational day and boarding school for 3-18 year olds, providing a modern of education among stunning historic buildings.
Located in the heart of Bristol, the College has a rich and established heritage with the British Armed Forces and the families that serve within it. For 150 years our welcoming House staff have been supporting children with the Forces lifestyle. We offer an exclusive package for military families in receipt of CEA, where families benefit from a heavily discounted fixed flat rate fee per term in addition to CEA. Find out more at cliftoncollege.com/admissions/forces-families/ Discover more
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, the charity honours husband Corporal Lee Scott’s memory – both as a loyal soldier and a loving father – and provides a practical yet personal way for the public at large to show their appreciation for those brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, they could be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need but Scotty's are there to help. How Scotty's Help Bereaved Military Children Scotty's aim to provide relief from the effects of grief for bereaved military children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Forces.
The charity provides its beneficiaries with support and guidance throughout their childhood and offers a respite, however brief, from the daily ups and downs of coping with the loss of a parent. Assistance is available to families from the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF and includes both Regular and Reserve forces.
SCOTTY'S SERVICES ARE DELIVERED THROUGH THREE FAMILY PROGRAMMES: SMILES
This programme is all about fun and engagement for bereaved British Forces children and young people. It includes activities, gifts and group events, which have the purpose of making bereaved Forces children and young people smile again and reminds them they aren’t alone and are part of a supportive community.
This programme looks after the emotional health and wellbeing of the bereaved military children and young people we support. It includes information and guidance on childhood bereavement for parents and carers, and 1:1 professional bereavement support for children and young people.
This programme focuses on the education and development needs of bereaved Forces children and young people. This includes promoting a positive attitude to learning and providing opportunities to develop life skills. It also includes a range of small educational grants.
To learn more, email hello@scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk or telephone 0800 0928571 www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
Military families get together at New Forest family reconnection weekend, thanks to Little Troopers...
Military families get together at New Forest family reconnection weekend, thanks to Little Troopers...
Earlier this year, 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. (teamforces.org)
The weekend was the second one to take place, with eight families taking part in action-packed activities at the New Forest Outdoor Centre in Lyndhurst, Dorset.
Families arrived on Friday (13th June), kicking off the weekend by taking part in an evening woodland nature walk, before staying in shepherd’s huts.
On the second day, families got to try out raft building and racing on Leominstead Lake, followed by archery and bushcraft, a BBQ cooked by the parents, and campfire games for the children in the evening. Families headed home on the Sunday, after a morning of trying out high and low ropes amongst the trees and enjoying some Father’s Day treats.
Stuart attended with his daughter. He said: “My favourite thing from the reconnection weekend was the family time. Military families have come together as one, played different types of games, and interacted with each other with no use of technology, which is brilliant. It’s brought us all back to nature and it’s been really rewarding to be part of it.”
Natasha attended with her two teenage children, Joseph, 13, and Saffron, 11. She said: “It’s been fantastic to come with my children, no devices, and actually spend some time together. The raft building we all got stuck in and enjoyed. Meeting the other parents and realising that often you are all in the same boat, it has felt like a real military community and all the kids have got on great. We learned new skills like fire lighting which we’d never done before, pushed ourselves and came out our comfort zone. We’ve enjoyed it very much.”
The children loved it too. Ten-year-old Penelope said: “I’ve liked meeting new military people because the know how you feel when your parents are away and so it’s nice to play with other people who know how you feel.”
Louise Fetigan, Founder of Little Troopers, said: “Our new ‘All Together’ 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 and make new friends. Our New Forest 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 out in nature.”
The Little Troopers weekends invite between eight and ten families, with one or both parents and up to four siblings aged nine to 16, 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 two Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are:
• 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
Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting service children who have parent(s) serving in our British Armed Forces, regular or reserve. These children often face unique challenges including frequent house and school moves, as well as regular periods of separation from their serving parent(s) for varying lengths of time due to exercises, training, operations and other service commitments.
As a charity, Little Troopers ensures our British Armed Forces children and their families have access to child-focused support wherever they are in the world and whatever community they live in. We provide fundamental resources and initiatives to help ease repeated separation periods and keep parent and child connected even when miles apart. We are the only charity in the UK dedicated to celebrating just how special all our Little Troopers out there really are. For more information visit www.littletroopers.net
What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.
The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.
Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.
That’s why work is underway to help simplify the way we talk about ‘Your Offer’ – with discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk being the place to go to find out what’s covered, what it’s worth, where to find out more and what you need to do.
What is Discover My Benefits?
Discover My Benefits is a website for all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their families and Defence civil servants – designed to help you understand the benefits and support available.
Improving Service life
Alongside activity to simplify how we talk about ‘Your Offer’ is ongoing work to review, improve and modernise its policies, processes and services.
This is all part of Defence’s commitment to improve Service life and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve – addressing longstanding challenges and ensuring Armed Forces personnel and their families feel valued, supported and motivated.
The past year’s announcements and initiatives to enhance the Armed Forces Offer include:
• One of the largest pay increases in 22 years – the 2024 pay award averaged at 6%, with pay for new recruits increasing by 35% during their first six months, or until completion of initial training (whichever is sooner): this year an above inflation pay rise of 4.5% (3.75% for senior officers) will be received.
• Introduction of the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill –which will lead to the appointment of the first ever independent champion for serving personnel and their families – with whom issues which impact on Service life can be raised
• A pledge to transform living conditions for families in military housing – under a new Consumer Charter that Defence Secretary John Healey promises will “stop the rot”
• Expansion of the Wraparound Childcare scheme – giving hundreds of Armed Forces families who are deployed overseas the potential to save thousands of pounds in childcare costs
• New retention payments for thousands of Armed Forces personnel – with around 5,000 eligible Tri-Service aircraft engineers to receive £30,000 when signing up for an additional three years of service, and around 12,000 eligible Army Privates and Lance Corporals to receive £8,000, upon entering their fourth year of Service
• Roll out of a new dining offer – with menus providing greater choice and more affordable options for Service personnel, when using mess facilities and amenities
• An extension of the remit and timeframe for the ‘Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot’ until March 2027 – with increased accommodation entitlements for Service Personnel in Established Long Term Relationships (LTR(E)), following positive feedback received from pilot participants in Cyprus
• A new Families Hub – signposting information, guidance and support all in one place, to help navigate Service family life
• Removal of the Get You Home (Travel) allowance rate cap – so that eligible Service personnel who regularly travel home can now claim a financial contribution to their total mileage
• A new Defence medical appointment management approach – which has delivered a 26% reduction in waiting times for patients accessing doctor appointments in primary healthcare
• An increased remit for Standard Learning Credits – to include opportunities to gain additional driving licences (beyond your first UK Driving License)
What’s next?
There’s more ‘Your Offer’ enhancements to come, as Defence, the Royal Navy, Army and RAF continue to work on a range of programmes to deliver further improvements for our Armed Forces and their families… so watch this space.
Find out more
For more detailed information on what’s available, what you can personally receive and how it may compare to similar products outside Defence, visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – with sub-sites for the Army, Navy, RAF, Civil Servants and a new information portal - discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/familiesfor Service families.
In the Armed Forces, ‘Your Offer’ includes:
Your money: A competitive salary –including additional payment and allowances in recognition of the demands of Service life – alongside a unique non-contributory pension scheme, widely recognised as one of the best in the UK.
Your health and wellbeing: Comprehensive medical, dental, rehab and mental health services – with free prescriptions and timely access to resources.
Your time: A generous annual leave package and flexible working options to support a healthy work-life balance.
You and your family supported: Assistance with food, travel, relocation, accommodation and buying your own home; enhanced maternity-pay, shared parental leave and childcare funding; and access to exclusive online and high-street discounts.
Your career: Access to an extensive range of learning and continuous professional development options – including apprenticeships, education and trade-related training, and membership of professional bodies.
Your opportunities: Experience much more than just a job – including access to unique adventurous training and sporting experiences in the UK and abroad, and accreditation opportunities to turn in-Service education, training and experience into nationally recognised civilian qualifications.
Have you ever thought about getting your story down on paper? That’s right – YOUR story! Whether you’re in the RAF, a partner or spouse of someone in the RAF, a child or young person in an RAF family, or a veteran, you have a story to tell. That’s why Reading Force have launched a Memoir Writing Competition and are welcoming entries from anyone connected to the military. What’s it like growing up in a military family? Being the partner who keeps the family show on the road? Living in several countries? What were your most memorable experiences at work in the RAF? Have you met someone in the military community whose story or friendship will always stay with you? Reading Force invite entries on every facet of military life. Written entries can be memoir, or biography of a military friend or relative (including parents/carers).
First prize in the Adults category is a publishing contract with Pen & Sword Books, for which the prize-winning author will receive an advance on royalties. 2nd and 3rd prize winners will each receive a £100 book token. Charles Hewitt, Managing Director at Pen & Sword:
“For many decades, memoirs have contributed an important role in our understanding of events in history, whether from the point of view of a colleague, friend or student. More recently studies have shown that the process of writing a memoir can be an extremely therapeutic experience for the writer, often helping
them to overcome events which may have impacted upon their lives. Pen and Sword Books Ltd are delighted to help support Reading Force in promoting and encouraging members of the military community and others to realise the benefits of recording their memoirs.”
First prize in the Children & Young People category is publication in Envoy! 2nd and 3rd prize winners will each receive a £50 book token.
Adults – Please send a synopsis of your planned book (you don’t have to have finished writing it!), a brief biography of yourself or the person you are writing about, and the first two chapters (to a maximum of 5,000 – they can be less!).
Children & Young People – Please send a piece of writing about your life in the military community or a piece of writing about someone in your life. This may be a poem, reflection, memory or story, between 500 and 1,000 words (you can decide this based on your age). You are welcome to include an illustration with your writing.
Deadline for entries is 31st August, so you have all summer to write!
All submissions are to be emailed to: info@readingforce.org.uk
Reading Force would like to thank Bolt Burdon Kemp and Pen & Sword for supporting this competition.
You may have come across the term Armed Forces Covenant—perhaps in conversation or in the news— but what does it actually mean, and how does it support military personnel and their families?
Launched by the Government on 16 May 2011, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s promise to treat those who serve or have served, and their families, with fairness and respect. It recognises the unique challenges of Service life and the sacrifices made by both personnel and their loved ones.
The Covenant is about ensuring members of the Armed Forces community aren’t disadvantaged in accessing everyday services compared to other citizens. It applies in key areas such as:
• Healthcare
• Education and childcare
• Housing
• Employment
• Financial services
• No Disadvantage: Serving personnel, veterans, and their families shouldn’t be worse off due to their Service.
• Special Consideration: In some cases—especially for the injured or bereaved—extra support is appropriate.
Here are some possible examples:
Higher costs due to Service life
A family posted to a new location has to cancel a broadband contract early and pay a fee. A fair response? The provider waives the fee.
Ineligibility for services
An ex-partner of a Service person returns to her home area
but is denied access to social housing due to time spent away. The local authority disapplies the ‘local connection’ rule to level the playing field.
Difficulties accessing services
A serving member posted overseas can’t view housing options. The council arranges virtual viewings and remote contract signing to help him secure a home.
Lower quality services
A child moves schools due to a family posting and finds the GCSE syllabus doesn’t match. Options include catch-up tuition or continuing with the original exam board.
Longer waiting times
A Service spouse is midway through a hospital waiting list but has to move. The new hospital places her at the back of their list. A fairer approach? The new hospital counts the time already waited.
Losing access to support
A disabled child’s specialist bed must be returned when the family relocates. The new authority delays replacement pending reassessment. To avoid this, the new bed is ordered based on the previous assessment.
These can be appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most such as the injured and the bereaved.
Faster treatment for veterans
Veterans may be prioritised for NHS care related to their Service—on clinical grounds.
Financial recognition for bereaved families
If a Service-related death occurs, the estate may be exempt from Inheritance Tax.
Priority housing for those with Service-related mental health issues
Local authorities are encouraged to prioritise social housing for those affected.
While it supports fairness, it’s important to understand what the Covenant doesn’t do:
• It’s not a benefits package: It’s a set of guiding principles, not a list of entitlements.
• It doesn’t promise preferential treatment: It’s about removing unfair disadvantage - not jumping queues or securing the best of everything.
• It doesn’t apply to uniquely military services: These include single living accommodation or specialist medical care for Service-specific injuries.
• It’s not a legal guarantee. The Covenant doesn’t entitle you to a particular outcome or service. It's about encouraging public, private, and voluntary organisations to consider your circumstances fairly.
• It doesn’t apply for non-UK goods & services. For families serving overseas, the Covenant can only be applied to goods and services provided by UK based organisations.
In 2022, a Covenant Duty became law. Certain public bodies—including local councils, NHS trusts and some state-funded schools—are now legally required to consider the Covenant principles in decisions about healthcare, education, and housing.
However, this duty isn’t about hitting targets. It simply means these organisations must give due regard to Service life circumstances. The Families Federations continue to work to clarify how this should be put into practice across the UK.
Any organisation, public, private, or third sector, can sign up to show support for the Armed Forces community.
BY SIGNING THE COVENANT, THE ORGANISATION COMMITS
Avoiding disadvantage for Service people and their families, and offering special consideration when appropriate
You can check which organisations have signed at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forcecorporate-covenant-signed-pledges
More about the Covenant: www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk
If you are experiencing challenges with accessing the Armed Forces Covenant to support your family, with school places, medical care, employment issues for the nonserving spouse as well as council tax and many other issues, you can contact the RAF Families Federation www.raf-ff.org.uk/contact
Organisations that go further in their support can be recognised through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This awards Bronze, Silver or Gold status to employers showing strong commitment to the Armed Forces community.
This includes businesses large and small, charities, the NHS, emergency services and local authorities. The scheme publicly thanks those who lead by example in aligning their values with the Covenant.
Find out more at: www.gov.uk/publications/defence-employerrecognition-scheme
By | Rev (Sqn Ldr) Chrissie Lacey
I am currently away from my lap-top and RAF Cranwell and will pick up your email on my return. If your email is urgent, please contact…
…we’ve all seen this kind of out of office replies to emails we send. In fact, it is the season for out of office replies as many people are on leave and possibly even enjoy a British summer!? Are you the kind of person who can stay true to your out of office? I know we may physically ‘leave’ the office (although perhaps not if you work from home!), but do we let our heads leave the office?
Perhaps a peek at the emails just to see if there is anything urgent that needs to be dealt with? Or the, I’ll just drop a quick message to so and so about that project. Oh! I forgot to input that data so I’ll just log on to quickly update that…mobile technology is great isn’t it, because we can do those little things even if we are not physically in the office. Or you might be in the blessed position that work is something which feeds and re-energises you, so why not do some on leave because it’s enjoyable.
I’m going to confess, I am guilty of all the above. I love my role, I think my role is important and I want to give it (and people) my all…and after all, if we’re serving, then we’re doing exactly that, service before self! I’m an adult, I can choose what I do with my leave and if I want to work, then why not!?
But (us Padre’s love a big but ), the more I’ve allowed work to feed and energise me, I have begun to lose the hunger and the satisfaction I’d get from other things in my life. Things
which I’d do in my spare time, leave and which make me feel like ‘me’ outside of being Padre. The lines between me in the office and outside the office have become too blurry and my office has become too big.
Perhaps you’re on leave now? Have you given permission for your mind to leave the office as well as your body? And what things are you investing in to broaden your ‘diet’ of the things which feed you and make you feel like ‘you’ as parent, spouse, significant other, team member, friend…and purely YOU?
If work feeds you, that’s immense, not everyone has that. I believe we are designed to work to live, not live to work and just like we need to keep a healthy balance of food to energise us and make us happy, we also need to do this with our time as well. A healthy balance and mash up of work satisfaction, success, challenges and joys as well as personal goals, mindless hobbies and relationships are something to ponder on when you write your out of office and then face the challenge of living up to it.
Welcoming UK Military Families posted to the Brunei Garrison
For this Summer’s Book Corner we asked RAF youngsters to tell us what they think of A Seed in the Universe, by Elyon Liu, hardback price £9.99
Freya, Aemilia, and Thomas, aged 3, 7, and 9
My three children loved the book A seed in the universe. They loved seeing what was coming next and said that it was like lots of things that start off small and can get bigger and bigger, like how they feel when they start a new school or meet new people and they are shy at first but then they get
We post you books to share and chat about. We’ll send a scrapbook and book for children aged 0-10, and a teen journal and book for young people aged 11+. Families say doing Reading Force is a good way to stay close, connected, and to keep communicating. Best of all, it’s fun!
To receive your free teen journal or scrapbook and book go to the family page on the Reading Force website and register online: www.readingforce.org.uk
If your children would like to review books for this Envoy & Reading Force Book Corner, please get in touch with Hattiehattie@readingforce.org.uk - with your children’s names and ages.
To win any of these prizes, simply follow the instructions below... Good luck!
To celebrate the launch of the latest Leona Cobham Flying Circus book; ‘Above and Beyond’, we’re giving away Nine books from the series to lucky Envoy Readers.
The third book in the Aeroplane Adventures series takes a deep dive into the secret life of planes. Three rousing short stories packed with technical know-how and moral dilemmas - inspiring original reading for children.
• Real aviation facts come to life inside a thrilling fictional narrative.
• Full of challenges children can relate to: self-esteem, conflict resolution, friendship.
• Packed with STEM information about aviation and a full glossary.
• Four lovable aeroplane pals from different periods of aviation history take readers on a magical journey. A homage to the wonder of flight.
• Friendship is central - each character strives to raise their game to build a formidable team.
To learn more about these great books, visit www.cobhamwings.co.uk - buy in paperback and eBook at book retailers and online platforms.
To be in with a chance of winning one of these books, email enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk, putting ‘SUMMER Envoy Book Prize’ in the subject line, followed by your name and address in the body of the email.
Thanks to Annington, we have five Amazon gift vouchers to the value of £25 to give away to our readers. Win one of these vouchers and treat yourself to something nice. Don’t forget to let us know what you spent your money on!
To be in with a chance of winning one of these vouchers, email enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk, putting ‘SUMMER Envoy Voucher Prize’ in the subject line, followed by your name and address in the body of the email.
THE SMALL PRINT!
eachThreeofbook togive away!
The prize draws are available for all readers of Envoy to enter, except employees and family members of the RAF Families Federation, The RAF Association, publishers, printers and anyone connected with the competition(s). Only one entry per household/email per prize. Your details will not be passed to any other organisations, and will be deleted once the draw has taken place. The closing date for entries for both prize draws is Friday, September 12, 2025.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging, you can leave your mortgage search in the hands of the fee-free mortgage advice service provided by Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd. They’ll provide you with fee-free mortgage advice and recommend the right mortgage for you, based on your circumstances.
Important things you should know: PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, has chosen Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd to provide customers with a mortgage advice service. Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd will provide you with independent mortgage advice and make a recommendation based on your circumstances and requirements. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual.
If you take out a mortgage recommended by Grange Mortgage & Protection Services Ltd, PMGI Limited will receive a fee for this introduction, which is a percentage based on the loan amount. We may also earn an additional fee based on the performance of our account. If you wish to know the fee we receive please contact Grange Mortgages
YOUR
The Mortgage Advice Service advisors are experienced at arranging mortgages for the Military, so you can be confident they’ll recommend the right mortgage for you. Take the hassle out of finding a mortgage.
Anderson Education has a wealth of experience and up-to-date knowledge of UK boarding schools; we have visited over 350 UK boarding schools, can answer your questions and help you through the process.
UK Boarding School Exhibitions and Information Days
Tidworth Garrison – 17th September 2025
Aldershot Garrison – 18th March 2026
Please see our website for pop-up event dates
We have been working with Forces & FCDO families for over 25 years. Our education service is FREE, unique and personal to each child and their family.
Email: jen@andersoneducation.co.uk
WhatsApp/mobile: Jen +44 (0) 7442 222075
www.andersoneducation.co.uk
•All bills
•Staff on hand 24 hours a day
•Lift to all floors
•Meals prepared by our expert staff
•Shared, landscaped garden with summer houses
•Communal activities, including coffee mornings
•Local amenities on the doorstep
•Accessibility features in all suites
