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Vacancy for a part-time, one-year fixed term position located in Scotland, 24 hours per week. 

Salary £24,000 pa pro rata. 

 

Here’s who we are:

The Naval Families Federation exists to speak up for Royal Navy and Royal Marines families.  We champion families and advocate on their behalf to the relevant authorities. We represent their views and experiences to those who make the policies and decisions that affect them. We meet regularly with the Royal Navy’s Chain of Command, Government Ministers, Other Government Departments, and other key stakeholders.  We also support appropriate and relevant research.   

 

Here’s who we are looking for:

A self-starting team player who is happy to work from home but willing to travel across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Applicants will have current knowledge and experience of the modern Royal Navy/Royal Marines lifestyle, understanding the demands of being part of this community.  They will have the ability to develop effective relationships to gain trust and build rapport with serving family members.   

The successful candidate will report to the Devolved Administrations Families Engagement Officer & Partner Employment Lead, who is also based in Scotland, and the role will extend into developing a more in-depth knowledge base as a policy lead for Transition (from the Royal Navy).   

This is a key role within a small organisation where everyone’s contribution makes a difference, so the ideal candidate will feel comfortable working as a team-member and agile enough to manage several work-stands simultaneously.  If you fit the description and have a tenacious approach, we would love you to put your application forward.  

 

Applications
  • Click here to download the job specification.
  • Click here to download the application form.
  • Applicants are welcome to have an informal chat about the role with the Devolved Administrations Families Engagement Officer & Partner Employment Lead on telephone number 07469660696. 
  • Send completed application forms to contactus@nff.org.uk or by post to: Building 25, HMS EXCELLENT, Portsmouth PO2 8ER
  • Applications close at midday on Wednesday 30th June 2021. 
  • Interviews for the vacancy will be held at the Drumfork Community Centre on Tuesday 6th July 2021. 

 

Naval Families Federation 

CEO: Anna Wright   

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Announcements, NFF News

Jane Williams has been championing the cause of Naval families for more than a decade – and now she has won official recognition for her efforts.

 

Jane, the Naval Families Federation (NFF) Director of Operations and Families Engagement, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, a fitting finale as she leaves the NFF to accompany her husband, a Royal Navy officer, on an overseas assignment.

Jane and her husband taking a selfie when HMS QE first entered Portsmouth in 2017.

 

During her 12 years at the Federation Jane has played her part in establishing the charity as a vital component in the research and policymaking process, improving the lives of Naval families in terms of accommodation, health, education, finance and employment, amongst other things.

 

And while NFF research and resources provide support and improvements across the board, Jane, who lives in Stubbington, near Fareham in Hampshire, has also rolled up her sleeves and helped individual cases when they get bogged down by bureaucracy or a unique situation needs to be resolved.

 

Whether strategic or tactical, at the heart of the NFF approach is the fact that its staff talk to families and listen to what they say, passing that on to those who need to hear it – and it’s something Jane has always enjoyed, and at which she excelled.

 

“Getting out and talking to Royal Navy and Royal Marines families? What a privilege!” she said. “They are just awesome!”

 

Jane said she has always been amazed at the range and breadth of subjects raised by families, and the fact that they might not have an issue with something, but they will often have a thoughtful and intelligent opinion from their own experiences which will help policymakers.

 

“People making policies and decisions have an appetite to understand what it means to our families – their ears are pinned back and they are listening,” said Jane.

 

“They have to prioritise operational output but they are very keen to take families into account.

 

“Over the time I have been with the NFF I have seen a significant change in the right direction, for the good, and I think that’s because of what the NFF can bring to the table.

 

“It is well researched and carefully thought through – we have never sold anybody a pup!”

 

Jane with NFF’s new resources trailer.
Jane and the NFF team in Scotland at one of our events (2019)
Homeport front cover – Jane with then PM Theresa May (2017)

 

NFF Chief Executive Anna Wright said: “Jane is a powerhouse of energy who has devoted 12 years on the staff of the NFF, striving to improve the lot for families of serving Royal Navy personnel.

 

“She is absolutely at her best when dealing with families directly.

 

“She has the ability to take the most intractable problems, roll up her sleeves and get to work for the family.”

 

Anna added that by using “her contacts, knowledge of regulations, guile and charm” she gets the best result possible – “not always what the family were seeking, but always a solution that can be managed.”

 

Anna concluded: “Jane puts others first and has helped to drive the agenda for families a long way forward in her time.

 

“Her superpower is being a people-focused dynamo, putting a human face on the intractable problems of SFA and immigration; by helping those responsible for the regulations to do their best.”

 

Posted on: 12th June, 2021
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Announcements, NFF News, RN/RM Announcements, UK Visas & Citizenship, Updates and FAQs - UK Visas & Citizenship

Naval Families Federation immigration adviser Pete Hawley has been invited to contribute to a consultation which could result in visa fees being waived for non-UK military personnel at the end of their service.

 

The public consultation, launched at the end of May by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel, would change policy so that non-UK Service personnel could be offered indefinite leave to remain in the UK for free after serving at least 12 years in the Armed Forces, subject to eligibility criteria.

 

The proposal from the MOD and Home Office could save each applicant £2,389 in the costs of applications.

 

The 12-year yardstick reflects the length of time all Service personnel initially sign up to serve, known as the initial engagement period.

 

There are currently more than 10,000 non-UK citizens serving in the UK Armed Forces from countries around the world including Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa, many of whom may consider applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK when their service ends.

 

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “We owe those who showed us loyal service our loyalty in return.

 

“It is right that we recognise their contribution by not only smoothing the pathway to residency and citizenship, but also by lifting the financial cost of doing so after 12 years of service.”

 

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I am immensely proud that brave Servicemen and women from around the world want to continue to call the UK their home after their service.

 

“It is only right that those who continue to do extraordinary work on behalf of our country are recognised and rewarded, and I am determined to support them settle in our wonderful communities right across the UK.”

 

Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “That so many non-UK citizens choose to bring their dedication, expertise and bravery to the UK Armed Forces is not something we take for granted, and I am pleased to support this policy proposal.

 

“We look forward to hearing the public’s view and working together to move these plans forward, strengthening our support to those who want to build a life in the country they bravely defended during their service.”

 

While Pete has been invited to provide evidence in his role as an OISC Level 1 Immigration Adviser, members of the public can also contribute to the consultation on the proposed policy changes.

 

The consultation will run until 7 July, and feedback will be used to further inform and shape these changes. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the proposed policy change is expected to come into effect for Financial Year 2021/22.

 

Posted on: 3rd June, 2021
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NFF News

Behind every great sporting star is a coach who inspired them or honed their natural talent into jaw-dropping magic. 

 

And every coach has to start somewhere – could this be the start of your path to the top? 

 

As part of Strengthening Families – By Your Side, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is partnering with Kings Active Foundation to run a sports leadership programme called Rookie Academy, helping young people get more out of their school holidays.  

 

From the age of 15 you can opt to join this programme, where you will learn how to coach and be a young leader through practical, hands-on activities. It has three levels, with each level taking around two weeks to complete; you can only take one level per season. 

 

As part of the Rookie Academy, you will receive a T-shirt, a wristband, a workbook, certificates of achievement and online resources to support and reiterate the learning principles.  

What does a Rookie do on camp?

What does a Rookie do on camp?

Using your workbook as a guide, Rookies are supported by ‘Red Tops’ (Kings Camps staff) to complete tasks and learn about the role. When ready, you can get involved in supporting and leading your own sessions. All of this practical experience will be recorded in your log book. 

 

When you have completed your training, Rookies are celebrated on their camp with a graduation, which is a fantastic way to inspire the younger children. This qualification can be added to your CV and included in any college or university applications, as Level 3 is accredited by 1stForSport. 

 

Lots of Rookies return in subsequent seasons as Red Tops. Whether you return to work with Kings Camps or not, it’s an opportunity to kick start your coaching career and develop your leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. 

 

As part of your learning, you will also complete some modules via Kings Camps’ Online Learning Platform. 

 

To complete the final assessment for each level, you must log a minimum number of hours as a group leader; for Level One, for example, this is five hours. 

 

The aim of Rookie Academy is to guide your understanding of what it takes to be a great coach, along with sports specific health and safety practice from a coach’s perspective and help you learn how to help others develop in sport activities through a variety of challenges and tasks.

Level 1

When completing level 1, you will learn:

  • What qualities make a great coach
  • How to identify risks and hazards
  • How to reduce risks and hazards
  • How to create an appropriate warm up and cooldown
  • How to deliver a warm up and cool down to children 
  • Observation of coaching techniques
  • How to assist the Red Tops
Level 2

When completing level 2, you will learn:

  • What activities are best suited to certain sports and why
  • How to progress through an activity and why we use progression as a coaching tool
  • How to plan and deliver more detailed activities
  • Different ways to manage health and safety on camp
  • An understanding of what competition is and why we use it
Level 3

When completing level 3, you will learn:

  • How to plan an effective sport session
  • How to assess and analyse performance
  • The importance of competition
  • Session planning to meet the needs of your participants
  • Reflecting on your own performance as a junior coach
  • How to set targets
  • What transferable skills in sport are
  • How to adapt activities
Summer activity camps

The RNRMC have also announced the return of Activity Camps this summer. The RNRMC are once again working in partnership with The Kings Active Foundation and the Royal Navy to provide leading sports and activity camps to Naval families with children between 5 – 17 years old at a heavily subsidised cost. Find out more about the camps here.

 

Register your interest

 

Posted on: 21st April, 2021
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NFF News

Get your children active, having fun and learning together!

 

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) have announced the return of Activity Camps this summer.  The RNRMC are once again working in partnership with The Kings Active Foundation and the Royal Navy to provide leading sports and activity camps to Naval families with children between 5 – 17 years old at a heavily subsidised cost.

 

Camps provide fantastic opportunities for children and young people to get active, have fun and make new friends. They will be coming to a host of Royal Navy Establishments this summer, operating full week Activity Camps on selected dates. RNRMC are again subsidising places so that Camps on Royal Navy bases will cost just £75 per child, per week and are exclusively for Naval families. Access to the RN bases makes a big difference to the cost, so thank you to the Royal Navy for opening up facilities. Royal Navy establishment locations and dates are still being finalised and not confirmed. Information about the provisional locations and dates are available on the survey (link below) to support planning.

 

An ever-popular offer, very high demand is expected for Royal Navy Establishment based camps this summer. To plan and prepare for this demand; an Expression of Interest form has been created to allow all Naval families to register their interest in their preferred location and dates. This will enable demand to be met as much as possible.

 

Other locations

Kings Camps also operate civilian camps nationwide in England, Scotland and Wales, so if you don’t live near to a Royal Navy Establishment you may be able to access a civilian Kings Camps. All serving RN families can benefit from the same subsidised cost as a camp hosted at a Royal Navy Establishment of £75 per child, per week. You can view a full list of locations here. To book places at any Kings Camps around the UK, which are open to the general public, please call the Kings Camps membership team on 0114 263 2160 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm) to discuss dates and locations and ensure you receive the subsidised rate.

 

Rookie Academy

From the age of 15 children can also attend an RN Activity Camp and participate in the Rookie Academy which is a Level 3 is accredited by 1stForSport leadership programme that helps young people to get more out of their school holidays. This qualification can be added to their CV and included in any future application where part of the assessment is on practical leadership skills. Rookies are celebrated on their camp with a graduation which is a fantastic way to inspire the younger children. Find out more about the Rookie Programme here.

 

Parent feedback from last year

“Amazing, safe venue for kids! Great staff who engaged kids from the outset. This is the only camp my kids actually enjoy! They are kept on the go from drop off to pick up and love every minute of it. It’s well organised, the activities are structured, and the atmosphere is always fun. The chants on the way home in the car are probably the only downside but after a while, even I joined in!!”

“My daughter absolutely loved it. I picked her up every night and she is so excited to tell me all about the new sports she has played, what she has done and the new friends she had made. I was a bit worried that with the ongoing Covid19 situation it wouldn’t be as good as previous years, but as mentioned, it was fantastic.”

 

Register your interest
  • Register Your Interest for Kings Camps – Summer 2021 here. Please complete the Expression of Interest Form by 30th April 2021.
  • Kings Camps will be in touch with you from 14th May to confirm if you have been successful in securing a place on a Royal Navy Establishment camp. 
  • Please note, completing this online form does not guarantee you a place on camp.

 

UPDATE (02.06.2021)
  • Today Kings Active Foundation will send an email to every family who expressed an interest;
  • Families who have not yet completed their booking will have until 5pm on Monday 7th June to confirm and pay for their booking with Kings.  Thereafter their places will no longer be held for them;
  • From 9am on the Wednesday 9th June, on a first come first served basis and subject to availability families can call to request weeks and/or book second weeks.

 

Posted on: 16th April, 2021
Updated on: 2nd June, 2021
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Announcements, NFF News

*APPLICATIONS CLOSED – thank you for your interest*

 

Role: Director of Operations and Families Engagement
Full-time post, 36 hours per week based in Portsmouth.
Initial salary £36,000 Per Annum.

 

Here’s who we are:

The Naval Families Federation exists to speak up for Royal Navy and Royal Marines families. We champion families and advocate on their behalf to the relevant authorities. We represent their views and experiences to those who make the policies and decisions that affect them. We meet regularly with the Royal Navy’s Chain of Command, Government Ministers, Other Government Departments, and other key stakeholders. We also support appropriate and relevant research.

 

Here’s who we are looking for:

A person who thrives on problem solving and is energised by a fluid working pattern. The ideal candidate will be patient, diplomatic and be confident to calculate business priorities on the hoof. It is vital for applicants to have a thorough understanding of the nuances of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines lifestyle. The remit of the role offers an exciting range of variation including, but not limited to, delivering briefs about the work of the NFF, representing the organisation at national meetings and events, supporting a busy enquiries and family advocacy team on a wide and varied range of subjects, and everything in between. Previous people management experience is required, as is the ability to build relationships to effectively communicate on issues affecting Service families, engaging with the Chain of Command and external stakeholders.

 

First-hand understanding and experience of the modern Naval Service lifestyle is key to this position. This will be coupled with the ability to organise your own time to prioritise tasks and effectively communicate with colleagues. This is a key role within a small organisation where everyone’s contribution makes a difference, so the ideal applicant will feel comfortable working as a team member and agile enough to manage several work-strands simultaneously. If you fit the description and have a tenacious approach, we would love you to put your application forward.

 

Applicants are welcome to have an informal chat with the current post holder, telephone number: 02392 654374.

Applications close at midday on Tuesday 20th April 2021. 

First interviews for the vacancy will be held via MS Teams on Thursday 22nd April 2021.

 

To apply:
*APPLICATION CLOSED – thank you for your interest*
  • Click here to download the job specification. 
  • Click here to download the application form.
  • Send completed application forms to contactus@nff.org.uk or by post to the address below:

Naval Families Federation

CEO: Anna Wright

Building 25, HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8ER

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Announcements, NFF News, Communications, RN/RM Announcements

Households across England and Wales are being asked to take part in Census 2021. The census in Scotland will take place next year due to the impact of the pandemic. 

 

This year, the census will include a new question which will ask people if they have served in the Armed Forces. This data will help to support commitments made by central and local government under the Armed Forces Covenant. Anyone who has served in the Armed Forces for at least one day is classed as a veteran. Click here to watch an explainer video. The NFF welcomes this change as this will help to collate valuable information which will ensure that the Armed Forces community gets the right support in the future. 

 

Service personnel are encouraged to access the guidance issued in DIN: 2021DIN01-032 which provides key information, including instructions regarding employer address information, for those who work at particular MOD locations. For general queries or help, contact information is set out in paragraph 54 of the DIN. 

 

Useful information

We recognise that the family dynamics of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community may be different than those of civilian households. 

  1. There is specific advice available for Armed Forces families, which can be found here.
  2. The team at Royal Navy Family & People Support (RN FPS) have shared guidance for MOD families when completing the census, which can be accessed here.
  3. The NFF put some additional questions to the Census team for a FAQ to clarify some areas that have caused confusion :
SFA - Who should fill this in?

Q: When Service families live in SFA, the serving person is named as the licence holder in accordance with MOD Policy, and they are also the named person responsible for the household bills – they would therefore be deemed to be the ‘householder’. If the SP is away from home on 21st March, due to an operational deployment or because they are working in a different part of the country, can their spouse/partner complete the Census on their behalf, in their absence?  

 

A: Yes, they can complete it, the Census arrives addressed to the household address not a specific individual. If a person is on active deployment, they will be able to note this as there is a section that says that they normally reside there but on the 21st March they are elsewhere. Click here to read the guidance on completing the census for someone else. 

Own homes - Who should fill this in?

Q: The same question applies for those Service families living in their own homes, if the serving person is considered to be the ‘householder’ but will be absent from the home on 21 March due to the needs of the Service. Can the spouse/partner complete the form? 

 

A: Yes, again, as above. The Census can be completed from receipt up until the end of April, but must record the household on the 21st March. Click here to read the guidance on completing the census for someone else. 

SLA - What if I live on base?

Q: What are the arrangements for those living in SLA? 

 

A: Advice for those living on base can be found here. If you live on a US military base, your CO will give you advice. 

SFA - Landlord

Q: We live in SFA. Who is my landlord? 

 

A: The RN FPS team have put together guidance on answering this question. Please click here to access the PDF.

Serving person away from home

Q: My SP is currently working away from home, should I include them? 

 

A: Remember to include anyone who usually lives here but is temporarily away from home. This applies to your SP, if this is their permanent or home address. You can read the full guidance on people currently away here. The advice for Armed Forces families can be found here. 

Serving person - Job title/employer

Q: Question 41-44 asks about my job. How should I answer those questions?

 

A: You are strongly encouraged to read this guidance produced by the Royal Navy – please click here to access the PDF.

Non-UK serving personnel

Q: Is there any guidance for non-UK military personnel? 

 

A: You can visit this page for more information. 

For further information or to get help, please visit census.gov.uk 

Posted on: 10th March, 2021
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Announcements, NFF News, RN/RM Announcements

In December 2020 the Defence Committee launched an inquiry on Women in the Armed Forces: From Recruitment to Civilian Life.

 

The aim of the inquiry is to look at the experience of female Service personnel from recruitment to transition and consider whether there are unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by the current policies and services. Other areas of interest that the Committee are keen to cover within the scope of the inquiry include issues around pensions, terms and conditions of employment, housing, and general wellbeing.

 

As part of the inquiry, female Service personnel were invited to complete an online survey. Based on feedback and issues raised by Service personnel and their loved ones, the Naval Families Federation submitted our observations on behalf of our community. Key themes include:

  • Harmony and separation;
  • Culture and expectations;
  • Childcare;

 

You can find our paper and other written evidence here.

 

NFF CEO Anna Wright attended an oral evidence session on 4th March. Watch the recording here (11:09:19 onwards).

 

Posted on: 3rd March, 2021
Updated on: 4th March, 2021
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Finance, Overseas, NFF News

From 1 July 2021, the way in which the Armed Forces’ Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) is calculated will be changing. LOA is intended to contribute towards the additional local cost of day-to-day living when Service personnel are assigned overseas.

 

The changes

Eligibility for LOA remains the same. It will still be paid automatically alongside the monthly salary.

 

The new package is made up of the LOA daily rate and two needs-based provisions that contribute towards your overseas private vehicle and respite (travel and accommodation) costs.

 

One of the most significant changes will be the introduction of a single band for all Service personnel regardless of rank, removing the previous rank-based banding system.

 

Split Net Pay (update)

When the new LOA package was first announced on 1 February 2021, the policy included the cessation of Split Net Pay as a routine mechanism to transfer a portion of Service personnel pay and allowances into an overseas bank account. Noting various factors such as the impact of Brexit on bank charges and transfers as well as the current international economic climate, the policy regarding Split Net Pay has been reversed. The new LOA package will have no impact on access to the Split Net Pay facility which will continue to be made available to service personnel in receipt of LOA.

 

Overseas Private Vehicle Provision (OPVP)

From 1 April 2021 Service personnel who are permanently assigned overseas and receive Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) will have access to a new Overseas Private Vehicle Provision (OPVP).

 

OPVP assists Service personnel with access to a private motor vehicle in a LOA area. The provision will be an additional but separate contribution to the new LOA; due to be implemented from 1 July 2021.

 

The OPVP will be paid up to a (capped) lump sum on proof of expenditure of a vehicle. This will replace the old Car buy/Sell contribution that was paid in most Main Station locations where contributions were spread across the course of an assignment. The change has been introduced to better support Service personnel with significant one-off costs when they need it most.

 

The rate of OPVP is capped at £975. Depending on the circumstances of the Service person, OPVP can be claimed on assignment into and, with effect from 1 July 2021, out of the overseas location. This means that in some cases Service personnel will be able to claim up to a total of circa £1950 (e.g. £975 into the overseas location and £975 out of the overseas location). Service personnel returning from an overseas assignment cannot claim OPVP until 1 July 2021.

 

Please click here to read a directed letter from the MOD which gives more detail into the provision and transitionary arrangements.

 

Transition to the new package

All Service personnel receiving LOA on 30 June 2021 will automatically transfer on to the new package on 1 July 2021. However, any locations that see a significant reduction in the daily rate of LOA, will have their rates reduced over a period of up to three years (1 July 2021 to 1 July 2024). All increases in rates will immediately take full effect on 1 July 2021.

 

Further information

Rates will be available to Service personnel from June 2021. Please click here to read a guidance from the government’s website. You can watch a short explanatory video below:

 

 

Enquiries
  • The Armed Forces Remuneration team have been working hard to get the word out about the forthcoming LOA policy change, and have been delivering roadshows to serving people at overseas locations. They are listening to your feedback and where possible have made amendments. They have also put together some FAQs to help you, which will be further developed as more roadshows take place. We will keep you updated. 

 

  • As a result of the changes to the LOA, we received some feedback on a few areas, including Split Pay and Private Vehicle Provision, which we put to the MOD Team.  They have provided the below information in response: 
MOD's response

The LOA review of 2015 was an extremely thorough process in which the single Services were consulted at every step. The implementation programme has similarly involved the single Services and the proposals have been agreed by the Defence Secretary, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Chief of Defence People and the Military People Leadership Team.

The feedback that we are receiving is helping us to address the LOA issues that Service personnel are most concerned about. In listening to such feedback, we recently re-examined the proposed removal of Split Net Pay and I can inform you that it will now remain available on its current basis. I can also clarify another of the points concerning Overseas Private Vehicle Provision (OPVP). In the new LOA, the vehicle element will no longer be paid as part of the core LOA contribution. In the new model, the OPVP becomes better targeted and will be claimed at the point of vehicle related expenditure which is when the individual will realise the most practical benefit from it. Further detail on the OPVP will be released in March and April ahead of the new LOA being implemented in July. (See this Directed Letter for update)

The supporting communications plan for LOA is phased and has been signed off by the Secretary of State. The first phase was focused on raising awareness for the change so that Service personnel and their families had time to ask questions and understand what the change means for them. We also ensured that Senior Chains of Command received the information, ahead of a programme of virtual roadshows that the Armed Forces Remuneration team are currently presenting through February and March to talk through the new LOA in more detail and take on board feedback. Two presentations are planned in the USA, on 4th March and 9th March. This will be accompanied by further material being made available ahead of the implementation on 01 July 21. A major step was the recent release, by the single Services, of our more detailed briefing packs for the benefit of local Commanders and Unit Administration staff around the world. We are also arranging a similar presentation for senior UK based Commands in order to raise awareness among those who are likely to serve abroad in the future.

We are very well aware that the key issue for many is ‘how much will my new LOA rate be?’ We are being very open with Commands and with Service personnel that we cannot answer that until late May/early June. This is because the data upon which the initial set of rates will be calculated will not be available to us until April ‘21. By adhering to this timetable, we will be able to ensure that the new LOA rates will be based on the most up to date economic information available. I can also confirm that the 2015 LOA Review had no remit to achieve cost savings and that the ‘new LOA’ will be broadly cost neutral in comparison with the existing model.

Posted on: 12th February, 2021
Updated on: 17th March, 2021
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Announcements, NFF News, RN/RM Announcements

On 8th February 2021, the Armed Forces Bill 2019-21 received Second Reading and was committed to the Armed Forces Bill Select Committee for consideration.

 

The Armed Forces Bill will enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law and help prevent past and currently serving personnel and their families being disadvantaged when accessing services like education and improve the Service Justice System for our personnel wherever they are operating.

 

Focusing on healthcare, housing and education, it will increase awareness among public bodies of the unique nature of military service, improving the level of service for members of the Armed Forces community, no matter where in the UK they live.

 

Quick overview

Since the launch of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2011, many businesses have committed to offering part-time or flexible working patterns to Reservists and military spouses/partners. Enshrining the Covenant in law also builds on a number of initiatives implemented over the past year to support Service leavers and veterans. These include the Defence Transition Services organisation, which was established to assist those facing the greatest difficulties successfully transition to civilian life after leaving Service.

 

The NFF are proud to be part of Forces Families Jobs, a collaborative project between the three Families Federations in conjunction with the MOD Relationship Management Team to support current serving military families and Service Leavers with employment and training opportunities.

 

The Bill will also make the complaints system more efficient by bringing the time given to personnel to lodge an appeal in line with timings offered in the private sector.

 

The Bill will also renew the Armed Forces Act 2006, following the Armed Forces Acts of 2011 and 2016.

 

Select Committee and their work

On 3rd March 2021, the House of Commons launched the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, chaired by James Sunderland MP. 

  • NFF CEO Anna Wright attended an oral evidence session at 2.30pm on 4th March 2021. You can watch the session on Parliament TV here.
  • The Committee published a special report in April 2021. You can read the report here.
  • Based on feedback and issues raised by Service personnel and their loved ones, the Naval Families Federation submitted our observations on behalf of our community. You can find other written evidence here.

 

Further details
  • Please click here to read the news story.
  • Click here to find out more about the Bill and its other measures.

 

Posted on: 11th February, 2021
Posted on: 22nd April, 2021
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