AFF Virtual Immigration Brief – 29 Apr

 

Month of the Military Child 2025 – Forces Employment Charity

 

The dandelion is a symbol of the Month of the Military child because it represents the resilience and adaptability of military children. Dandelions are known for their hardy nature, ability to thrive in diverse environments, and ability to grow roots wherever they land, much like how military children adapt to new locations and circumstances due to their parents' service. 

The Forces Employment Charity provides essential support for young people aged 16 to 24. The charity helps them with CV writing, job applications, apprenticeships, training opportunities, and career guidance.

More information follows about Forces Employment Charity support, plus Youth Voice Census and Poetry and Art Competition. 

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – 17 Apr

Defence Secretary commits to improving homes for Service families

 

Earlier today, Defence Secretary John Healey announced a new Consumer Charter to improve SFA for personnel and families. This forms part of the Defence Housing Review that is underway following the MOD’s landmark deal to bring 36,000 UK SFA homes back under our ownership. 

 

The Charter outlines a list of commitments we will be making to improve our accommodation service offer for you, including:

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

GFIE 430 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Service Delivery

Stratford, Barking, Hounslow, Ealing, Forest Hill and Gloucester

Closing Date: 9 May 2025

Job Description Click to open   

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

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

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

 

Job opportunity: DWP Universal Credit Job Centre Work Coach - Central England

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has Executive Officer Work Coach opportunities available across Central England. Applications can be made through the Civil Service Jobs website before 11.55pm on Wed 30^th April 2025.

 

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Central England (Ref: 730) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

 

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

 

Job opportunity with a charity: Senior Social Media Executive (Remote, Full Time, Permanent)

There’s a job opportunity at Relate (now part of Family Action, a national charity) that might be of interest to Service leavers, veterans, spouses, partners and the wider military community.

 

Senior Social Media Executive (Remote, Full Time, Permanent Job Opportunity)

 

Job Reference: 1439

Location: Homeworking

Hours of Work: 37 hours per week (full-time)

Salary: £32,311 FTE + £480 home working allowance per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 11 May 2025

 

Relate at Family Action & the Role’s Impact:
Family Action is a national charity that supports people through change, challenge and crisis across England and Wales. On 1st January 2025, Relate, the largest provider of relationship support, joined the organisation helping us reach even more people and support the creation of secure foundations for children and young people, and safe, supportive relationships for all.

For over 150 years Family Action has seen first-hand the power of family and relationships to shape lives, for better or worse. That's why we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Whatever family means or looks like to us, it's relationships that matter. With Relate at Family Action, we are able to extend the support we provide with counselling, information, mediation and support to individuals, couples and families from all backgrounds and sexualities, as well as provide expert training for relationship support practitioners.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our organisation and help shape the future of Relate’s social media presence as part of Family Action. You will oversee Relate’s paid and organic social media activity, build brand awareness and drive sales of services and toolkits, whilst also supporting wider Relate at Family Action work aligning both brands.

 

 

Link: https://careers.family-action.org.uk/FamilyAction/JobDescription/X-OjHJuXZMY 

Celebrating Forces Families Awards - Countdown to 25 Apr 2025

As April marks the Month of the Military Child, it’s the perfect moment to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary strength, resilience, and spirit of children from Armed Forces families. That’s why this year’s Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2025 is proud to shine a special spotlight on these remarkable young people – and to honour them in a truly unforgettable way.

Jacob’s Medal – brand new for 2025 – has been presented to 31 military children who have been nominated for the Young People’s Award. Each child receiving the medal has shown outstanding courage, kindness, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges unique to military life – from coping with long parental deployments to navigating new schools and communities time and time again.

 

This awards evening is more than a celebration — it’s a movement. It’s about giving visibility to the invisible work military families do every day. It’s about saying thank you. And it’s about showing families, whether near or far, that they are seen, heard, and deeply valued.

 

To read the CFF press release in full, please click this link: CFF Awards 2025 — Celebrating Forces Families

 

There is also an auction taking place; prizes and bidding information is at: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/celebratingforcesfamiliesawards2025

 

If you can’t attend the awards in person, you can watch on livestream from anywhere in the world.  Please sign up or view at: Livestream — Celebrating Forces Families

 

New Dawn Armed Forces Helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking is now live.

The new Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces Helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking is now live.

This Helpline is for any members of the Royal Navy British Army and Royal Air Force and their family members, including those deployed abroad, who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking.

 

The Helpline operates 6 days a week. It is independent, confidential, and free.

 

Launched on the 31st March 2025, and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and the Army Benevolent Fund the Helpline has already exceeded the number of contacts anticipated.

 

At Aurora, we understand that the Armed Forces Community is unique, and we know that service life brings with it a number of challenges which can make it harder to talk about these issues.

 

The Helpline has been designed with an understanding of these specific needs in mind. Many of our specialist team are from Forces families or are ex service personnel. They understand service life, and how difficult it can be to talk about what is happening.  We want to make sure that victim/survivors with links to the armed forces get specialist support that has been designed with them and for them.

 

Need help?

 

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via phone +44 (0)333 0912 527 (GMT): 0900-1500 Monday to Friday

 

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via WhatsApp on +44 (0)333 0912 527: Monday 0900-1500 / Wednesday & Thursday 1700-2000 / Sunday 1000-1400

 

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference – Registration Now Open

*In-person tickets are now down to the last few, however there is still availability for virtual tickets*

The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families.

 

The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield.

 

The event will feature guest speakers from Defence (MOD) and support services offering valuable advice, information, and insights on available support for families. Our theme for this conference is 35 years strong: Championing Families, Shaping Change and we hope to celebrate some of the successes of support available for service families, whilst also highlighting how we can continue to shape change.

MOD: Victim Witness Care Unit

 Link for more information: Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) - GOV.UK

 

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Crown Commercial Service Senior Project Manager Role, multiple locations - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme, at the Civil Service grade of Band 5 (Grade 7), and a salary range of £56,031 - £62,261:

GFIE-424 - Senior Project Manager - Crown Commercial Service

Liverpool / Norwich / Birmingham or Newport

Closing Date: Sunday 13th April 2025

Job Description Click here to open

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

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

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

NHS England: Armed Forces health stakeholder brief - Spring 2025

NHS England’s Spring 2025 Armed Forces health stakeholder brief provides updates on the following topics:

 

• Op RESTORE, the NHS England-commissioned physical health and wellbeing service for veterans
• Op NOVA, the NHS England commissioned support service for veterans in the justice system
• The NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) Veteran Aware Annual Conference
• Step into Health - assisting with the transition from military service to careers within the NHS
• NHS SARCS: Care and support available to sexual assault and abuse survivors
• Latest primary care network veteran friendly accreditations

 

To read the brief in full please click HERE

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – multiple locations

The Department of Work and Pensions has 76 new Executive Officer Team Leader opportunities across multiple locations. These are now open for applications until 24 Apr 2025.

 

Civil Service Jobs link: Operational Delivery - Team Leader - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK  (job reference 366699)

 

There are jobs available at the following locations: Bangor (Gwynedd), Basildon, Bristol, Burnley, Dundee, Glasgow, Hastings, Motherwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Preston, St Austell, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Swansea, Wigan, Wrexham

 

Please note: this vacancy is not on the DWP EO microsite but there is a candidate pack available within the advert content on Civil Service Jobs – see link above.  Candidates will be asked to complete two online tests, then if successful complete a 250 word personal statement.  If their statement is successful they will then be invited to a live Microsoft Teams interview.

 

Recruit for Spouses: Free programmes designed to empower and guide you every step of the way

The latest Recruit for Spouses flyer outlines a range of upcoming free employability, industry insights, and financial workshops available to members of the Armed Forces community.

The link to sign up is: RFS Portal

In addition to these workshops, RFS are now accepting applications for two further free programmes offering additional support:

Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme

This 6-week virtual programme is available to spouses of serving personnel, veterans, and reserves. It covers a range of topics, including: Managing isolation and anxiety
Communication strategies
Building support networks

Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

This programme provides support to the Foreign and Commonwealth community, helping individuals convert their home nation qualifications to their UK equivalents, alongside tailored employment support.

For further information please visit: Recruit for Spouses - Championing Military Spouses for Career Success

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust latest round of grants: Serving Families - On the Move programme

A further three projects have been awarded bringing the total number to 14 projects worth over £1.25 million! These inclusive projects will improve the quality of life for service families affected by the difficulties and challenges relocation can bring, by implementing support for families not to just adapt but thrive in their new communities - in the latest round of grants from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. 

Tackling the challenges head-on, each of the projects is all about connecting families with local groups, services and activities; helping to build friendships and making sure service families have a community to lean on, so relocation doesn’t have to be such a struggle. 

Our CEO Anna Wright says: “This funding in vital in ensuring service families feel supported, connected and empowered as they navigate the challenges of relocation. By having these projects, we’re strengthening communities and hopefully make every move a little easier.”

 

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancy in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

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

GFIE 429 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Fraud Officer

Ayr, Scotland

Closing Date: 6 May 2025

Job Description  Click here to view 

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

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

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

BFBS Update - April 2025

The BFBS April Update is now available to read on line – please clink this link to view the latest news.

 

Serve & Protect Credit Union: 2025/26 Cash ISA now launched!

Serve and Protect Credit Union's latest Fixed Cash ISA is here 📢

Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return on your savings for the 2025/26 tax year, while supporting the wider community of those who serve and protect.  Here’s how the new Fixed Cash ISA benefits you:

• Start Small, Save Big: Deposit as little as £5, with contributions up to £20,000 for this tax year.
• Tax-Free Growth: Enjoy a guaranteed 4% AER return to maximise your savings effortlessly.
• Peace of Mind: Your savings are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).
• Community Impact: Your savings make a meaningful difference by supporting others within the credit union.

Learn more at: https://sandpcu.co.uk/isa-hs-email

Mission Motorsport March & April Newsletter

The Mission Motorsport team has continued the fast-paced start to the year, packed with recovery sport and memorable events—and there’s still so much more to come. Check out their latest newsletter to see what they’ve been up to, what’s ahead, and how you can get involved, including:

• National Transition Event 2025: A Resounding Success at Silverstone
• Upcoming events: Veterans@Heritage, Prodrive Tour, Bicester Scramble and a tour and Millington Engines
• Details on how to be a 'Grid Person' for Speedworks at BTCC
• Volunteering Opportunities:  Get involved in running the Mission Motorsport Scalextric
• Fundraising: Simon Griffiths completes his ride from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson 
• Other news and information 

 

To read the newsletter, please click here 

 

Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness & Recovery Programme – 3 Jun to 22 Jul

Aurora New Dawn’s Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness/Recovery Group is military specific and all online via zoom.  This programme is for 8 weeks taking place on Tuesday evenings 3 Jun to 22 Jul, and is open to serving personnel and families worldwide. 

Details of how to sign up are on the poster, and to find out more about Aurora New Dawn’s support to the Service community, please go to:  https://www.aurorand.org.uk/armed-forces/  

 

Veterans Karting Championships with Mission Motorsport

Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it.

Please see the image for details of all event locations and dates.

Registration is now open for all rounds—you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster.

Here are the event dates and sign-up links:

• 29th April – Leicester: Sign up here
• 13th May – Newcastle: Sign up here
• 17th June – Crawley: Sign up here
• 15th July – Cardiff: Sign up here
• 16th September – Preston: Sign up here
• 7th October – Birmingham: Sign up here

These events are free to attend and open exclusively to members of the Armed Forces Community. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect, try something new, and experience the buzz of motorsport in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Events like this happen with amazing support from TeamSport Karting.

To see what events Mission Motorsport are running please visit: website.

 

Military vs Cancer Rugby Event – Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle, 21 Jun

Tackling cancer, one try at a time - Join us for the Military vs Cancer Rugby Event at Kingston Park on 21 June at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle.

 

This Armed Forces Day, be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates courage, community, and the fight against cancer. Watch as the UK Armed Forces Rugby Teams take on the North Select XV in thrilling men’s and women’s matches. This is more than just rugby — it’s a day of unity, remembrance, and support for a vital cause.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancy in Blackpool - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

GFIE 426 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Application Operations Engineer

Blackpool

Closing Date: 28 April 2025

Job Description  Click to view 

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

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

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

 

Young Carers within Armed Forces Families - Nexus Easter Newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families. 

 

To find out more, and the latest updates, you can read the Easter Newsletter at: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/lf8Y498zQGK5rJt9?ref=Link

 

Headspace: New Ebb Chat Service now available

Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.mod.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

 

Civvy Street Magazine – May 25 Edition now available online

The latest edition of Civvy Street magazine is now available to read online at: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=9e5aa915-ce5f-49af-9183-1f88a6967914

 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Southern England (multiple locations)

The Department of Work and Pensions has 100 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities across Southern England. These are now open for applications until 17 Apr 2025.

 

Civil Service Jobs link:  Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Southern England (Ref: 729) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

 

There are jobs available at the following locations: Abingdon, Aldershot, Andover, Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bedford, Biggleswade, Borehamwood, Bracknell, Chesham, Didcot, Eastleigh, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, High Wycombe, Hythe, Leighton Buzzard, Letchworth, Luton, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, Slough, Southampton, St Albans, Stevenage, Waltham Cross, Watford, Witney

 

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

Gibraltar: Four Corner's Road Safety Event for Children

Between 17:00 and 19:00 on Thu 20 Mar 25, JPSU and CST held a road safety event as part of an ongoing campaign to provide education to all service families within 4C’s. This was well supported seeing many children and parents engaging and having a good time. The Emergency services supported with Fire appliances, Police car, and 3 Ambulances, with all children having the opportunity to climb over the vehicles and of course play with the sirens. There was a plethora of activities for different age groups. JPSU provided reflective stickers for bikes and scooters with thanks to the GAF fund, with other activities including word searches, a small children road course and a scavenger hunt, which taught all taking part the importance of road safety, with gifts handed out for correctly finding all letters around 4C’s. There was also the launch of the road safety poster competition, whereby children can enter, with three age group winners being selected by CBF in the coming week. All winners will then get to see their posters printed and placed around 4C’s, whilst receiving a gift voucher. Overall, this was a very successful and well received event which has allowed a firm basis for other events to take place as part of this campaign.