Message from Agility regarding removals this Summer

Agility is advising Service personnel to wait for confirmation of their removals booking request before they book move-in/out appointments otherwise they may not get the dates they need.

This is because the removals industry is experiencing staff shortages this summer. If you have any questions or concerns then please contact Agility directly: Agility GRMS

Pinnacle: Issue affecting appointments in the SE and SW regions + complaints and compensation in general

1. Issue affecting appointments in the South East and South West regions

Last week we alerted you to an urgent issue where VIVO’s system was not receiving appointments being transferred by Pinnacle. Since then, we have worked hard with our suppliers to understand the causes, reduce the impact on families and find a resolution.

Unfortunately, the issues are impacting families through missed appointments, and we understand how frustrating this is for families.

VIVO has reported 1733 missed appointments due to this issue that have affected 1125 families. The technical teams have identified the causes of the problem and fixes are currently being deployed. While it will take a few days to permanently fix the underlying issue, a business continuity plan (BCP) has been implemented with a temporary solution while the permanent solution is put in place. Early feedback suggests this has significantly reduced but we aim to eliminate it entirely. Therefore, further measures have been agreed with immediate effect to strengthen this BCP. The Pinnacle team at the National Service Centre are supporting by providing information across to the VIVO such that checks can be made to prevent further missed appointments.

Met Police: The Little Book of Big Scams 5th Edition

The Little Book of Big Scams aims to raise awareness of the ever-evolving ways that criminals use to scam the Public out of hard earned money.

Click here​ for an online copy.

 

ETS - 30th June - High Performing Organisations Virtual Session

1 hr session on what factors can maximise the performance of large organisations, and what part the leader can play.

RBLI Lifeworks Course

 

Pinnacle Employment Opportunities

The Role – Customer Solution Manager

Reporting to the Customer Solutions Delivery Manager the Customer Solution Managers will provide a first-class complaint resolution service to our armed forces families. The team will deal with complaints in a timely manner and help keep customer satisfaction levels positive, the team will champion change on behalf of service families and in turn enhance the lived experience.

For more information or to apply please click on the LINK

 

UK Government - Changes to National Insurance Contributions from 6th July

From 6th July, changes to National Insurance Contributions mean everyone who pays National Insurance will see a tax cut. This means the majority of working people will see a boost to their take home pay. If you earn £36,600 a year or under, you could save over £330 a year.

Use our tax checker tool to see how these changes will affect you: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/estimate-how-the-national-insurance-contributions-changes-will-affect-you?

Free webinars from National Careers Service coming this July

To book your free place visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DIGITALTEAM/

For further support please visit nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ 

Toby Carvery Armed Forces Day offer 25th June

Click link for more information: www.tobycarvery.co.uk/offers/armed-forces-day#/ 

SFA Appointments - SE and SW

Issue affecting appointments in the South East and South West regions

There is an issue affecting appointments in the South East and South West Regions that is causing missed appointments for families. This is the result of appointments not flowing correctly from the Pinnacle National Service Centre into VIVO's scheduling system.

We are very sorry for this and realise how frustrating this is for families, especially as there have been earlier problems with connectivity between the Pinnacle and VIVO systems that have also led to missed appointments. VIVO are working extremely hard with the systems team to identify exactly why this is happening and to find a robust solution.

Interim fixes are being arranged and a permanent solution will be implemented as soon as possible. Meanwhile, VIVO will make contact with families that have been impacted to confirm or reschedule appointments where required.

Where families have had a missed appointment, they will receive compensation.

We will continue to keep families updated regarding this issue and again would like to reassure you this matter is being taken extremely seriously and every effort is being made to resolve this as soon as possible.​

Childcare Choices - 30 Hours free Childcare

For more information, click here. ​

ETS - 23rd June - Defence Writing: IRTBs Virtual Session

IRTBs (Issue, Timing, Recommendations and Background) are a type of brief commonly used by WOs and Officers to communicate ideas upward through their chain of command. Learn how to produce these briefs, focusing on format, content and analysis.

Join via Zoom details above.​

 

Summer water safety

 

As the warmer weather approaches and we enjoy more time outdoors, the risks to families around pools, rivers and beaches increases.

Please read these top tips from the RLSS to keep your family safe in the water.

Upcoming virtual and in-person courses for military spouses from The Warrior Programme

Are you looking to:

Make good decisions in your relationships, finances and career?
Learn how to give yourself a break and exercise self-care?
Break the cycle of unhelpful negative thoughts?
Build your self-reliance and boost your confidence & self esteem?
Then why not take a look at the free virtual and in-person courses from The Warrior Programme! Upcoming dates can be found on the poster above.

 

JSHAO Housing Briefs Jul-Aug 22

click on image to enlarge

AGC - 30th Anniversary Festival

click on image to enlarge

No matter where you are based, the AGC community is invited to attend.

ER (Easy Resettlement) Magazine Summer Issue out now

To read the ER magazine in full click on the image above

Gov.UK - Cost of Living Support

We know people are worried about the cost of living, so the government is offering help. See what support you could be eligible for: ​costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk/​

Home Fire Safety Week

It’s estimated one in four UK households are in fuel poverty. The campaign will reflect the current cost of living issues which are pushing more households into fuel poverty, there are potential corresponding fire risks associated with the pressures people are facing.
The main areas covered will be: Smoking with specific reference to illegal tobacco products

Electrical safety

Home heating

Emollient products, for more information click HERE

Defence Children Services Update - Overseas Educational Clearances during the Summer break

 

Non UK National - HIVE Support

NHS Career Opportunities for Service Leavers & Veterans

To read the latest publication regarding NHS Career Opportunities for Service and Leavers click on the image above. 

Wraparound Childcare - Update

 

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Team continue to work towards Full UK Rollout of WAC. The Full Business Case has been submitted for consideration by Defence and HM Treasury. When the WAC Team receive the outcome of the decision made about the Full Business Case (by Defence and HM Treasury), further communications will be issued. Service families should keep an eye on their Service information focal points (HIVE, RN FPS​, Families Federations, ) and Discover My Benefits for updates, Service Personnel should check the Defence intranet or Defence Connect for updates.

Overseas - HIVE

Tax Free Childcare

To find out more about Tax Free Childcare, go to https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Little Troopers launches free schools workshops for military children on 7th July

Military children’s charity Little Troopers is inviting primary schools and their service children to sign-up to a free virtual wellbeing and mindfulness workshop on 7th July.

Part of the Little Troopers at School programme, the two-hour workshop will use games, scenarios, drawing and other fun activities to bring military children together and empower them with positive tools to help them cope with some of the challenges that military life can bring, such as having a parent deployed or moving home and school. Through the session, children will be given the opportunity to share their stories, explore their emotions and learn about mindfulness techniques. All the children will take home a goodie bag including a pack of positive affirmation cards. 

Families Serving Overseas - University Applications UK Resident Status

The legislation regarding applications for University for those who are serving overseas can be found which refers to the law regarding the status of any dependent accompanying their Serving parent overseas who should be treated as a UK resident can be found within the link below.

​For any further education questions please contact your nearest HIVE who will be able to assist.

The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 (legislation.gov.uk) 

CAMHS Resources & Downloads

A collection of downloadable self-help guides that we really like and hope may be useful to you.
Some are aimed at adults but the ideas and suggestions in them can still be relevant for young people and parents.

DOWNLOADS | CAMHS Resources (camhs-resources.co.uk)  

General Enquiries - HIVE

Services Cotswolds Centre

 

ETS - 15th June - Emotional Intelligence Virtual Session

 

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you.

For leaders, having emotional intelligence is essential for success.

This webinar will help you understand how emotionally intelligent you are, and how you can develop further.

For more information, click here.​

Forces Wives Challenge

 

find out more HE​RE

Padersprinter English Language Website

Padersprinter website

Padersprinter have set up  a dedicated English language version of their website to make life a little easier for English speakers. 

You can also download the Padersprinter App and buy tickets. Though not all of the app is in English. 

ETS - 10th June - Know Before You Go, WO ALDP ME Virtual Session

This webinar, delivered by Lt Dominic Ryan-Gilbank, Learning Development Officer at 27 AEC will cover important information for all soldiers attending their WO ALDP ME course: what to expect, how to prepare, top tips for success on the course.

 

For more information click here​

Microfsoft Office Training For Spouses

Are you a military spouse or partner? Want to become a wizz at Microsoft Office?

We're teaming up with Netcompany UK to host a virtual class on the 19th July to teach you how to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint! 

To sign up email colin.grimes@rfea.org.uk and cc team@techvets.co (just .co) providing the following:

💻 First & last name 💻 Your reason for attending the training 💻 Your current level of MS Office experience/skills 💻 Postcode

Places are limited and the deadline is 24th June, so get in quick! #EmployVeterans #EmploySpouses #EM3Forces

 

Sennelager Golf Club - Half Price Taster Membership Available Now

Right now the British Army Golf Club - Sennelager is offering a special €50 per month membership.

This compares to the standard €1100 yearly membership fee.

Steeped in history, The British Army Golf Club Sennelager has been established for over 50 years and offers a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors and members alike. 

Veteran Support Partnership Virtual Event

Veteran Support Partnership virtual event is back and bigger than ever!

21st June 10:00am – 13:25 

How to Report a Complaint to Pinnacle (UK)

The path for reporting complaints to Pinnacle. P​lease click here to report your complaint. Complai​nts - Pinnacle Service Families.

Notice From DIO - Check the Window Blinds in your SLA

Older window blinds with rope or chain cords have been classified as a danger to children since 2014 when safety standards were increased. Cords can be looped to create a noose where children can become entangled. 

If you have an older blind with a cord you must make sure the cord is safely secured. This applies to SLA and SFA.

Please refer to this Gov.uk website page for full details. 

Pader Sprinter €9 Ticket

The marketing team at Padersprinter have been in touch to share the English language version of their website. 

Plus you can find details for the €9 ticket and how it works on the local bus services.

Click on the images below to find out more.