Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

 

Family Action: FamilyLine Jobs

Helpline Coordinator, FamilyLine - Full Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

Full Time (37 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

Helpline Operator, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

Part Time (30 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

​Data Analyst, FamilyLine - Part Time & Homebased - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)

Part Time (18.5 hours) – Perm – UK Homebased

School Admissions: Which primary/ Secondary School will My Child Attend?

The UK Government website has information and guidance on school admissions with links to support those who have applied for school places in each of the four countries.

To view the and download the document use this link. (Google Drive.)

If you are viewing this from an MoD computer the Google Drive Link will not be accessible. please contact your local HIVE and they will be happy to send you a copy.

DIO Accommodation - Stakeholder Briefing

A safety recall has been issued by IDEAL regarding their Heating Logic 2 gas combi & system boiler range. Around 1,700 homes have this type of boiler installed. Impacted families have been issued a letter and FAQ document informing them of the issue and the next steps to resolve this.

Families are still able to use the boilers, however, IDEAL advise families to repressurise their boiler and ensure they register their details for an upgrade. Instructions on how to do this, can be found on IDEAL's website.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Service Family Accommodation Communications Update

 A message from DIO Chief Executive, Mike Green:

“On Tuesday, I gave evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee inquiry into service accommodation.

I welcome the scrutiny of our past performance and the opportunity it provides for us to share the improvements we are making.

I care deeply about the homes that DIO provides for you and your families, and during the evidence session, I was again able to offer my sincere apologies for the unacceptable living conditions that many of you have had to experience.

I am determined to resolve the problems that have affected Service family homes and over the last 18 months we have done all in our power to grip the issues.

Maintenance service performance has significantly improved and more than 80% of jobs are now fixed on first visit. Call waiting times have vastly reduced and complaints are at their lowest level since the contracts began. However, there is much more still to do.

Mission Motorsport - Upcoming Events

Banter, Brews & Cars – Pick & Mix Passenger Ride Experiences
​Date: 12th March

Location: Three Sisters Circuit, Wigan

Activity: Passenger rides in a variety of cars

Registration Link

Veterans Karting Championships - Round 1: Leicester & Round 2: Newcastle

Date: 20th and 27th March

Activity: Indoor karting

Registration Link

Please note TeamSport are unable to offer adapted karts at this time. This is open to all abilities.

Launch of New Easier Wraparound Childcare Registration and Claims Process

It's now even easier for Service families to register and claim for Wraparound Childcare (WAC). 

Following your feedback, we have simplified the process to make it easier for you and your family. WAC is now fully integrated in JPA and brings registration, claims calculations, and claims all together in one place – in the 'My child allowances: WAC' section. 

 Could your family save £3,400 a year, per child? 

 Over 10,500 Service children's childcare is currently being supported by Wraparound Childcare funding.  

If you have a child aged between 4 and 11 (4-16 if in receipt of disability benefits), on average, your family could save up to £3,400 per child, per year on before and after school care.

If you think your family may be eligible, find out more about WAC by visiting the Discover My Benefits Army, RAF, Navy or Marines webpage.

CTP 2024 Employment Fairs

 

The British Army's Got Talent 2024 Event - Aldershot, 27th April

 

A British Army-wide event to raise awareness and much needed funds for the 2x selected charities to allow their important work to continue, to support our families and serving soldiers.

Where/When? Aldershot Princes Hall Theatre, Sat 27 Apr 2024: Doors open @1830hrs, show commences @1930hrs. Expect some celebrities and a few surprises along the way.

Who? Acts can come from across both the Regular & Reserve (all welcome) – sign up via the QR code by NLT 01 Mar 24.

Audience? This is a family event, all ages are welcome. PLEASE come and support, sign up and grab your seat early via the Aldershot Theatre QR code on the poster, or this link

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

XL Bully dogs in SFA

XL Bully dogs have been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence for anyone, including SFA residents, to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption. Further details on preparing for the ban can be found here.

Families living in SFA who own an XL Bully dog must re-submit a pet request form alongside a copy of their Certificate of Exemption to Pinnacle no later than 31 January 2024.

Afghan Relocation and Resettlement policy (ARAP)

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update: Cold Weather Alert

A cold weather alert has been issued for parts of the UK next week, with colder temperatures expected and the potential for snow. 

DIO and our suppliers have provisions in place to ensure we are prepared to provide the right level of support for families.

There are also steps families can take if they are experiencing issues with their boiler or heating during the colder weather. Please check out Pinnacle's boiler and heating guide for more information.

If families are still having problems with their boiler or heating system, please contact Pinnacle National Call Centre on 0800 031 8628​

Easier Registration and Claims Process for Wraparound Childcare (WAC)

From 19 February 2024 the way that personnel register and claim WAC funding is changing. The process will be fully integrated within JPA and will be much simpler to use.

• ​Personnel that are currently registered will receive an email from the WAC team explaining what this means for them.
• Personnel that haven't yet registered but may be eligible should note that registrations will freeze from 31 January 2024 until the switch over on 19 February 2024.
• Personnel that register between 19 February and 31 March 2024 will be able to backdate their registration to 1 February 2024, subject to eligibility.

Where can you find further information?

• Read the FAQs or visit the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect.
• Visit the Discover My Benefits webpage or contact the HIVE, and Army Families Federation information sites.
• Look out for more updates, on defnet and Defence Connect.
• If you have any further questions you can email the WAC team at PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Compensation Schemes

When things go wrong​

Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

• ​Missed appointments
• Incorrect Tradesperson
• Failed move in
• Total loss of heating/cooking facilities
• Hotel subsistence

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE​

Civilian Housing: An update on the MOD Referral Scheme Service

 

Last year, the services provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) were transferred to the Defence Transition Service (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS), to deliver. 

This followed a review as part of the MOD’s ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ to bring efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of housing services.

The MOD Referral Scheme provided advice and guidance on accessing social housing and has now become part of the existing services provided by DTS and Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). 

This has been done to simplify and widen access and eligibility across serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

Latest Going Forward Into Employment Vacancies

New roles for Veterans, Service Leavers and Military Spouses available within DWP in the following locations – Ilford in London and Kilmarnock in Scotland 

Vacancy details and application form attached

For more details see Visit the Blog to find out more about our work.​

GFIE- 281: PC Interventions Case Cleanse Officer - DWP - Kilmarnock

GFIE- 280: Intervention Administrative Officer - DWP - Ilford

Veterans Housing - Armed Forces Covenent Trust Fund

New major funding programme to support Veterans’ housing needs

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce a new, major grants programme supporting new builds and significant refurbishment, including extensions, of rental accommodation offering high quality support for Veterans with a housing need.

On behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, the Trust will award grants of £75K to £500K under the Major Capital Grants programme, across four rounds of funding, to projects that contribute to the aims of the Government’s ambition to reduce Veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.

2024 Civilian Housing Briefs from Defence Transition Services

 

Register for the briefing here

Visit the help for se4rvice leavers web page from DTS

Victory Services Club: October Newsletter & Club Talk Magazine

 

Read more here

Centrica - New Job Roles

Centrica currently have a huge drive for customer service vacancies, 

 “At Centrica we embrace diversity and actively seek to attract individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives. 

To build a more sustainable future, we need the best team – a team with a diverse mix of people and skills, where everyone feels welcome and able to succeed. 

We are dedicated in helping to close the diversity gap and would love to see more females, people of colour and LGBTQ+ employees, as well as those from a variety of cultures and ethnicity to veterans and the differently abled. 

Supporting diversity and inclusion is a big part of who we are, we are not looking for people to fit into our culture but to add to it!”

New job roles being recruited include:

https://www.centrica.com/job/?jobreference=R0050191&t=2 Leicester

https://www.centrica.com/job/?jobreference=R0050521&t=2 Stockport

https://www.centrica.com/job/?jobreference=R0046093&t=2 Brighton​

To search all roles please go to: Careers | Centrica plc

Historic Royal Palaces - £1 Tickets for Those on Universal Credit or Other Named Benefits

From 21 October 2023, £1 tickets for a day visit to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace will be available to anyone in receipt of the following:​​

• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance

You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to show supporting documents.

​