DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update

Revised move-in and move-out specification

We are pleased to update Service Personnel and families that the specification to which homes are prepared for move-in has now been revised. This follows changes to the specification that we had to make last year.   

One of the commitments of the Consumer Charter to improve SFA announced in April 2025, is to provide a more robust move-in standard so that families can have confidence that the home they are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional. These commitments support the new Defence Housing Strategy, that will be published later this year.   

The revised move-in and move-out specification, effective immediately, returns to the previous standard with additional specifications including:  

1. Hard flooring being used in downstairs areas instead of carpet when replacement is required.  
2. The use of white paint to decorate inside homes.  

Vinyl flooring being used in all bathrooms, WC, kitchens and utility rooms if floor tiles, or hard flooring are not already installed when replacement is required.    

Service Family Accommodation Communications Update

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:

•            A more robust move-in standard so that you can have confidence that the home you are moving into will be ready on time and will be clean and functional.

•            Providing you with improved, clearer information ahead of your move, including photographs and floor plans when you apply for SFA.  

•            More reliable repairs, including a requirement to complete urgent repairs within a set timeline consistent with Awaab’s Law, and an online portal for service personnel to manage repairs.  

•            Raising the minimum standard of SFA with a new programme of works targeted at the worst homes, with up to 1,000 refurbished. 

•            Better and clearer communication for you, including a named housing officer for every service family who you can contact for specific housing related queries. 

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 Vacancies in London area (multiple roles/locations)- available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

Closing date: 28th April 2025

If you enjoy working with people and are looking for a career that makes a positive difference to people’s lives, then this is the role for you!

The Work Coach role is wide-ranging and diverse. You will be based in a Jobcentre working with a network of customers, employers and colleagues through a combination of face to face, digital and telephone contact on a daily basis. You will use your judgement to help people through some difficult, challenging times in their lives, and your tailored coaching can make a huge difference to their ability to find and stay in a job, or progress a career.

To find out more please click:

A Day in the Life of a Jobcentre Work Coach

This is an office based role.

Full details can be found in the job description (including all key details - salary, location etc).

Please send any applications to us by Monday 28 April 2024. If you have an interested candidate but may miss the deadline for completed applications, please do let us know as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please follow the steps below:-

1, Please complete the Expression of Interest Form  and also provide a copy of  your CV

3. Send the completed forms to gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk - we'll confirm receipt and ensure that the candidate is logged for this vacancy

Closing date: 28th April 2025

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 25

 

SaluteMyJob: Pathways programme to enhance cyber leadership opportunities for veterans

SaluteMyJob state that they are registered on the CTP and Forces Families Jobs websites; please follow these links for further information.

For a decade, social enterprise SaluteMyJob has been helping ex-military personnel upskill into areas with a notable cybersecurity skills gap, with many candidates going on to make their mark in multi-national companies. And now, an exciting partnership is set to fast-track more veterans and police officers into a career in cybersecurity with their Accelerated Cyber Leadership Pathway.

The Women in Defence Awards 2025

The Women in Defence Awards 2025 are now open for nominations, until 2nd May 25.

This year there is a new International category; the International Award is designed to recognise individual women or groups of women completing exceptional work in support of the defence of their own country. 

This award is open to individual women, groups or teams, as members of the Armed Forces, Civil or Public services, or those who work in Defence industries or associated bodies. 

Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) in overseas locations have been confirmed as eligible for this category.

Details of all categories and how to nominate can be found at: Women in Defence UK | Awards 2025 Criteria.

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update 12 March 25

 

HCDC Update 

Last month, the House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) published its report following an inquiry into Service accommodation that took place last year.  This outlined a number of recommendations made by the Committee that we have considered carefully.  

HCDC has now published our response to the report which outlines the steps we are taking to improve our service to you.   

DIO remains committed to improving the quality of housing for you and your families and we will continue to work closely with our suppliers to deliver against the actions outlined. 

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Comms Update

Reporting damp and mould

Tackling damp and mould in SFA remains a top priority for DIO and our suppliers. Over 9,000 homes have already benefited from the delivery of damp and mould works since the taskforce stood up in 2023. In response to the works delivered, reoccurrence of damp and mould has been addressed in circa 85% of cases.

It is important that you report all cases of damp and mould and to let us know of any reoccurrence of the issue so that we can continue to tackle this. Please also see our guide for families that outlines helpful tips to prevent damp and mould developing in your homes.

We are aware of a recent IT issue which may have affected your ability to log damp and mould issues using the online repairs form on Pinnacle’s website. This has now been resolved; however, if you have used the online form to log an issue and have not yet received a follow up call, please call Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628, selecting option 1.

Any issues of damp and mould can also be reported by calling Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628 or emailing repairs@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk

HMRC Criminal Investigator Officer job position

Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Croydon, Dover, Gartcosh, Ipswich, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Nottingham, Portsmouth and Stratford

 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 4 April 2025

 In this position, your daily tasks will vary. For example, one day you might search premises, and the next you could conduct interviews with suspects. You will receive top-quality training to help you develop specialised skills in preventing tax fraud and safeguarding public funds.

At its core, this job is about outsmarting criminal groups threatening the UK. You’ll need sharp judgement, resilience under confrontation, and integrity as you exercise far-reaching investigative powers.  

Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

HMRC Criminal Investigator Officer

Multiple vacancies – UK wide
Closing date: 4 Apr 25

​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)

Latest Civil Service Job Vacancies for Service Leavers, Veterans and Spouses/Partners

Two vacancies – Wrexham

Closing date: 14 Mar 25

​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)

Rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets

From 14 to 20 January 2025, selected advance and off-peak fares will go on sale at up to 50% off for travel between 17 January and 31 March 2025.

As part of this year’s rail sale, thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, will be offering discounted tickets with journeys spreading the length and breadth of Great Britain.

Discounted rail ticket prices will apply to journeys made between 17 January and 31 March 2025 across Great Britain.

The sale is now live with tickets available through the Rail Delivery Group’s microsite or through individual train operators until 20 January.

For further information: Back and bigger than ever: rail sale offers up to half price discounts on over 2 million tickets - GOV.UK.

Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day - Wed 11 Dec

You will be able to access colleagues from Pinnacle's Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams who will be on hand to provide you with information on a host of topics. They will also help to answer and resolve any queries and questions you may have.

You can also learn more about Pinnacle's free career and small business support for military families, veterans and communities.

Be part of Pinnacle's Virtual Outreach Day and connect with their representatives via Microsoft Teams. Book your slot by Friday 6th December at Pinnacle Virtual Outreach Day.

NHS England: 2024 Autumn/ Winter Armed Forces health stakeholder brief

 

Welcome to the Autumn/ Winter edition of our Armed Forces stakeholder brief. To mark this year’s Remembrance, NHS England and our partner Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) are urging GP practices to become veteran friendly accredited and prevent ‘silently struggling’ veterans from delaying seeking medical help.

Places where kids eat free (or for £1) this October half-term

 

2024 UK Half Term Kids Eat for Free List

Service Family Accommodation: UK-Wide Townhall Events

Find out more here

Catterick Garrison Employment and Support Fair - Wed 15th May

 

New Collaboration Between Service Police and the Independent Charity Crimestoppers

Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to help further protect Defence people and assets.

Joining all UK police forces and law enforcement agencies, Service Police will now also benefit from access to information reported 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers.

UK Armed Forces vs North of England Select XV - Sat 22 Jun

Use this link to find out more about this event.