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.

Dragon Boat Race Charity Fundraiser for The Felix Fund - Sat 06 Jul

Taking place on 6 July 2024 on the River Avon in Monkton Park, Chippenham, this event promises a fun-filled day with your colleagues or friends whilst making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have risked everything to keep us safe.

Interested in taking part, or just fancy spectating on the day?

Read more about how it works or click here to visit the website!

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.