DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update – Utility Bills

Water bills

We are aware of instances where water providers have written directly to SFA homes, requesting payment of water bills. Families in SFA are not responsible for water charges as a contribution is included in your accommodation fee and so this is paid by DIO. These letters have been sent in error and we apologise for any concern they may have caused. DIO is engaging with water and energy providers to resolve this issue.


If your water provider mistakenly sends you a letter directly to your SFA address, do not make any payments. Please scan, or take a picture of each page of the letter and forward to: DIORDAccn-PFI@mod.gov.uk, as soon as possible. DIO will then work with the water provider to ensure the account details are updated.

Karnival 2025

The Karneval season is back, here you can find out about the range of events leading up to the main parade parties on "Rose Monday."

This year Rose Monday is the 3rd of March. Most cities and towns will be staging parades. Some like Cologne have a whole week of celebrations. 

Our home state NRW can rightly claim to be the capital of Karneval. With the OG event in Cologne which has held over 200 Karneval parties. Aachen, Bonn, Dusseldorf, and Paderborn all stage events. 

NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce their upcoming information session: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad due to take place on Wednesday 26th March, 10 - 11am.

This comprehensive guide is designed to answer some of the common questions and concerns you may have about maintaining your professional healthcare validation or registration while you are posted abroad with your serving partner or spouse. It provides essential information and practical advice shared by a variety of regulatory bodies to ensure that your credentials remain up-to-date and valid during your time overseas.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.