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. 

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference – Registration Now Open

The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families.

The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield.

Senior Social Media Executive (Remote, Full Time, Permanent Job Opportunity)

There’s a job opportunity at Relate (now part of Family Action, a national charity) that might be of interest to Service leavers, veterans, spouses, partners and the wider military community.

• Job Reference: 1439
• Location: Homeworking
• Hours of Work: 37 hours per week (full-time)
• Salary: £32,311 FTE + £480 home working allowance per annum
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Closing Date: 11 May 2025