https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/Whether it is BFPO service updates or official statements keep up to date on key information and news from across the Royal Navy and other supporting services. en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dio-stakeholder-briefing---27-august-2026-191519729Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:21:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ce723ea7-1d93-4b92-9056-8afd4cace032RN Forum ModeratorMilitary families invited to help shape the future of Service Family Housing The MOD has today launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them. This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard. For more information and details on how to make a submission, click here. Housing Matters – Episode 6 Episode 6 of the Housing Matters podcast is out now! On this episode, actor and campaigner Anthony Cotton joins Emma Brett, Warrant Officer for Defence Homes, to talk about Service family accommodation and why having a home you can be proud of matters. They discuss the improvements that have been made in recent years, while acknowledging there is still much more to do to ensure Service families have the homes they deserve. This episode and all other episodes can be found on our “Housing Matters” Defence Homes page here. Families First newsletter The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website. Check your boilers! While the warmer weather is still with us, now is a great time to make sure your boiler is ready for when temperatures eventually start to fall. Heating issues often only become apparent when the system is switched on after a long period of inactivity, so a quick check now could help you avoid problems later in the colder months. Try turning your heating on and checking that your radiators warm up properly. It is also worth looking at your boiler pressure gauge. Most systems work best with a pressure reading between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is too low, your heating may not perform as effectively when you need it. For guidance on how to check the boiler pressure and what to do if you need to top up your boiler pressure, step-by-step videos are available on the Pinnacle website to help you through the process. Heating oil notice As fuel prices increase, there is a small but increased risk of fuel theft from households using heating oil. While this affects only a very limited number of families, the following safety advice is intended to help those households reduce the risk of heating oil theft. To minimise the risk of theft, we ask you to consider these measures if your home requires oil for heating: · Secure the tank physically by installing a good quality lock on the tank cap. We also recommend contacting Pinnacle to request any foliage that may obscure your tank is trimmed or pruned back. · Monitor oil levels regularly and keep a record of your usage. · Work with your neighbours to watch for suspicious activity in your area and report any unusual behaviour to the police. · Be smart with your deliveries by avoiding letting your tank run empty. Schedule the oil delivery when someone is home and request that suppliers not the leave the oil unattended. · If a theft does occur report to the police straight away, then report the theft to your unit and Pinnacle. They may ask for your usage records, so it’s important to keep track of them. Crisis and resilience fund If you live in SFA, use oil heating, and are having trouble affording a fuel delivery, you may be able to access short‑term support through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund. This funding, provided by local authorities in England, can help with essential living costs where there is an immediate risk to health or wellbeing. For more information, visit GOV.UK . Keep in Touch Families First newsletter DIO Defence Connect Email us: DIO-CorporateComms@mod.gov.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/rn-forum-lowdown---september-2026Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:54:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:29533b35-b128-467f-9c08-169f18d93fc6RN Forum ModeratorTake a look at the latest RN Forum Lowdown which consists of links to the majority of posts that have been published over the previoust month, plus highlights of what Member groups have been updated too. It includes forum facts and updates to assist you in navigating and using the RN Forum. To read the latest Lowdown and access previous issues follow the link: RN Forum Lowdownhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-234Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:36:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:eb46ef29-108e-4a64-a573-3dc2ad769bebRN Forum ModeratorRoyal Marines Reservists have been putting their skills to the test in a series of training exercises. Meanwhile sailors from HMS Queen Elizabeth paraded through Edinburgh. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Updatehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/new-fixed-saver-from-serve-and-protectThu, 01 Oct 2026 05:52:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2fc0dccb-967f-4976-a84c-2e23fe6380fcRN Forum ModeratorAs part of our financial wellbeing benefits, a new Fixed Saver account is available through Serve and Protect Credit Union . For your awareness only – benefits include: Fixed term and interest rate FSCS protected up to £120,000 Full terms and conditions available on the Serve and Protect website. Employees should take a look and decide if it’s right for them . sandpcu.co.uk/fs14https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers-monthly-newsletter---september-october-2026Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:33:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e7489cc6-3220-46c4-a587-a993b70e9cb5RN Forum ModeratorWe couldn’t do this without you. This month, we’re sending you a newsletter with a difference. Every now and then we like to focus on fundraising. Our charity is small and we rely on donations and grants to keep supporting our little troopers and we are so grateful for your support. Read on to hear about some great fundraisers and how you can get inspired by the Great British Bake Off. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS MONTHS NEWSLETTERhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/military-partners-survey---forces-families-jobsWed, 30 Sep 2026 12:08:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:95aba9ed-62c7-45d5-9cc9-9fda926e719fRN Forum ModeratorForces Families Jobs has been supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Supporting Partners fund. Have you received support through Forces Families Jobs? AFCFT are inviting military partners to share their experiences as part of an independent evaluation to explore how projects like ours have helped partners of Serving Personnel. Your feedback could help improve future support for Military Partners across the UK. Take the short survey HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ssafa-are-recruiting-volunteers-serving-community-team-at-faslaneTue, 29 Sep 2026 16:46:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8bf49f8c-5212-47a0-a268-bf3f5760536fRN Forum ModeratorSSAFA is looking for volunteers join its new Serving Community Team at Faslane. Depending on the role you choose, you could help with fundraising, managing finances, being a listening ear,  or supporting marketing efforts.      You can give as much or as little time as you can – the roles are designed to be flexible.  Volunteering is a great way to support your local serving community, learn new skills and add to your CV, if you are looking for work. No experience is necessary, but a military connection or an understanding of the unique challenges that service personnel and their families face would be excellent. For more information, visit Faslane Serving Community Team | SSAFA or email sct.interest@ssafa.org.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-naval-benevolent-trust---latest-newsletterFri, 25 Sep 2026 10:59:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4ff59392-c521-416c-b623-cefdbac75846RN Forum ModeratorRoyal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT) provides financial assistance and support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families in times of need. RNBT produce a newsletter providing updates and stories of what's been happening across the organisation. The latest issue includes: Welcome message from Chief Exec Meaningful Care Matters Staff Spotlight From Support to Strength RNBT Help Hubs You can access the latest edition HERE and sign up to receive the RNBT newsletter (Call The Hands) via the subscription link at the bottom of the RNBT website page.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/first-defence-finance---let-s-talk-money-financial-blogsFri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:42afa114-d74c-4b8e-84f7-aa2ba4254c74RN Forum ModeratorBelow are the latest financial blogs from First Defence Finance containing useful, practical money information. How does the Bank of England Work The Bank of England affects your everyday spending more than you might realise. But what does the Bank of England actually do, and how can its decisions affect your money? This simple guide breaks it down. Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/how-does-the-bank-of-england-work First Defence Finance has done the maths to show how small, regular savings can add up, and how an extra £5–£10 can have a huge impact over time. Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/is-saving-25-a-month-or-less-worth-it Should You Stop Saving to Repay a Loan or Credit Card Should you stop saving while you pay off a loan or credit card? It might not be as straightforward as you think. This article looks at the pros and cons of saving while repaying debt, and how to find a balance that works for you. Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/should-you-stop-saving-to-repay-a-loan-or-credit-card What is a Payroll Saving Scheme Saving regularly can be difficult when there's always something else your money needs to cover. A payroll saving scheme could make it easier by putting money into your savings automatically from your salary. Find out how it works and what it could mean for employees and employers. Read the blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/what-is-a-payroll-saving-scheme Dont forget you can also find lots of useful information via our Financial and Legal section.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dio-update---military-families-invited-to-help-shape-the-future-of-service-family-housingFri, 25 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:84930de1-9e96-483c-84d1-64bd6d644c26RN Forum ModeratorThe MOD has launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them. This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard. For more information and details on how to make a submission, click Herehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/festival-of-remembrance-family-support-requiredThu, 24 Sep 2026 12:56:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9bc2f194-07f9-4277-81db-cbdcd6092d98RN Forum ModeratorWould you like to share how you stay connected while your service person is deployed overseas? The Festival of Remembrance programme is shown on BBC One prime time Saturday night viewing with millions of viewers across the country. Each year includes a set of videos from service families, with this year’s theme being staying connected. We are looking for families who fit the following criteria and would be happy to share the ways they have stayed connected, however creative, unusual or distinctive they may be! - Three to four families. - Families with a serving person deployed overseas and relatives in the UK. - Families who have relocated overseas alongside serving personnel. - A variety of family structures and relationships. - Children over 7 Years old who would be comfortable to speak on camera. Some scenarios being looked for are: A grandmother regularly speaking with a grandson serving in the Armed Forces. Twin brothers keeping in touch by playing online games together. Families using gaming headsets and shared online activities instead of traditional calls. Families creating unique ways to celebrate birthdays or Christmas while separated by deployment. Special family traditions that help maintain relationships despite distance. How you use Blueys and Familygrams to stay connected How the RN Forum supports connection with Units and others. Over all the videos hope to communicate the emotional bonds families maintain and the ingenuity involved in staying connected. All are welcome to apply to support, but to ensure this is as current as possible, especially those who have recently been/had personnel deployed in the: Middle East United Arab Emirates Cyprus If you are interested in taking part, please send an email to navypeople-psrnfpshq@mod.gov.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/armed-forces-covenat-fund-trust---collaboration-lab-surveyThu, 24 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8cfc083b-e4cf-4bf5-b43b-5579b6a3d18eRN Forum ModeratorThe Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust 's Collaboration Lab online survey is closing soon. Make sure your experience of the armed forces community is heard and counted! Take the survey: Collaboration Lab Online Survey Your chance to help develop the armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust's next three-year grant strategy, which will shape the grants they make from April 2027-March 2030. Full details at: https://covenantfund.org.uk/collaboration-lab/https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/service-pupil-premium-2026-extra-funding-for-service-childrenWed, 23 Sep 2026 17:50:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b0f58702-dc49-4c86-aebd-45349b853a42RN Forum ModeratorHelp your child's school to qualify for Service Pupil Premium funding by sharing your Service status before 1 October 2026. The Department for Education (DfE) provides additional funding to support children from Service families in England , through the Service People Premium (SPP). The funding is paid directly to local authority-maintained schools, academies and free schools. CLICK HERE TO READ MOREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/m/resources/5000Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:49:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:55130615-4e9a-44d7-ba4b-d77430325dc0RN Forum Moderatorhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/forces-pension-weekThu, 17 Sep 2026 11:47:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8752270d-3d6b-4992-af04-5afcf1a63b09RN Forum ModeratorThis Forces Pension Week, we're teaming up with Forces Pension Society to provide clear, compassionate answers, not another maze to navigate. 17,000. That's how many Armed Forces pensions currently sit unclaimed. Some may belong to a bereaved spouse or partner who simply doesn't know they're entitled to it. If you've lost someone connected to the Armed Forces, it's worth checking. Forces Pension Society can help you find out where you stand – in confidence, and for free. Join the Veterans Pensions Webinar this Thursday 7-8pmhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-232-1002838679Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:58:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:371ebe07-0ad5-4898-bb39-ad0b8cf88c09RN Forum ModeratorCaribbean patrollers HMS Trent host your latest Royal Navy news update. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Updatehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/are-you-pension-aware-free-live-webinar-understanding-your-afpsWed, 16 Sep 2026 06:18:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:01a429d1-1d37-4812-b031-0c5a56cd6780RN Forum ModeratorThis is a reminder that the Live Webinar from the White Ensign Association is happening today. As part of the MOD's Pension Awareness Week 2026, the White Ensign Association (WEA) is hosting a free live webinar for serving personnel, reservists and veterans, covering AFPS 75, 05 and 15, plus Early Departure Payments. WEA Armed Forces Pension experts Dave Scholey and Marty Small, themselves Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans, will explain the schemes, what they mean for their members and answer questions throughout the live session. Wednesday 16 September 2026, 13:00–14:30 | Online via MS Teams. Know your scheme. Know your entitlements. Know your choices. Be pension aware. CLICK HERE TO REGISTERhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/remembrance-weekend-free-rail-travel-for-bereaved-familiesTue, 15 Sep 2026 07:11:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b4954484-5844-462d-9bb8-54569cd5ef47RN Forum ModeratorRemembrance weekend: Free rail travel for bereaved families – Defence and the Department for Transport have extended free rail travel across Britain over Remembrance weekend, for families of Armed Forces personnel who died in service. For Remembrance weekend, travel costs shouldn’t stand in the way. This year, free rail travel is being extended to eligible bereaved military families, recognising their central place in our national acts of remembrance and helping ensure that the cost of travel is never a barrier to attending moments of reflection, commemoration and tribute. Alongside this new provision, serving personnel and veterans continue to benefit from free travel on national rail services to attend Remembrance services and events. Apply by 16 October to secure your ticket. What you need to know Here’s the main points: Eligible families have until 16 October to apply. The nominated ‘Next of kin’ (NOK) listed on JPA is eligible to register for a ticket. Families should go to the DMWS: Empowering Bereaved Military Families webpage for full details and FAQs. All National Rail train operators are taking part – Transport for London, the Elizabeth Line and services in Northern Ireland are not included. For those travelling to London: the outward journey can be on Saturday or Remembrance Sunday. The return journey must be on Remembrance Sunday. For those attending a Service of Remembrance outside London: both journeys must be on Remembrance Sunday. CLICK ON ONE OF THESE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KvmYYYqRh/ https://x.com/transportgovuk/status/2098888940573073485?s=20 DMWS: Empowering Bereaved Military Familieshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/f/forum/2344/ukna---nursery-fundingTue, 15 Sep 2026 05:23:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f04eb61c-9f22-4a32-b13d-9c278ae52d55JessLambsonI have to say, I’ve found navigating the UKNA process incredibly difficult and, at times, quite frustrating. We were advised that we would be able to start from 1 September, but due to being away with the Navy, the affiliation cannot be claimed until later in the month. This means potentially missing out on half a month simply because of being away on deployment and not having regular access to a laptop. I appreciate there are processes that need to be followed, but it does raise the question of what happens to people who are otherwise eligible but are serving personnel, deployed, or working away when these deadlines fall. Surely there must be a better and more flexible way of managing this that doesn’t disadvantage serving personnel simply because their work takes them away from a laptop. . Anyone else finding it frustrating?https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/navigating-periods-of-separation-new-resource-for-royal-navy-familiesThu, 10 Sep 2026 11:20:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8bc5856b-03d2-4b3b-b1bf-4b96f3c8fc89RN Forum ModeratorSeparation can be one of the most challenging aspects of naval life. That's why we've launched Navigating Periods of Separation, a new collection of resources to help families through deployments, crew rotations and weekending. The resources explore the Emotional Cycle of Deployment, highlighting how separation can affect partners, relationships and children of different ages. You'll also find practical advice, coping strategies and information about where to access further support. We've also created a dedicated guide for schools and education professionals, offering practical guidance on supporting service children and their families throughout periods of separation. Available to view or download using the links below NFF - Navigating Periods of Separation: A guide for Naval Families NFF - Navigating Periods of Separation: How Education Professionals Can Help The resources are also available through their WEBSITE