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/the-cave---churchill-square-helensburghMon, 03 Aug 2026 10:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:15449206-9eed-411f-a162-8169669b116aRN Forum ModeratorThe Cave, Churchill Square, Helensburgh, opened its doors on Tues 9 Jun to showcase the new facility for local young people in S1 - S6. This was followed up with a Summer Workshop on the 28 Jul involving fun team building games and challenges. This also involved unveiling and testing out the new air/pool table donated by Naval Children’s Charity. A new youth group in Churchill Square will provide weekly activities from Tues 18 Aug 2026 with further activities being planned. The Cave was a response to a reported lack of provisions in the Churchill area for young people 12 yrs and over. With support from Sophia McArdle, RN FPS Community Development Worker, who has been involved in the project since it started, this is seen as a valuable addition to services within the local area. Sophia said, “It has been a lengthy process to finalise and get The Cave open, and we are delighted RN FPS are now able to offer this facility to young people in the area. The two recent events have been well attended, and we are excited to watch The Cave grow into an integral part of the local community.” To stay up to date of what is happening locally, join the RN Forum .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/rn-forum-lowdown---july-2026Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:73049c45-8170-433b-ad8c-0152088ffee7RN 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/latest-dio-information-updates---july-2026Sat, 01 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:6d54c192-04db-40c5-8969-476c8a43add6RN Forum ModeratorHundreds of New SFA Homes purchased at Imjin Barracks  Hundreds of brand-new homes have been completed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, marking an important milestone in the MOD’s plans to improve housing for Service personnel and their families.  DIO have purchased a total of 281 homes near Imjin Barracks, home to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. These homes were purchased by the DIO from existing developments built by Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes.  Construction began in 2023 and was delivered in phases, allowing Service families to move in as soon as their homes were ready. Some families have now been enjoying their new homes for almost two years.  These homes have been designed with sustainability in mind. Features include energy-saving solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, smart heating controls and electric vehicle charging points. These modern features are helping Service families reduce their energy use and, in some cases, lower their household bills.  For further information, see the full article on Defence Homes here . Pre-move out and move-out appointment reminder We know that moving can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and that plans can change unexpectedly. If you are unable to attend your pre-move out or move out appointment, you can change your appointment on the e-1132 system. Attending these appointments, or providing advance notice if you can't make them, helps ensure your move out process runs as smoothly as possible. Tune in to Housing Matters Podcast Episode two of the brand-new podcast, Housing Matters is out now. The podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their families. Co-presenters Defence Families Champion, Trish Jakeman, and DIO Operations Manager South, Sebastian O’Hara, will be joined by special guests each week sharing their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing. The first two episodes are now available. In the latest episode, we hear from John Reynolds, Army Military Housing Liaison Officer, and Stephanie Jervis from DIO Accommodation, who is also a military spouse and has lived in Service Family Accommodation for more than 18 years. Together, they share helpful guidance for families at every stage of military life, from moving home to simple ways to make a house feel like home. You can watch episode one and two now. So grab a cup of tea, press play and join us each week for Housing Matters. Summer safety – travelling over the summer With the school holidays upon us, many of our families will be thinking about going away, whether that's a staycation or holiday abroad. If you’ll be away from your home for a period of time, we recommend the following steps to keep your home safe: Hot weather can cause burst pipes, so it’s recommended to turn your water off using your stopcock while you are away. The stopcock is the little tap or lever on pipes that are often found under your sink. Turn off and unplug electricals like your TV and small kitchen appliances like kettles and microwaves to reduce bills and to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house keys so they can make checks on your home while you are away. For more summer safety advice, visit Defence Homes .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/china-fleet-club---august-2026-newsletterFri, 31 Jul 2026 12:45:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:be80f6dd-3362-407b-9360-5e0059cebc56RN Forum ModeratorThis month's China Fleet Club Newsletter contains all the latest news, upcoming events and discounts for Royal Navy beneficiaries. Read the Newsletter via the link: China Fleet Club - August 2026 Newsletterhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/service-prosecuting-authority-independent-and-informedFri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:95ca9c49-28d9-4cbe-b3a7-fe86f870c08dRN Forum ModeratorNine months into the job, Director of Service Prosecutions, Mary Cowe reflects on her role and the work of the Service Prosecuting Authority within the Service Justice System. I became the Director of Service Prosecutions in October 2025, attracted to a role where I feel I can make a real difference. The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) is small – with 48 members of staff, including 18 prosecutors – but its work has significant stature. If the SPA is a new acronym for you, it is essentially the Armed Forces' equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – dealing only with suspects subject to service law and service discipline. What makes it distinct is that the SPA is part of a single deployable Service Justice System (SJS), operating at home and abroad, in peacetime and in wartime. Whether reporting an offence or being accused, Service personnel know their case will be treated in line with UK law – helping the government fulfil its obligations under international law. In some cases, we are the only means through which allegations can be tested and resolved overseas. Independent without exception There is a view held by some that the SPA represents the Armed Forces 'marking its own homework'. We will always face scrutiny because the SPA is funded by the MOD and many of our prosecutors are in uniform. But we sit within the department for financial and operational reasons only. We prosecute for the Crown, just like the CPS, and our independence is well understood and respected within Defence. I take that independence very seriously. As a civilian entirely independent from the chain of command, nobody – however senior, whether military or a Defence civil servant – can direct who or what I prosecute. I operate under the oversight of the Attorney General (the government's most senior law officer), not Defence Ministers – and my role is to ensure the SPA delivers impartial, high-quality decisions that withstand public scrutiny. An informed approach The work of the SPA supports operational effectiveness. Swiftly deciding whether to prosecute and bringing cases to Court Martial enables all involved – where appropriate – to return to supporting Defence, with as little time as possible spent in uncertainty. Our prosecutors in uniform approach evidence from those who were at sea, deployed on operations, or serving in training establishments, with real-world experience of those environments. Service context for offending often makes it more serious too, given the impact on operational effectiveness, unit cohesion, and public trust. There is a clear understanding within the SPA that protecting the reputation of our Armed Forces means identifying and prosecuting criminal behaviour – and never ignoring or downplaying it. Speed to justice and low attrition Specialist expertise, operational understanding and lower case volumes mean the SJS can progress cases more quickly than the civilian Criminal Justice System (CJS). Victims of serious sexual offences in the SJS can typically expect their cases to be heard within around six months of charge. The Crown Court currently has around 80,000 outstanding cases, with some trials not listed until 2030 at the worst affected courts. The Court Martial has no backlog. Victim withdrawals from the SJS are also very low. I believe this reflects well on the quality of support the Defence Serious Crime Command's Victim Witness Care Unit provides, with the same dedicated Victim Liaison Officer staying with each victim from start to finish. That is a level of support that independent inspectors said they would like to see available to all victims in the civilian system. Recognised robust decision making Assurance processes underpin our work and the decisions we make: Every prosecution decision is checked by a second lawyer. In rape cases where we are considering not prosecuting, a specialist senior lawyer – currently on secondment from the CPS – provides a third review. In all rape and sexual assault cases in England and Wales, I consult the CPS on jurisdiction – and in every case so far, they have agreed with our decisions. Although prosecutors make the decisions on whether a case can progress and how it will be handled, v His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate reviewed our work in 2024 and found that the right people were being prosecuted for the right offences, in the right places – concluding overall that the SPA was delivering a good service. Continuously listening and learning There is more to do to ensure we continue to offer a high-quality service. Concerns raised on behalf of victims, survivors and defendants are taken seriously – and I welcome feedback and invite anybody representing victims or defendants to contact me. My aim is not just to keep aligned with progress in the civilian system but – given our unique combination of expertise and independence – to be a genuine centre of excellence for the Defence community. Further information Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) - GOV.UK Court Martial results from the Military Court Service - GOV.UK Contact SPA-External@mod.gov.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/for-every-stage-of-life---serve-protectWed, 29 Jul 2026 14:41:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:544bd8e4-78d8-42ba-a833-4c7b61372429RN Forum ModeratorThis campaign is designed to support employees and members through the everyday moments, transitions and milestones that shape life. The campaign focuses on: Summer savings and budgeting Back-to-school and family support Life milestones and changes Financial confidence and planning The campaign encourages small, practical actions. Back to School Budget Planner Break down the cost of sending the kids back to school, plus bonus tips to reduce the total bill. View Budget Planner Summer Reset Guide A short guide to resetting your finances after increasing your spending over the summer. Regain control and prepare for what's ahead. View Guide Serve and Protect Websitehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/families-first-newsletter---issue-40Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:18:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9f4b28cd-f50d-44f8-bd83-a76918f9ee1eRN Forum ModeratorThe latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available on the Defence Homes website . This issue includes: Foreward from Warrant Officer Defence Homes (DIO) The Defence Investment Plan Summer Safety - When Travelling Away From Home Patch Hacks Housing Matters Podcasts HomeHub - 6 Months Onhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/have-your-say-on-pay-and-allowancesTue, 28 Jul 2026 11:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:1fc6ab0a-f241-4d83-87de-3156ae75c4b7RN Forum ModeratorEvery year, the Naval Families Federation (NFF) is invited to present evidence to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB), which makes recommendations to the Government on annual pay awards and the review of allowances. Our role is to represent the experiences of Royal Navy and Royal Marines families, but we can only do that effectively if we understand the financial challenges you are facing. The evidence you provide will not only help shape our submission to the AFPRB, it will also be shared with the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Navy and other key decision-makers responsible for policies that affect Naval Service personnel and their families. As the only charities invited to present family evidence directly to the AFPRB, the Families Federations have a unique and important role in ensuring your voices are heard at the highest levels. This is your opportunity to influence the conversation and help us advocate on your behalf. If you are serving in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines or are the spouse or partner of someone who is, we would be grateful if you could take 5 minutes to complete our anonymous questionnaire. As a thank you for sharing your views, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to be part of a draw to win a £25 Amazon voucher. More information about this can be found in the questionnaire linked below. Pay and Awards Questionnaire Questionnaire closes 14th Septemberhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/do-you-want-to-run-the-london-marathon-here-is-your-opportunityFri, 24 Jul 2026 13:36:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c21410c1-78fe-4676-b5c1-50156b3c5399RN Forum ModeratorOn Sunday, 25th April 2027, Haig will proudly be cheering on a team of 20 runners from across the UK, including Haig Housing residents, serving and veteran personnel, families and friends of our veteran community, and generous corporate supporters. Haig still have some places left and would love to have some runners from the Naval community! Unlucky in the ballot? Sign up for your chance at a #TeamHaig charity place! Haig support all runners with: A Haig-branded running vest to proudly wear during training and on the day Dedicated WhatsApp group with #teamHaig running squad for moral support Fundraising support to help you smash your target Invitation to the #teamHaig training session The noisiest cheer squad on the day Your name added to the online #TeamHaig ‘Hall of Fame’ And the friendly fundraising team will support you every step of the way. The link to sign up for your chance to race is here: https://www.haighousing.org.uk/support-us/londonmarathon2027/https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers-monthly-newsletter---july-2026Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:17:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fc3cbf25-a54c-44da-8a93-d6421496ac73RN Forum ModeratorRead the latest from Little Troopers. Topics include: School's out for the Summer! Dates for your Dairy Summer Survival Therapy Programme Nominate a Little Trooper Little Trooper of the Month View the newsletter HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/serve-and-protect---upcoming-webinars---august-2026Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:619dcfcd-33a8-4508-9db9-9f2c5980e08fRN Forum ModeratorGreen Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills Date: Thursday 6th August Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet! Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings Date: Wednesday 12th August Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion. Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money Date: Thursday 13th August Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending. Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together Date: Monday 17th August Time: 12:00-13:00 What to Expect: Discover the warning signs and impact of loan sharks with representatives from Stop Loan Sharks. Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters Date: Wednesday 19th August Time: 12:00-13:00 What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it. Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score Date: Thursday 20th August Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours. Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application Date: Tuesday 25th August Time: 12:00-12:45 What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply. Register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinarshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/uk-nursery-authority-uknaWed, 22 Jul 2026 10:50:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:0c5c74c6-7a98-44be-b3cd-2e06149d761dRN Forum ModeratorLaunching from September 2026 For working Service families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Reimbursing the difference in the costs of Early Years childcare hours, matching the “free” (Government funded) childcare hours they would be entitled to if assigned to England Eligibility criteria apply Take a look at the one page note - HERE - about the scheme. Also some information on GOV.UK - HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-229Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:20:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:826dbc43-a694-41e8-aae0-038d76444a72RN Forum ModeratorFor all your latest Royal Navy headlines, join HMS Prince of Wales during flying operations in the High North... This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Updatehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/parenting-courses-and-seminars-for-naval-families-from-southampton-family-trustTue, 21 Jul 2026 15:20:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:dfe60953-fcdd-42e2-bdd9-9f68978bb233RN Forum ModeratorSouthampton Family Trust are pleased to share their latest programme of seminars and courses for Naval families. Full details for next term can be found here: Courses and Seminars for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Familieshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/m/resources/4946Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:19:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9f03c688-34f7-4414-a1f6-3bf9495ec97eRN Forum Moderatorhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/latest-armed-forces-covenant-fund-trust-programmesFri, 17 Jul 2026 10:25:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c9a515f0-301e-453b-9d83-90d3e6a74faeRN Forum ModeratorExplore what funding is currently available, check which programmes your project might fit, and find the key details you need before applying. We’ve also created a simple infographic to help you compare our open programmes and identify which one may be most relevant to your work. For full details, including guidance, eligibility criteria and programme aims, visit each individual programme page. Find our currently open programmes HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/valuing-forces-families-overseasThu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a6be6c20-a165-4be4-ac74-7a0c15e40e0aRN Forum ModeratorRAND Europe is carrying out research on the experiences of UK military families across the overseas postings cycle. This is being carried out in partnership with the Army Families Federation to support the development of the Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO) programme. " Many families have positive experiences of overseas postings, which can open the door to different cultures and new experiences. However, families can also face unique challenges navigating the cycle of overseas postings. This ranges from challenges in planning for an overseas posting, navigating separation from friends and family and the impact of a posting on a partner’s employment, to difficulties adjusting after returning to the UK. While some key challenges associated with overseas postings are well understood, there has been little targeted research on the experiences and support needs of overseas families throughout the entirety of the overseas posting cycle " To see why RAND are conducting this and how to take part - visit HEREhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/mission-motorsport---july-2026-newsletterThu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c99426b8-3cd1-46bb-966c-3709fe3cf096RN Forum ModeratorMission Motorsport are delighted to share the Mission Motorsport July 26 Newsletter. It’s been another busy and inspiring month across the Mission Motorsport community, and this edition is packed with updates on the people, partnerships and programmes that continue to make a real difference to serving personnel, veterans and their families. They hope you'll enjoy catching up on everything that's been happening, as well as discovering upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. This summer they have their monthly Banter, Brews & Cars at Three Sisters Circuit, Wigan, where you can enjoy unlimited passenger rides, great company and a relaxed day of motorsport. We also have two fantastic family fun days coming up, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy reading this month's July 26 Newsletter and they look forward to seeing many of you at an event soon.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/dio-stakeholder-briefing---july-2026Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:621bb378-6bd7-42e6-a6d3-3ed31ff1bae9RN Forum ModeratorHousing Matters Podcast Launch! Defence Infrastructure Organisation are excited to launch Housing Matters , their new podcast created for Military Families. This podcast lifts the lid on military housing and the issues that matter most to Service Personnel and their Families. This is a five-part series, with the first episode already dropped. Hosted by Trish Jakeman and Sebastian O’Hara with special guests joining each episode to share their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise on all things military housing. Episode one, takes a closer look at what the Defence Housing Strategy really means for those living in SFA. Guests are DIO Chief Operating Officer, David Brewer, who played a key role in the development of the Strategy, and Chris Keen, a military spouse who has lived in 11 different SFA properties. The discussion goes beyond the headlines to explore the investment, ambition and real-world impact behind the Strategy. You can watch episode one on Defence Homes Upcoming episodes include an honest conversation about damp and mould with our suppliers, a deeper look at the unique challenges military families face and how their housing works, the importance of building strong communities on patch and the new freedoms military families have to personalise their military house to feel like a home. So grab a cup of tea, press play and join them each week for Housing Matters. Future Podcasts will drop fortnightly through the same link above.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/civilian-housing-briefs-2026Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:dbc8daf9-475f-422e-84f5-9a9d5e90220aRN Forum ModeratorThere is still time to join in with todays brief at 2:00PM. The brief lasts approx. 1.5 hours. They are online and a nyone can view and join. Register HERE If not, put one of these dates into your diary: 10th September 2026 - Register HERE 15th October 2026 - Register HERE 12th November 2026 - Register HERE 12th December 2026 - Register HERE These briefs are designed to give you the information to help you make informed choices on your civilian housing, the briefings cover the following areas: House purchase (including Forces Help to Buy), private rental Independent financial advice (provided by the Service Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel members) Social housing Affordable home ownership schemes