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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/utility/feedstylesheets/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>News</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/</link><description>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. </description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title>Blog Post: Royal Navy 60 Second Update - Episode 227</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-227</link><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4062023a-a985-41f3-b75b-3329d7569f55</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>We’re with HMS Prince of Wales as the Fleet Flagship continues to support NATO with exercises in the North Atlantic. This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Update</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Royal Navy - Service Manager Casework Delivery</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy---service-manager-casework-delivery</link><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:37:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4624de80-f67a-4b95-bc20-dee2de436e53</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Are you a Qualified Social Worker looking for a new challenge? Royal Navy Family &amp;amp; People Support have a position for a Service Manager for Casework Delivery with primary work location either in Yeovil or Plymouth. Interested? Applications close on Thursday 16th July 2026 at 2355. See link below for full details. Link: Royal Navy - Service Manager Casework Delivery - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Introduction of Transition Resource for Armed forces Pupils</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/introduction-of-transition-resource-for-armed-forces-pupils</link><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:13:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3eff8738-d69e-480d-9333-f41ae5f68869</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Announcing the Introduction of Our New Transition Resource We are pleased to launch our Transition Resources for UK educators, designed to support positive transitions for armed forces children moving between education systems. The Resources have been developed in collaboration with educators, stakeholders and partners across each of the UK nations. What is the Transition Resource? The Transition Resource is a curated set of resources, organised around a core set of transition activities sending and receiving schools should complete before, during and following children’s moves between systems. How can you access it? The Transition Resource is available, CLICK HERE TO VIEW and find out more. What the resources contain Key transitions actions for schools and educators, linked to curated practical resources Accessible information about each nations’ education system, curriculums and qualification frameworks Routes to network with schools across the UK Next steps Explore the resource. Please share with education settings you work with. Schools or settings to share examples of how this resource supports armed forces children moving between education systems. Please send these to RC-DCS-HQ-EPT@mod.gov.uk , using the subject line ‘Our Transition best practice’.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Little Troopers</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/little-troopers-1144372618</link><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:36:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7ec70a49-c0a5-4d43-90ae-28e1c39c7e79</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Armed Forces Day 27th June is Armed Forces Day. A chance for the country to show their support for the British Armed Forces. For us, it is another chance to celebrate the support team behind the forces, our military families and specifically all the little troopers. We love to encourage our families to have a celebration. Take a look below at some of our resources and ways that you can recognise and celebrate your children. There’s also news of our Family Reconnection Weekends. Grab a cuppa and read on. Dates for your Diary All Together 27th June - Armed Forces Day 31st July - 2nd August - Family Reconnection weekend in Hertfordshire 26th August - Royal Hospital Chelsea intergenerational event Celebrating our little troopers Armed Forces Day is a great time to get together as a family, if you can, and celebrate the contribution you all make to the Armed Forces Community. Why not plan a special dinner and surprises for each member of the family?We have some lovely certificates that you can download and print, or you can make a gift for each other using one of our Crafty Little Troopers projects. To make it extra special you could order one of medals to present on the day. Family Reconnection Weekend Last month military families from across the country gathered in Dorset for the first Family Reconnection Weekend of the year. The event was part of our All Together programme which supports military children and their families during, or following time apart. Funded through a partnership with Team Forces , the weekend brought 11 families from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to the Portland Outdoor Centre. Over the weekend the families enjoyed hot chocolate on the beach, preparing mackerel and hiking to Portland Bill for fire-lighting and cooking their fresh fish. There was also a chance to take part in In coasteering along the rugged Dorset coastline and water sports. Isabella is our Little Trooper of the Month 8 year old Isabella has shown remarkable courage and resilience throughout her life while facing significant health challenges and adapting to military life. Before she was even born, Isabella was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition and has since undergone two open-heart surgeries at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Throughout her childhood, she has also faced additional health challenges, including hearing loss in her right ear and ongoing respiratory issues requiring specialist care. As the daughter of a serving British Army soldier, Isabella has experienced the unique challenges of military life alongside her medical journey. Nominate a Little Trooper We love to recognise little troopers who have been exceptionally brave, inspirational or just extra special against all odds. Anyone can nominate a child, who has a parent serving in the British Armed Forces, for Little Trooper of the Month. We love to hear from Unit Welfare Offices, Community Development Workers, Schools/Nurseries, Brownies/ Scout leaders and of course parents! Our monthly winner will receive a &amp;#163;100 voucher, certificate and lasting recognition of a customised, unique medal. Fundraisers of the Month This month, we would like to say a huge thank you to 7 year old Lillyaana, who has completed a read-a-thon “book tower” fundraising challenge and raised a total of &amp;#163;180 ! Lillyaana’s Mum told us: “In celebration of month of the military child, Lillyaana has read 196 books over 25 days to make a book tower standing as tall as herself at 131cm in height. Lillyaana read multiple books at a time before, during and after school and in the car when travelling. She even read bedtime stories to her baby sister to complete her challenge.” Thank you so much Lilyaana, you are an absolute superstar! Looking for activities this Armed Forces Day? We have a range of free resources for home and school, including a fun word search that&amp;#39;s perfect for the whole family. Older children (and parents!) can hide the words for younger ones to find before starting the search. You can also download our Armed Forces Day Schools Pack and Little Troopers Club session to help children learn more about and celebrate the Armed Forces community. Make an Armed Forces Day wordsearch Armed Forces Day Session Armed Forces Day Schools Pack CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS AND MORE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Share Your Messages of Support</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/share-your-messages-of-support</link><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:08:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fa308b5c-46ef-4e1f-aea0-96bab1ca9807</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Share your messages of support for our Armed Forces! This Armed Forces Week, we&amp;#39;re looking for messages of thanks from friends and family of our Armed Forces. Email your message to: MODComms-DDC@mod.gov.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: REMINDER - This event needs support - Kings Camp - The Weekender at The University of Stirling Kings Camp this is coming soon.</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/reminder---this-event-needs-support---kings-camp---the-weekender-at-the-university-of-stirling-kings-camp-this-coming-soon</link><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:37:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2e049416-d77d-4843-bac4-2e269ddae772</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Kings Camp - The Weekender at The University of Stirling Kings Camps have been working with the Royal Navy for many years operating Kings Camps multi-sports and activity camps at locations across the UK. Through the Strengthening Families – By Your Side programme that’s been developed by the RNRMC , and new for 2026 in collaboration with the RAF Benevolent fund, Kings Camps have created and are hosting The Weekender, an incredible experience for teenagers of serving families. The Weekender runs Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August 2026. Exclusively for 14-17 year olds. Places are subsidised to &amp;#163;50 for RN/RM and &amp;#163;95 for RAF personnel. To find our more and to book visit The Weekender at The University of Stirling | Kings Camps</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Save BIG this Armed Forces Week - Exclusive Discounts</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/save-big-this-armed-forces-week---exclusive-discounts</link><pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7bcdf572-99db-43c4-a228-22e17472648b</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Four brands have partnered with the MOD to offer special discounts for the Defence community throughout Armed Forces Week 2026. Household names Cotswold Outdoor, Decathlon, HelloFresh and Mountain Warehouse have become the first ever Official Partners during Armed Forces Week (22–28 June) – through a new collaboration between the MOD, Department for Business and Trade, and Defence Discount Service. Whether you&amp;#39;re looking to improve your fitness, spend more time outdoors, or make healthy eating simpler, the four Official Partners will offer the following boosted discounts during Armed Forces Week, beginning on 22 June : Cotswold Outdoor – 20% off full-price items, online and in stores Decathlon – 20% off a select range of full-priced sports and fitness equipment online HelloFresh – 60% off your first delivery, 25% off the next seven boxes, plus free treats for life for new and previous customers Mountain Warehouse – 25% off online Full details of each offer, including how to claim and any terms and conditions, are available via Defence Discount Service (DDS) How to claim your discounts For in-store offers, simply show one of the following as proof of eligibility: Defence Discount Service privilege card (physical or digital) MOD90 Forces Personnel ID Card HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (physical or digital) For online deals from the Official Partners and many other brands, you can access exclusive promo codes through the DDS website or app. Not yet registered with DDS? Sign up today Over 14,000 brands offer savings all year round, via Defence Discount Service – the official MOD discount service for the UK’s armed forces, veterans and Defence community. Signing up to access online discounts is free. A DDS privilege card can also be purchased for &amp;#163;4.99 – giving you access to discounts on the high street, in stores, restaurants and venues. Membership is valid for five years. You’ll get a digital card straight away, and a physical card will be posted to you. Register today via the Defence Discount Service website or DDS app. Please note: It may take up to 72 hours for membership registrations to be verified and confirmed. Worth more than just discounts… 15% of all DDS revenue goes to charities that support the Armed Forces community – through the Ministry of Defence – including serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every time you use your DDS card, you&amp;#39;re contributing to that too.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: 2026 Non-UK Service Personnel, Veterans and Families Questionnaire Survey</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/2026-non-uk-service-personnel-veterans-and-families-questionnaire-survey</link><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c8e637ec-adbd-4377-8f1c-47ff81899286</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The Naval Families Federation (NFF) want to find out whether it’s getting easier for non-UK serving personnel and their families to access reliable information on immigration and visas. The survey is being run by Army Families Federation but is open to RN &amp;amp; RM personnel and families. The survey takes just 5 minutes to complete, and closes on 10 July , so please get involved and make every voice count. For more detailed information including link to the survey please visit the NFF website: Have Your Say | Share Your Views to Support Naval Families Or go straight to the survey using the link below: 2026 Non-UK Service Personnel, Veterans and Families Questionnaire Survey</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: SSAFA - Safe to Serve - Supporting Service Women</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ssafa---safe-to-serve---supporting-service-women</link><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:d5a6feec-167f-439d-a7d3-dbdacf6dceec</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Safe to Serve is a 2 year funded Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund project. This project provides confidential support for serving women both regular and reserve outside of the immediate Chain of Command. It is for those who are experiencing bullying, discrimination, harassment sexual harassment or sexual assault in a work-based relationship. This support can cover emotional and practical support and guidance, as well as signposting/referrals where necessary. The service is designed to break a culture of silence, provide compassionate advocacy, and ensure every servicewoman is believed, supported, and protected. Whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or simply someone to listen, the team is there for you. Referral methods are multi-channel access, to make it easier for an individual who may have experienced trauma to access the service. You can self-refer or be referred by a professional in with consent on the following options: Email: SafeToServe@ssafa-fhs.org.uk Telephone: 0800 260 6722 WhatsApp: 020 3807 4400 Webform/Webchat: Safe to Serve | SSAFA PDF version below:</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Homeport - Summer 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/homeport---summer-2026</link><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:8241e58c-e62c-46c0-a3a4-d4375de608b3</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>From Naval Families Federation; This issue is themed on relocating and moving house whether that is buying your own home or living in SFA, plus much more. Inside you&amp;#39;ll find real stories from across the community as well as offers and opportunities for all of our Royal Navy and Royal Marines families. Read Homeport online here: https://buff.ly/e2w1jhT</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: UK Nursery Authority - User Research</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/uk-nursery-authority---user-research</link><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:17:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:14dfa5f8-a702-4527-a1f3-93e8cbebdc7c</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Planning to register and claim for the UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) from September 2026? The childcare team are asking for volunteers to take part in user testing and provide feedback on some of the products required to register and claim the UKNA reimbursement. If you haven’t heard about UKNA, read the announcement below released in March 2026: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to &amp;#163;6000 a year - GOV.UK The criteria for taking part in the testing is as follows: SP must be Regular or FTRS (FC) SP with children aged 9 months to 2 years old living in Scotland or Wales, and SP with children aged 9 months to 4 years old living in Northern Ireland. SP that are currently paying for childcare at a registered childcare provider. SP that use a Tax-Free Childcare account to pay their provider. SP that have sufficient time available to test the product and provide feedback to the team. User testing will take place between now and September 2026. If you fit the criteria and would like to take part in the user testing, please contact the Defence childcare team using: people-affs-child-expenses@mod.gov.uk</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Valuing Forces Families Overseas: Focus Group Invitation</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/valuing-forces-families-overseas-focus-group-invitation</link><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:23:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:eef7e581-fd87-41e5-a2d6-3aea68ffe459</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>RAND Europe has been commissioned by the Army Families Federation, in partnership with the RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation, to conduct a study exploring the experiences of UK military families throughout the overseas postings cycle. As part of this research, RAND Europe is holding focus groups with military families who have experience of overseas postings, including preparing for, undertaking, and returning from an assignment overseas. These discussions aim to provide an improved and up-to-date understanding of families lived experiences and the challenges they face at different stages of the overseas postings cycle. This research will contribute to the Valuing Forces Families Overseas (VFFO) programme, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which seeks to uncover hidden needs within the Armed Forces community and identify where additional support may be most needed. If you Are an ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces Are a partner of a serving or ex-serving member of the Regular or Reserve UK Armed Forces, AND if you, within the last 3 years : Considered going on an overseas posting (even if you ended up not going), or Went on an accompanied posting overseas, or Were separated from your partner due to an unaccompanied posting And are interested in helping us to understand how military families can have positive experiences of overseas postings. Please follow the link below to feel out and Expression of Interest to take part in an online focus group to talk about your experience of the overseas postings cycle. Link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/G0MAAF/ If you have any questions, please contact the RAND Europe research team via email at VFFO_Research@randeurope.org RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research institute whose aim is to improve policy through evidence-based research and analysis.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Continue Your Service with the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS)</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/continue-your-service-with-the-military-provost-guard-service-mpgs</link><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:40:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:4ad561c9-f159-445f-ac6d-9d4bb04d7faa</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Considering your next step after the Royal Navy? Join the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) Recruitment Team for an online information webinar hosted by the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS). Wednesday 24 June | 12:30–14:00 hrs https://lnkd.in/emPjpPAR During the webinar, members of the MPGS will provide an overview of the MPGS, the role it plays in providing armed security across more than 130 Defence establishments throughout the UK, and the opportunities available to serving Royal Navy personnel and Service Leavers. The session will cover: • MPGS roles &amp;amp; responsibilities • Eligibility requirements • Pay and benefits • Locations across the UK • The application and recruitment process • Questions and answers with the recruitment team This is an excellent opportunity to learn how you can continue serving within Defence and secure the life you&amp;#39;ve earned after leaving the Royal Navy. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Blow The Whistle: Domestic Abuse Support for Armed Forces Families</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/blow-the-whistle-domestic-abuse-support-for-armed-forces-families</link><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:58:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c29835cc-aa5b-4357-ad22-8aef9199c624</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice, and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away. The 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will take place from 11 June to 19 July – is a time for celebration, community and a shared love for the game. But for some people, this period is marked by increased domestic abuse. Research shows that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when they win or draw. Football itself does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use, financial pressures and gambling. When something isnʼt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour. Everyone has the right to feel safe Domestic abuse takes many forms – including coercive control, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, in couple relationships or between family members. Anyone can be affected: 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime , and 1 in 6 or 7 men. No one should make you feel unsafe. All Defence personnel are expected to treat others with dignity and respect, inside and outside of work. There is no Defence for abuse. Supporting the Armed Forces community In a military context, there is a misconception that domestic abuse support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family. Defence has a clear duty to safeguard our people and their families from domestic abuse and has a range of support services in place – in the UK and overseas – to ensure every person in the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) community gets the support they need and deserve. Defence’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan set out actions to tackle abuse through prevention, support and perpetrator interventions – backed by cultural change initiatives, leadership, education and training. Support services for Armed Forces families Holistic care and support The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims-survivors and witnesses of serious crimes that have been committed by persons subject to Service law, in the UK and abroad. The unit is independent of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (single Services’) Chains of Command and supports people throughout their journey in the Service Justice System. They also have independent advisors that specialise in domestic violence and sexual violence. Specialist welfare services Specialist welfare support refers to the Royal Naval Family &amp;amp; People Support (RN FPS), Army Welfare Service and the RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service . These services provide a variety of support, including making referrals to external specialist services. These welfare services are confidential and independent of the single Services’ Chains of Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK . Aurora New Dawn helpline The charity, Aurora New Dawn , has recently launched an Armed Forces helpline to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. This helpline can be accessed in the UK and Overseas by calling or WhatsApp to 0333 091 2527. Overseas and emergency support Armed Forces families who are stationed overseas can access welfare providers who provide specifical support for the Armed Forces community. Find worldwide domestic abuse support for families stationed overseas. Overseas and emergency support is also available through the British Forces Social Work Service , which supports Armed Forces personnel and families, and entitled civilians, wherever they are in the world. Unit support staff Initial support and signposting can be provided by Unit support staff, who understand the dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) SARCs provide free, specialist care and support to anyone in the UK who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, at any time in their life. This includes the Armed Forces community, whether they are still serving, a Veteran or a family member. Report domestic abuse You can report domestic abuse to Service Police – all specially trained in supporting victims-survivors of domestic abuse. You can also report a crime to the civilian police . The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) investigates serious crimes, including domestic abuse and sexual offences. They operate independently of the single Services’ Chains of Command. This World Cup, let&amp;#39;s stand together against abuse. If something doesn&amp;#39;t feel right or you witness or experience abuse – blow the whistle. Useful information and signposting information about domestic abuse support for Armed Forces personnel and families in the UK and overseas, read Defence’s Whole Force policy on domestic abuse. For general information about domestic abuse and national support services, visit GOV.UK.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Project SALICE: Supporting the people and families behind the NATO mission</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/project-salice-supporting-the-people-and-families-behind-the-nato-mission</link><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:21:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:67ca4cce-7924-4d34-a6a6-3d221d7e9092</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Project SALICE addresses practical obstacles faced by UK personnel and their families serving in NATO Command and Force structures – underpinning the Government’s &amp;#39;NATO First&amp;#39; approach. When a soldier, sailor or aviator is posted overseas for NATO, their family often goes with them. Their partner may have to give up their job, and their children may need new schools. Life must be rebuilt in a new country. ‘NATO First’ is not just a commitment made in policy documents, but the guiding principle for all our military plans and activities – and Project SALICE is here to address the challenges that can arise with an international move and to support families serving with NATO overseas. Expanding on issues and recommendations covered in recent reviews of overseas Service life, the Project SALICE initiative is part of a broader commitment to make military life work, for those who serve – and for the families who serve alongside them. It builds on the Armed Forces Offer , which includes competitive pay, healthcare, accommodation support and funded childcare. Lieutenant General Eldon Millar, the UK&amp;#39;s Military Representative to NATO and the EU and Project SALICE sponsor, said: “The UK is one of NATO&amp;#39;s strongest members. Our Armed Forces work every day alongside allies to keep our country and Europe safe – with the right people, in the right places, at the right time. “But keeping the best people in our Armed Forces doesn&amp;#39;t depend only on good training and kit. It depends on Service life being a good life, for the whole family – and that is the purpose of Project SALICE. “When our people know that their families are settled, their partners have every opportunity to work, and the practical side of overseas life is manageable, they can focus on their mission – being ready to deter, fight and win.” The project covers: partner employment, education, accommodation, career management, policies and processes, and the Armed Forces Covenant. Partner employment Finding a job in another country isn&amp;#39;t easy. Rules vary everywhere, and red tape often makes it extremely hard for partners of Service personnel to work at all. Right now, particular attention is being focused on tackling these barriers to partner employment, and the Project SALICE team is tackling this in three ways: New guides – explaining the work rules for partners in every EU country: these will be available later this summer on GOV.UK. Where rules are unfair or unclear, the team is pushing for change – talks are already under way with Italy and Denmark. Support for partners in specific professions – the team is looking at what more can be done to support partners who work in healthcare, and other professions will also be considered over the coming months. Changing things at home – International Remote Working (IRW) policies are being reviewed across Government departments. While most departments now have IRW policies in place, approaches vary in how they work in practice. In collaboration with the Government People Group, Defence is therefore undertaking a cross-government exercise to gather and compare IRW policies. Wider changes... Armed Forces People Policy (AFPP) and Armed Forces Remuneration Policy (AF Rem) teams have already made improvements to allowances, processes and provisions. These include: Simpler moving costs: The Global Mobility Allowance trial provides an alternative to separate payments, with lump sums at the start and end of a posting. The Disturbance Expense rate on return has also been increased to match what you receive when you go overseas. Easier trips home: Following a successful trial in Belgium, the European Commuting Allowance became permanent policy in October 2025 and now covers the whole of Europe. If you have a home in the UK and are posted to an eligible European location, you can claim up to two trips home each month. This also gives married personnel and those in civil partnerships the choice to serve unaccompanied. Funded childcare overseas: Since September 2025, eligible working families can claim for up to 30 hours of funded childcare a week – the same as families in England – for children aged nine months to school age, during term time. Before and after school childcare: The new Primary School Aged Childcare Overseas (PSACO) allowance enables eligible families to claim back the cost of up to 20 hours of before and after school childcare during term time, for children aged four to eleven. This is available in overseas locations where it is not possible to claim Wraparound Childcare allowance. Less admin for Senior Non-Commissioned ranks: Travel delegations have been increased to reduce unnecessary paperwork. A new career management initiative : This aims to attract highly skilled volunteers to NATO posts, develop their NATO experience, re-invest their experience back into the UK, and help them stand out as strong candidates for more senior NATO roles. Coming soon: an app to help you plan your posting A new Overseas Location App is being built by the Global Support Organisation Digital Team to help you find out what life could look like for your whole family, before choosing your next overseas posting. This will cover partner work rules, schooling options and childcare in Europe and T&amp;#252;rkiye – based on your own circumstances. The app is expected to be ready for first tests in the autumn. Find out more If you have a question, please leave a comment on the Project SALICE engagement form and the team will aim to respond within a week.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: RN Youth Residential - Avon Tyrell</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/rn-youth-residential---avon-tyrell</link><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b314c9da-5b53-4e39-b600-4955257cb086</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Spaces are still available on the RN Youth Residential to Avon Tyrell After the success of the RN Residentials in 2025 ( RN Residential 2025 News Article ). RN FPS and RNRMC are pleased to let you know that places are still available on this residential. Parents/Guardians will be required to pay a contribution of &amp;#163;100 per child to attend. More details and Booking Form can be found on our Members Events and Activities Group: RN Youth Residential - Avon Tyrell</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Stop Loan Sharks Newsletter and Lived Experience Research</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/stop-loan-sharks-newsletter-and-lived-experience-research</link><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:32:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2d61b014-bf02-47ee-a695-44cf4d98bffe</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Stop Loan Sharks Spring Newsletter is now out you can read the newsletter here: SLS Spring 2026 Newsletter Additionally they have recently launched a report following our lived experience research. https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/a-community-of-silence-the-lived-experience-of-people-borrowing-from-loan-sharks-in-england/</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Royal Navy 60 Second Update - Episode 226</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-60-second-update---episode-226</link><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:bc8eb5ad-746e-427d-bd36-20598f84611c</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>We’re with HMS Trent in The Big Easy for your latest Royal Navy headlines... This and previous updates can be viewed via the Royal Navy Website: 60 Second Update</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Stowford Farm Meadows - Weekend Breaks Available from Give Us Time</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/stowford-farm-meadows--weekend-breaks-available-from-give-us-time</link><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:19:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:977d16a4-7aba-4f89-af19-e4769b5829e6</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>Give Us Time are pleased to announce that they have some weekend breaks available at Stowford Farm Meadows in July. These can be booked on the website at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: SSCE Cymru Monthly School Bulletin - June 2026</title><link>https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/news/b/announcements/posts/ssce-cymru-monthly-school-bulletin---june-2026</link><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">b28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:53c864a3-6a2d-4d61-a444-eda4aaeea247</guid><dc:creator>RN Forum Moderator</dc:creator><description>The SSCE Cymru (Supporting Service Children in Wales) monthly school bulletin for June is available HERE . This month’s bulletin includes: A message from the SSCE Cymru team June’s SSCE Cymru Seren of the Month Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru SSCE Cymru resources E-learning Snakes and ladders game NEW Service children’s songs NEW Supporting children in times of conflict Photos from Month of the Military Child 2026 Events SCiP Alliance Impact Centre Listening Tour Armed Forces Day 2026 Funding Service Pupil Support Programme SSCE Cymru funding support – guidance documents and drop-in sessions. Social media links.</description></item></channel></rss>