Planning to register and claim for the UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) from September? Living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Volunteers needed for the user testing

Planning to register and claim for the UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) from September? 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 from March 2026:

Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year - GOV.UK

Criteria for taking part in the testing:

• Service personnel (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.

If you fit the criteria and would like to take part in the user testing, please contact the Defence childcare team at people-affs-child-expenses@mod.gov.uk

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): 9 National Crime Agency job vacancies, multiple locations - Closing Date 5 July

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (9 vacancies in total):

GFIE-490 - Business Management Officer, Investigations, Operational Delivery - National Crime Agency - Tolworth, Gatwick, Slough, Heathrow, Gillingham, Stevenage, Exeter, Nottingham, Sunderland

Job description: Business Management Officer

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EoI Form (also see Guidance Notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Kickstart Your Career: The National Crime Agency (NCA)
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is the UK’s lead law enforcement agency dedicated to cutting serious and organised crime. We are seeking motivated individuals to join our Investigations Command as Business Management Officers.

The Role
As a Business Management Officer, you will play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of our Multi Threat and Borders Teams. You will support an operational team and the Senior Business Management Officer to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. This is a dynamic role that requires the ability to work at pace, manage busy schedules, and prioritise essential tasks effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Defence Update: Blow the whistle - Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

Blow the whistle: Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

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

GamCare: World Cup & Gambling Support

GamCare has published new data (link) this week showing that the proportion of people contacting the National Gambling Helpline with online gambling concerns has reached its highest level in five years. They also saw an 11% rise in contacts following the last men's World Cup.

This recent data from GamCare highlights a growing need for increased awareness and early support, especially during sporting tournaments.

If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, via online chat or WhatsApp at www.gamcare.org.uk .

Project SALICE: Supporting the people and families behind the NATO mission

Project SALICE: Supporting the people and families behind the NATO mission

Project SALICE addresses practical obstacles faced by UK personnel and their families serving in NATO Command and Force structures – underpinning the Government’s 'NATO First' 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's Military Representative to NATO and the EU and Project SALICE sponsor, said:

“The UK is one of NATO'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'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'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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

The June 2026 issue of Soldier Magazine is out!

To read the June edition of SOLDIER click the link: Soldier Magazine - June 2026

Stop Loan Sharks: Spring Newsletter and Lived Experience Report published

Stop Loan Sharks have published their latest newsletter. To read this issue in full please go to this link: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/resources-newsletters/

Additionally they have recently launched a report following their lived experience research. This can be read online at: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/a-community-of-silence-the-lived-experience-of-people-borrowing-from-loan-sharks-in-england/

Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 09 June 2026

Interim Chair of Defence Housing Service

The Defence Housing Strategy, announced in November 2025, marks the most significant transformation of Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years. It sets out an ambitious, fully funded ten-year programme to improve the homes and communities that service personnel and their families rely on every day. At the heart of this generational renewal, is the creation of a standalone professional Defence housing organisation, the Defence Housing Service.

Leading this transition is Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, who has been appointed Interim Chair of the Defence Housing Service. Natalie previously chaired the Defence Housing Strategy Review Team and will play a crucial role in leading the transition to the new organisation, ensuring it is ready to deliver for you and your families from day one.

Once formally established in law through the Armed Forces Bill, the Defence Housing Service will take responsibility for managing nearly 50,000 military homes across the UK. Its mission includes providing safe, high-quality, and reliable housing that reflects modern military life.

Natalie’s appointment comes as the latest polling data collected by Opinion Research Services shows a rise in satisfaction among Personnel and families living in military homes.

Read more at Defence Homes.

Motorfinity - June Newsletter

 

Motorfinity June Update

Save Thousands on Your Next New Car with Motorfinity

Motorfinity offers exclusive discounts on brand-new cars for NHS workers, emergency services personnel, social care workers, education staff, and armed forces personnel.

With average savings of around £7,400, eligible staff can access significant savings across a wide range of manufacturers, with no impact on salary or benefits. Plus, access family discounts with participating manufacturers.

Contact our friendly team today to find out how much you could save.

https://www.motorfinity.uk/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=june

Are Electric Cars the Future?

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, more drivers are considering making the switch. Our latest article explores the future of EVs, their benefits, and what motorists should know before choosing an electric car.

Read more: https://www.motorfinity.uk/blog/are-electric-cars-the-future/?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=june

Motorfinity CEO on the Working Well Beings Podcast

Motorfinity CEO and Co-Founder, Daniel Briggs, recently joined the Working Well Beings Podcast to discuss financial wellbeing, employee benefits, and how organisations can better support frontline workers.

The conversation covers financial stress, workplace wellbeing, and how Motorfinity helps eligible staff make significant savings on new cars.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/CwVwnwXNtuI?si=eKvMSxZXlp1gx7IC

Forces Employment Charity: Could a Centrica role be your next career move?

Are you a veteran, reservist, military family member, Service leaver, or adult cadet instructor looking for your next career move?

Centrica, a Forces-friendly employer, currently has a wide range of opportunities across the business, open to those from the Armed Forces community!

They’ve teamed up with the Forces Employment Charity to host a Pathways into Energy webinar on 24 June, giving you a great opportunity to learn more about the organisation, explore the roles available, and get a feel for what a career there could look like.

During the session, you’ll also hear directly from veterans who have successfully transitioned into Centrica, as well as gain insight into how your skills and experience can translate into a rewarding civilian career.

To find out more (and view the news bulletin in full) please go to this LINK

Mission Motorsport June Newsletter

This month's newsletter includes:

• Sign-up details for all upcoming events, including how to book onto the exclusive tour of Prodrive HQ
• Highlights of incredible donations and fundraising efforts supporting the charity
• Opportunities to get involved and support our work

To read the newsletter in full, please view it here.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at team@missionmotorsport.org

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 100 DWP Executive Officer roles in Pontypridd, Wales – closing date 23 Jun

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 100 Executive Officer (EO) vacancies in Pontypridd, Wales. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details:

DWP Self Employment Income and Expense Review Agent- Executive Officer (Ref: 765) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The vacancies close on 23/06/2026.

Give Us Time - Weekend camping breaks for July

 

These breaks can be booked on the website at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login

BFBS appoints Adam Waters as Director of AI Culture and Gaming

Adam Waters, Director of AI Culture and Gaming

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has appointed Adam Waters as Director of AI Culture and Gaming, where he will lead two strategic areas of the business, with a focus on gaming alongside the organisation’s AI capability and remains part of the senior leadership team.

In this new role, Adam will continue overseeing the growth of BFBS Esports as a core part of BFBS’ welfare and audience engagement offer, helping the organisation reach and connect with younger serving personnel.

Alongside this, he will further develop BFBS’ AI culture function into everyday working practices, supporting teams to build the skills and confidence needed to use new technologies effectively and securely.

Adam will also reshape the charitable arm of the BFBS Academy, bringing together AI and gaming to support veterans and serving personnel in developing the skills needed to access fast-growing sectors across technology and media.

The appointment reflects BFBS’ ambition to futureproof its services and evolve alongside the audience it serves, ensuring the organisation remains relevant and equipped for an ever-changing media landscape.

Adam steps into the role after co-founding and leading BFBS Creative, BFBS’ commercial agency, where he oversaw growth in creative capability and supported UK Defence and partners through strategic storytelling and audience connection.

Adam Waters, BFBS Director of AI Culture and Gaming said: “Gaming and esports continue to be one of the most effective ways we connect with younger serving personnel and support wellbeing. Alongside that, as AI continues to evolve across BFBS, my focus will be to help teams use it in a practical and productive way.”

Ben Chapman, BFBS CEO added: “This is a significant step and deliberate investment in how we are shaping BFBS and increasing its relevance for our current and future armed forces, with a particular focus through gaming, while also developing our use of artificial intelligence across the organisation, ensuring BFBS remains a trusted and effective media service.”

Adam will step away from the day-to-day leadership of BFBS Creative as the organisation continues to build on the strong foundations already in place.

HIVE In Action: Team BFC engage with BFBS Training

Our Army HIVE team in Cyprus recently underwent team training with their local BFBS colleagues, and learnt how to present and record an audio script.

Whilst most of the team were initially a bit nervous about doing this, they totally got on board and embraced learning these new skills working with our BFBS partners. They have now produced a recording that will be used to promote how HIVE’s service can help the BFC community via BFBS radio and other audio channels on Island.

Well done HIVE team BFC, and thanks to the Cyprus BFBS team for facilitating such a valuable team training session.

National County Lines and Child Exploitation Awareness Webinar – 26 June

The National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and Ivison Trust webinar on County Lines and Child Exploitation awareness for the military community has been confirmed as Friday 26th June, from 10:00 to 12:00.

You can book places via this link.

This online session will be available nationally and overseas and is intended to complement the recent Escapeline face-to-face sessions.

The webinar will include presentations on social media awareness for welfare teams, parents and all teaching staff. It will also feature shared lived experiences from military families impacted by County Lines.

Victory Services Club - Monthly Newsletter & Digital Magazine

Victory Services Club have published their latest newsletter and also their digital magazine.

To read the latest ‘Club Life’ newsletter, please click here: Club Life Newsletter - May 2026

To view the digital magazine, please click HERE

For more information about the Victory Services Club, please go to: Home - Victory Services Club

Civvy Street Magazine: June/July Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, please click HERE. To read back issues, please go to: https://civvystreetmagazine.co.uk/digital-editions/

Quest Magazine: June Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, or any back issues, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/magazine-archive

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Could your organisation help strengthen support for serving families facing separation and relocation?

Could your organisation help strengthen support for serving families facing separation and relocation?

Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) are inviting applications for a new place-based grants programme, giving organisations the chance to strengthen support for serving families affected by separation and relocation.

For many serving families, separation and relocation can affect every part of life - from daily routines and relationships to wellbeing and a sense of stability. Together for Service Families: place-based grants is a fantastic opportunity to help change that by backing strong local partnerships that make support easier to find, easier to access and better suited to the realities of service life.

What’s it all about?

At the heart of this new programme are place-based portfolio projects led by one organisation and delivered with a range of partners. If your organisation understands its local area, values partnership working and wants to create meaningful change for serving families, this is a fantastic opportunity to drive that change locally.

Up to £350,000 is available for portfolio grants lasting up to 3.5 years, including an initial discovery or development phase of up to six months. This gives organisations the chance to build strong local partnerships, understand needs in depth and create lasting change beyond the life of the grant.

Is it for me?

This programme is open to UK-based registered charities with substantial recent experience of supporting armed forces communities, as well as local authorities. If your organisation is ready to lead ambitious local partnership work that improves support for serving families, we’d love to hear from you.

What type of projects can be supported?

The Trust want to hear from organisations ready to lead projects that tackle immediate challenges and strengthen how support is designed and delivered locally over time.

Applications will follow a two-stage process, starting with expressions of interest from organisations that want to act as the lead organisation for a local portfolio of work.

Find out more

If this sounds like the right opportunity for your organisation, submit your expression of interest by 12 noon 19 August 2026. You can find full programme guidance, eligibility information and application details on the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on each of these Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk