Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – EO Universal Credit Income and Expenses Agents, Swindon and Sheffield

The Department of Work and Pensions has 150 new Universal Credit Income and Expenses Agent Executive Officer opportunities at Sheffield Kings Court, and Swindon Polaris House. These are now open for applications until 21 Jul 2025.

This is a brand-new role within DWP’s fraud and error strategy, so successful candidates will have an opportunity to help shape the future of DWP business delivery.

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Income and Expenses Agent Executive Officer - Swindon and Sheffield (Ref: 734) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

DWP state that they usually suggest people refer to the EO Microsite for information on applying. Whilst most information is still relevant, it is worth noting that this advert requests a written example on the civil service behaviour ‘Making Effective Decisions’ and not ‘communicating and influencing’ (as noted on the microsite).

For assistance with a Civil Service job application, please contact HIVE for support resources, or contact Forces Employment Charity to request a mentor.

July Quest Magazine is Out Now

To read this issue online, or any previous issues, please go to: Quest Magazine | Quest Online

NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel

The underwater world just got a whole lot more accessible and therapeutic, thanks to a generous £5,000 award from the NAAFI Fund to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM)! This fantastic funding is already making waves, allowing RCDM to replace and procure essential sub-aqua diving equipment. This means their vital Diving courses can continue to benefit not only Tri-Service personnel but also provide ongoing assistance to incredible Diving with the Injured expeditions.

The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.

But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.

To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/

To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/

New surveys for Service children aged 8-18 – share your experience of growing up in a military family

Links for Survey:

• Age 8 - 11
• Age 12 - 15
• Age 16 - 18

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Over 2.5 million awarded to address the needs of service pupils

“Service pupils are more likely to experience family separation, as their serving parent(s) can be deployed to remote or dangerous locations. This can affect pupils’ emotional wellbeing, and they may require additional support at school during these periods.” -Service Pupils in Schools: Non-statutory guidance

Delivered on behalf of the MOD, the Service Pupil Support programme ensures the needs of service pupils are met through effective interventions to support them along their educational pathway.

In this latest funding round, The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awarded just over £2.5 million to 34 projects across the UK, dedicated to helping service pupils thrive. These initiatives are transforming the way schools support children from armed forces families by breaking down barriers to identifying additional needs, improving access to vital services, and empowering professionals through targeted development to ensure every service child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Russell Collier, Education Policy Team, MOD adds:

"We are delighted that so many education settings and local authorities, from across the UK, chose to apply to the Service Pupil Support Programme this year. It’s incredibly positive to see a large number of exciting projects being funded, all with the same ambition in mind, that is to support children from armed forces families to thrive in education."

Empowering service children

RFS July Newsletter - Celebrating women, progress, and possibility

To view the newsletter online, please go to: 

recruit4spouses.cmail20.com/t/r-e-thurxjd-nhlmhutrr-m/

Dorset: Little Troopers launches All Together family reconnection weekends

The military children’s charity, Little Troopers, has launched a series of free family reconnection weekends for forces families to spend quality-time together.

Funded by Team Forces, the four Little Troopers weekends invite young people and their parents to go away for an exciting few days of outdoor adventure and connection where they’ll be encouraged to put down their phones, meet people, do new things and spend quality time together.

Open to families with up to four siblings aged 9 and over, the weekends will be packed with adventurous activities including coasteering, raft building, kayaking, mega SUPing and coastal bushcraft, as well as time to relax on the beach, watching the sunset with a hot chocolate.

With a mix of child-only and parent-and-child time, the itinerary has been organised so that the small number of five to six families attending will have an enjoyable break and make memories to last a lifetime.

The dates for the Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends in 2025 are

• Friday 25th July to Sunday 27th July, Brenscombe, Wareham, Dorset
• Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th September, Portland, Dorset

Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, Scotland – Open Morning 2025 on Sat 13 Sep

Please contact the school to register for the open event, and for further info go to: Queen Victoria School - Boarding School, Dunblane, Scotland

Veterans Karting Championships with Mission Motorsport - scheduled events near you

 

Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it.

Please see the image for details of all event locations and dates.

Registration is now open for all rounds—you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster.

Here are the event dates and sign-up links:

Serve and Protect Credit Union - July update

📢 Free financial webinars this July from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

This July, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:Thu 3rd - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
Thu 3rd - People Over Profit: The Credit Union Movement
Tue 8th - Responsible Lending: How We Can Stop Loan Sharks Together
Thu 10th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Tue 15th - Harmful Effects of Gambling: Presented in collaboration with GamCare
Thu 17th - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Tue 22nd - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected
Thu 24th - Before You Borrow: Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

🔗 Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

NEW webinar available 🚨

Credit unions are an ethical and responsible way to manage your money and improve your finances. These not-for-profit cooperatives are all about putting people over profit! 🌍

Discover how you could benefit from joining a credit union with the latest webinar from Serve and Protect Credit Union this July.

👉 Learn more and register for free here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

Improved website accessibility

Serve and Protect Credit Union are here to help you meet your financial needs 🙌

Their new website accessibility toolbar also means you can access Serve and Protect's free financial resources in a way which meets your unique requirements.

From built-in screen reading functionality, to reading aids, customisable styling options, and translation into over 100 languages, their website is truly accessible to all 😊

👉 Learn more about Serve and Protect via their website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-update

Understanding loan sharks

Why are loan sharks so dangerous? 💸

When life throws us financial surprises, it can be tempting to consider quick fixes such as a loan from an unregulated lender. However, turning to loan sharks can bring devestating consequences to you and your loved ones 🤕

Serve and Protect Credit Union recently spoke with Stop Loan Sharks to understand the dangers, signs to look for, and the support available for victims.

👉 Read the full article here: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/articles/what-are-loan-sharks-and-why-are-they-so-dangerous/

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.

Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:

• Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only
• USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only
• Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only
• Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only

The new Global Mobility Allowance Calculator (accessible via defnet or Defence Connect) gives a real-time, tailored estimate of the GMA allowance you will receive, and a comparison of GMA trial versus non-trial allowances.

The tool simplifies what would be a complex and time-consuming calculation process and enables you to make informed decisions about your assignment – including considerations on family support, cost of living and financial planning.

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

Survey link in text below: 

If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.

Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.

How to complete the survey

You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.

You have until Saturday 30 August to make your voice heard.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 27 June 25

An update on communal areas

We have heard from many of you at our SFA roadshows and we know families wish to be able enjoy communal spaces and gardens to the front of their properties. In many cases, these areas provide a valuable space for garden furniture and play equipment.

We have a duty to ensure that communal areas are safe, but we also want to see a common-sense approach that balances safety and convenience for families.

The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April sets out our commitment to empower families and to enable you to take decisions about your home.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, please note the following advice regarding the use of outdoor communal spaces:

• Families are encouraged to use and to enjoy gardens and communal areas.
• Communal areas can be used for families to gather and socialise, provided this does not disturb other neighbours.
• Families have the choice to use items (such as garden furniture) in external communal areas. If families wish for our teams to carry out ground maintenance, we kindly request items are removed when not in use (as they will need access to a clear area to carry out the work). However, if families find enjoyment and pride in maintaining the area themselves, they are welcome to keep their items out.
• Please talk to your Housing Officer regarding larger items that are fixed and cannot be easily removed such as trampolines, swing sets, bike stores etc that you wish to place in communal areas.
• Items that pose an immediate health and safety risk to others such as rope swings, and tree houses may be removed without notice to ensure the safety of all.

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 28

Click to enlarge.

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad.

Click on the link below to find out more - 

New digital tool - Overseas allowance planning now easier

Defence Animal Training Regiment - Open Day - Sat 28th June 2025

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in Scotland - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

GFIE – 438 - DWP Fraud Officer, Leith & Glasgow
10 positions available

Closing Date extended to : 07 July 2025

Job Description

​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)

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.

To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).

Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.

From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).

This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.

For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).

NHS ‘Say You Served’: Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Why Declaring Your Military Affiliation Matters – For You and the Forces Community

Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.

It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.

Why It Matters for You

Declaring your military status ensures that you and your family can access the right services, at the right time. The NHS and local authorities recognise that the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families can differ from those of the general population—particularly around mobility, deployment, mental health, and continuity of care.

By identifying your military connection, healthcare professionals and service providers can take these unique circumstances into account. This could mean faster access to treatment (Dependent on personal circumstances), for a better understanding of your housing and educational needs during a posting or resettlement.

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 20 June 25

Prolonged dry weather and water conservation

Those living overseas will be well-accustomed to warmer weather, but for those living in the UK please note several areas across England and Wales have experienced the driest spring for over 60 years, and in some cases since records began. This has led to the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales declaring a combination of drought status and prolonged dry weather status for many regions

To help conserve water follow the recommended actions:

• Consider taking a quick shower instead of a bath.
• Be mindful not to keep taps running for longer than needed to avoid water wastage.
• Try to run dishwashers and washing machines with a full load.
• Check and report any leaks in toilets, faucets or pipes to Pinnacle by calling 0800 031 8628.

Collectively, these small actions can make a big difference to available water resources. Thank you for your support and co-operation.


Summer safety tips

Summer is upon us, and we want to share some Summer Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe during warmer weather.

For advice on summer safety including window restrictors, BBQs, and what to do if you find a wasp or bees nest inside your property, visit: https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-my-home/summer-tips/