Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): NEW VACANCY: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - 1 Vacancy - Multiple Locations - Closing Date: 13 November 2025

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

Specialist Scheme and Accommodation Support Service

Administrator - DVSA Swansea or Yeading, Middlesex

 Closing Date: 13 November 2025451

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).

Day in the Life ...

Specialist Scheme and Accommodation Support Service Administrator - DVSA

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)

Motorfinity - On Freedom's Wings – The Last Mission Home

A Full-Sized Lancaster Bomber Rises as an Enduring Tribute to Bomber Command

On the border between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, a remarkable silhouette now commands the skyline. Standing 29 metres high with a wingspan of 31 metres, a full-sized steel sculpture of an Avro Lancaster bomber appears frozen in flight, heading home across the fields that once echoed with the roar of wartime engines.

This is 'On Freedom's Wings' – an extraordinary tribute to the 55,573 men of RAF Bomber Command who never returned from their missions over occupied Europe.

To read the full article, click HERE

November Quest magazine is out now

The latest edition of Quest magazine (and back issues also) can be read online at the following link:
Quest Magazine | Quest Online

Queen Victoria School - Admissions for 2026 Open!

Mission Motorsport - Banter Brews and Cars Event - Wed 19th Nov 25

Click poster to enlarge.

The Banter, Brews & Cars events at Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan have had a fantastic year, and we’re excited to invite you to our penultimate event of 2025! On Wednesday, 19th November, we’ll be offering exhilarating passenger rides with our volunteer drivers from 9pm to 3pm, allowing attendees to enjoy as many laps as they wish.

Event Details:

Event: Banter, Brews & Cars – Race & Rally Passenger Rides
Date: Wednesday, 19th November
Location: Three Sisters Circuit, Wigan. WN4 8DD

This exclusive event is open to the Armed Forces Community, providing a full day of private track access. It’s a great opportunity to relax, reconnect with others, and experience the excitement of motorsport in a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere. The event is completely free to attend, and all you need to do is sign up to enjoy the adrenaline, fun, and great memories.

We encourage you to please share this invitation amongst members of the Armed Forces Community, serving, veterans and their families - everyone is welcome!

Additionally, I have attached a clickable PDF and a flyer with the event information for your convenience. Our social media post is here (Facebook and Instagram), and you’re welcome to repost it if you have your own social media.

While we can’t predict the weather, we can assure you that the day will be packed with adrenaline, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Registration link : https://bbc-nov.eventbrite.co.uk

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey

Your opportunity to shape Service life – AFCAS 2026

Halfway through the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS). This is an opportunity for Service personnel to have their say on shaping Service life.

AFCAS gives a random sample of Regular Service personnel the chance to tell Defence what they like and dislike about daily aspects of Service life. This includes where they live, their pay and allowances, and career.

If you are a Regular Service person, check if you’re eligible to take part in the survey. All responses are confidential.

The more people that take part in AFCAS, the better. Every voice in this survey ensures that the needs and experiences of Service personnel are at the heart of driving new and improved Defence initiatives and policies to improve Service life.

Here are recent examples of ongoing work to help improve Service life:

· Families Hub – Check out Defence’s information portal, with useful signposting to information, support and organisations, to help you navigate Service family life. Visit the Families Hub.

· Simplifying overseas service finances – Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork. Read more on the BFBS website.

Who can complete AFCAS, and how?

If you are a Regular Service person, check the eligibility tool to see if you have been randomly invited to take part in this year’s survey. You will need to enter your Service number, which is case sensitive.

If you are in this year’s sample, the tool will direct you to complete AFCAS.

If you are not in this year’s sample, the tool will direct you to a shorter survey to still give your views.

Share your thoughts by 11.59 pm, Monday 2 February 2026.

New Defence Housing Strategy published

 
Defence Housing Strategy

Following an announcement by Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP this afternoon, we are delighted to share the new Defence Housing Strategy.

Independently led by a team of experts and driven by the input of more than 6,000 service families, the strategy sets out the most significant change for Armed Forces housing in over 50 years. It marks the start of a fully costed ten-year programme to reshape, redevelop and modernise the Defence housing estate to best meet the realities of modern service family life.

We have summarised some of the key changes set out in the strategy for you and your family below:

Redevelopment and modernisation of UK SFA

• Every service family deserves a home they can be proud of. This transformation will create thousands of high-quality homes, supporting our Armed Forces and their families for decades to come.  
• We will be giving over 40,000 military homes a makeover – new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems to ensure you have what you need for comfortable modern living.  14,000 of these homes will be substantially refurbished or replaced.
• Rapid improvements are already underway through a Consumer Charter for Forces Families introduced earlier this year. New and upgraded military homes will meet modern property standards comparable to the best professional housing organisations, ensuring they are warm, spacious and of high quality.

Serve and Protect - Free Webinars in November

Boost your financial knowledge with free webinars from Serve and Protect this November!

Through our partnership with Serve and Protect Credit Union, you can access free financial webinars on the following topics every week in November:

• Eco-friendly ways to save money
• Harmful effects of gambling w/ GamCare
• Budgeting to take control of your money
• Practical habits to boost your savings
• Tips to boost your credit score
• Preparing for the unexpected
• Things to know before you borrow

Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Register for free today to avoid disappointment.

Learn More - https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

£4.5 million awarded to support veterans with a housing need

· 19 organisations to receive a share of £4.5 million under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund.

· These projects will provide new builds and significant refurbishment of rental accommodation offering high quality support for veterans with a housing need.

19 organisations will share £4.5 million thanks to funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs’ Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund. The awards cover England, Scotland and Wales and contribute to the Government’s ambition to reduce veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.

Nine grants are awarded under the Major Capital Grants programme, which supports new build accommodation and significant refurbishment and extension of accommodation for veterans. A further 10 supplementary grants are awarded to existing projects. These latest awards bring the total awarded through this programme to over £12.5 million.

Find out more

You can find a full list of all awardees from this round and previous rounds of the Major Capital Grants programme on the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

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

Op Courage - Midlands - Survey

Op COURAGE Midlands survey

Are you someone who’s supported a loved one through their journey with Midlands Op COURAGE? The team there want to hear from you.

They’re running the following feedback survey to better understand your experience with Midlands Op COURAGE - the NHS mental health and wellbeing service for veterans. Whether you’ve used the service yourself or supported someone who has, your insights are invaluable.

Why take part? The team at Op COURAGE Midlands are working to make Midlands Op COURAGE easier to understand and more responsive to your needs. This survey includes questions about how we talk about the service, what support looks like, and how it ends.

It only takes 8 to 10 minutes, and your feedback will directly help us improve how we support veterans and their families.

Survey closes: Sunday 30 November 2025

Complete the survey at: https://forms.office.com/e/iZseWeFvu0

Victory Services Club, London – October 2025 Newsletter

Read the latest Club Life newsletter from the Victory Services Club

Serve and Protect Credit Union - Free Webinars in Nov and Dec

 
This week is ‘Talk Money Week’, so why not sign up for a free webinar from Serve + Protect. ‘First come, first served’… and you can register through your personal devices / email addresses:

Eco-friendly ways to save money 

Eco-friendly savings webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/eco-friendly-ways-to-save-money?s=474742b0-68b0-40c6-bbe5-…

Budgeting 101 

Budgeting explained webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/budgeting

Saving Made Simple 

Tips to boost savings webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/saving-made-simple-practical-habits-to-boost-your-savings

Credit Score 101 

Tips to boost your score webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/credit-scores

Boost Financial Resilience 

Preparing for the unexpected webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/the-road-to-financial-resilience-preparing-for-the-unexpec…

Before You Borrow 

Key things to know webinar | November and December 2025 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 
https://app.livestorm.co/serveandprotect/before-you-borrow

Speak up, save lives: Men’s Health Campaign 2025 (Movember)

This year’s Men’s Health Campaign (better known as Movember) is focusing on the theme of “Speak Up, Save Lives”. This theme encourages men to open up about their struggles, seek support, and take proactive steps toward better health. The campaign aims to break the stigma around mental health and promote regular health checks, especially for cancers that affect men (prostate cancer and testicular cancer).

Why It Matters: Men are often less likely to talk about their health or seek help. Every conversation can make a difference.

Early detection saves lives. That’s why it’s vital to take advantage of tools like the NHS Health Check - a free check-up for adults aged 40 to 74 to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or dementia. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.

For those in MOD, more resources can be found on the Army Health Promotion SharePoint site

Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness Programme starting 10th Nov

Aurora have very limited spaces left on their next DA Athena group-work programme which starts on Monday 10th November. Please see the poster for more details and how to register interest for the course.

Information about Primary School applications, if your child will be 4 by the end of Aug 2026

Defence Children Services:

Please see the Letter to parents if your child will be 4 by the end of August 2026 and you’re therefore eligible to apply for a Primary school place for your child. The deadline in England for applying for a Primary School place is January 15th 2026. Most Local Authorities have detailed information on their admissions websites about the process.

If you’re considering deferring your child’s start at Primary School, you will still need to apply for a school place in this application round but also request to defer your child’s start at primary school via the Headteacher and or the Local Authority.

Forces Employment Charity Oct newsletter: Leadership, Collaboration and Impact

This month’s newsletter spotlights exciting opportunities for those looking to forge new career paths in leadership and senior civilian roles. Whether embracing leadership challenges, making bold career moves, or stepping into global roles, the veteran community continues to inspire. Explore this month’s exclusive career opportunities, events, and insights for your next chapter.

Book Now for Our Senior Executive Workshop

Are you a senior officer (OF5 and above) interested in learning about the transition to senior executive civilian roles? Sign up now for our November Senior Executive Workshop for sessions on growth sectors, building your personal brand, salary expectations, pension planning, and a networking session with a broad range of industry contacts.

New Partnership With The Institute Of Leadership

We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Institute of Leadership. The IoL offers world-class development tools to support and empower individuals in their leadership journey. Eligible Forces Employment Charity clients can access 18 months of free membership.

Other upcoming events

• Pathways Into Defence and Security: Webinar 1

Realities, roles and routes into Defence Primes. Join us for the first of two webinars, following the in-person Pathways into Defence and Security conference, to gain additional insights into the sector.

5 November, 13:00-14:00, Online

• Senior Executive Workshop and Networking

Sign up now for sessions on growth sectors, building your personal brand, salary expectations, pension planning, and a networking session with a broad range of industry contacts. Learn More.

13 November, 10:30-19:00, London

• LinkedIn Essentials with Lincoln Coutts

Whether you are just getting started or have had a LinkedIn profile for years, Lincoln Coutts will guide you through the platform’s essential tips and tricks. Register today.

18 November, 11:00-16:00, Online

• Pathways Into Defence and Security Webinar 2

Roles and alternative routes into the defence sector. Join us for the second of two webinars, and gain insights into alternative employment routes into the defence sector.

19 November, 13:00-14:00, Online

Little Troopers: SQUAD Podcast is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors

SQUAD Podcast - Series

SQUAD is returning for Series 2 and your military children Year7+ could take part as contributors.

The Little Troopers podcast – SQUAD – is created especially for 

young people aged 11–18 who are part of a military family.

As we get ready to launch Series 2, we’re on the lookout for young contributors to feature in the new episodes! Recording will take place throughout November and the podcast will launch in January 2026. You’ll be able to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other major platforms – as well as on the Little Troopers website.

🎧 This is a fantastic opportunity for military young people to share their experiences and join conversations alongside an inspiring line-up of guests – including celebrities, sports stars, and musicians who also grew up in military families.

We’d love to hear your story and your questions for our guests about how being part of a military family has shaped their lives and careers.

For more information and application form

SQUAD Series 1 episodes can be found here

Department for Work & Pensions Bulk Recruitment: 175 vacancies for Universal Credit Review Executive Officers nationwide

The Department for Work and Pensions has 175 vacancies for Universal Credit Review Executive Officers, open for applications between the 28/10/2025 and the 11/11/2025. The vacancies are available to veterans, reservists, currently serving personnel who are looking to transition into civilian roles and their family members.

The link for further information on the role, locations and how to apply is at: Universal Credit Review - Executive Officer - National (Ref: 749) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

DIO SFA Communications Update: 23 Oct – Defence Homes Colour Palette

Patch Hacks: New painting guidelines for UK SFA

As part of their commitment to modernise outdated policies and give Service families more freedoms, DIO has introduced a new Defence Homes Colour Palette. And they say:

“We understand that being able to personalise your home is important. Whilst previously all interior walls had to be returned to magnolia or white before moving out, our new colour palette offers a broader range of colours for families to choose from.

“Colours within this range are light and neutral and will not require reverting to white. Take a look at our new colour palette along with some inspiration on how they could be styled in your home here.

“To give you as much freedom as possible, we haven’t dictated particular paint brands, colour names or types (like matt or silk). If you’re unsure whether your chosen colour complies with the approved range on the colour palette, you can check with your dedicated Housing Officer.

“As always, you are welcome to paint your interior walls other colours outside of the new palette range, but these will require reverting back to white upon move out.

“More information on this new policy, including a Top Tips guide for painting the interior of your SFA, can be found on the Defence Homes website. This includes helpful guidance on everything from choosing the right type of paint for a room to prepping the walls and aftercare.”

Defence Homes Paint FAQs page

Defence Update: Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

Almost £1 million awarded to projects that support Service partners

The Supporting Partners Programme 2025/26 awards almost £1 million to projects that empower Service partners to thrive.

A further 17 projects have been awarded almost £1 million (www) to help promote skills and experience in the workplace, enhance access to vital services, and improve wellbeing.

Compared to last year, this year’s Supporting Partners Fund allocated over 20% more funding to projects and received more overseas applications than ever before.

Bigger budget, bigger impact

Here are some of the important projects that have been awarded grants in the latest round of funding under the Supporting Partners Programme.

AI training initiative to bring new opportunities to partners, worldwide

The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (www) provides a range of media outlets and events for British forces and their families. Supporting Partners Funding will help to deliver an online and in person training programme for Service partners, worldwide.