Pinnacle HomeHub & improved access to repairs & appointments

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Bulk Recruitment - Croydon, Sutton, Hatfield and Norwich - Closing Date 26 July 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

Job Title: Work Coach (Executive Officer) 

Locations: Croydon, Sutton, Hatfield, and Norwich (x2)

Job description: Work Coach (EO)

Closing Date: 26 July 2026

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)

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Bulk Recruitment - Work Coach Executive Officer- various locations - closing date 26 July 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

Job Title: Work Coach (Executive Officer)

Locations: Barking, Tower Hamlets, Walthamstow Job Centres, Hendon, Harrow, Uxbridge, Kingston, Herts, Colchester & Watford(x2)

Job description: DWP Work Coach (Executive Officer)

Closing Date: 26 July 2026

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)

Queen Victoria School, Dunblane, Scotland – Open Morning 2026 12th September 2026

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

Forces Cars Direct: July Offers – Save on Your Next Vehicle

Explore our July offers with your exclusive discounts, including the new Toyota bZ4X Touring with saving of £18,253 and the new design of the Cupra Born with an equally impressive £10,426 off.

To view all of this month’s offers, please visit the link below: https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

NAAFI Fund 2026: Opens Today (1 July)

The NAAFI Fund portal is open for applications again!

Since their launch in 2020, they have supported 541 projects totalling £4,844,227.

📅 Mark Your CalendarsTwo-month window: Applications open on Wednesday 1st July and close on Friday 4th September, meaning you have the whole summer to get your project ideas in.
One-Stage Application: No complicated stages, just one straightforward application to complete.

🚀 Get Ready to Apply
You can find the link to apply on the Giving Back page: NAAFI | The NAAFI Fund, there is also some application guidance and FAQ’s to help with your submission, if you get stuck. If you have any questions, please send to funding@naafi.co.uk.

The Ripple Pond Newsletter Summer 2026: Together, We're Shaping Better Support for Families

To read the newsletter in full, please go to:
THINKING FAMILY Summer Edition

To find out more, please visit:
Thinking Family Resources | The Ripple Pond

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 279 DWP Executive Officer roles UK-wide – closing date 15 Jul

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 279 Executive Officer (EO) Work Coach vacancies across the UK. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

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

Universal Credit Review - Case Worker - Executive Officer (National) (Ref: 768) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK 200 roles available, UK-wide

Universal Credit Job Centre - EO Work Coach - Manchester and Cheshire (Ref: 767) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK 79 roles available, North West England.

Closing dates for both of the above is 15 July 26.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: 4% Fixed-Rate Saver - Available in July 2026

Serve and Protect Credit Union are pleased to announce a their latest Fixed-Rate Savings Account.

It’s free to join the credit union and members can open a fixed-rate savings account and lock in a guaranteed rate of 4% AER.

Key details:

✅ 4% AER fixed for 12 months

✅ Balances between £1,000-£10,000

✅No fees or charges

✅Available between 1st to 29th July 2026

If you’d like to learn more about eligibility, terms, or how the account works, please visit: Fixed Rate Savings Account | Serve and Protect Credit Union

For any questions, please contact Serve and Protect Credit Unio

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Help shape our 2027–2030 funding – your insight matters

AFCFT message to the Service community:

We are beginning our consultation to shape the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s funding approach for 2027–2030, and we would really value your insight as serving personnel. We have the approval of Gen Humphris (ACDS(People)) to reach out to you.

We want to understand the issues you and your families are experiencing, particularly during periods of high operational tempo, and where there may be gaps or emerging needs. Your lived experience is essential in helping us focus our funding on what would be most genuinely helpful.

We are very conscious of the pressures on your time. So we are asking if you are able to complete an online survey, anonymously, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWPQ6TY.

Our role is to complement what already exists by funding services and support that add practical value for you and your families.

If you are willing to share reflections, examples or priority areas we should be considering, your contribution would directly inform how future funding is shaped.

Thank you for everything you do, and for considering supporting this work.

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

Image Credit: Gurkha Brigade Association

BFBS to deliver live coverage of the 2026 Nepal Cup Final on 4 July

On 4 July 2026, one of the most significant occasions in Gurkha sport returns as the Nepal Cup Final is broadcast live exclusively with BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), bringing together tradition and pride in a showcase event at the heart of the military sporting calendar.

The hugely anticipated final will be streamed live on Forces News YouTube and on BFBS TV (serving personnel and families overseas only) ensuring those in active service, veterans, and military football followers across the globe can follow every moment of the action as it unfolds.

The Nepal Cup is widely regarded as one of the most important days in Gurkha sport, combining elite competition with cultural celebration and ceremonial tradition. The Queen’s Gurkha Signals have dominated recent years, lifting the trophy for the past two seasons, including a 2-0 victory over the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment in last year’s final. In 2024, the competition delivered one of its most memorable editions to date, featuring a five-goal thriller packed with outstanding goals and emotional reactions.

Kyle Dixon, BFBS Sport Reporter & Producer, said: “BFBS looks forward to sharing the livestreamed experience in this final, a standout occasion where tradition and sporting talent come together to unite the military community. Being able to capture the colour and intensity in real-time is at the heart of what BFBS Sport does.”

BFBS broadcasts more than 60 live military sporting events each year, continuing its mission to connect the global forces community through sport. This year’s final promises to deliver another iconic moment in military sporting history, with news coverage also available here: https://www.forcesnews.com/sport/football/nepal-cup-final-experience-amazing-gurkha-football-event-live-bfbs-sport

Don’t miss a moment, follow BFBS Forces News on Facebook, Instagram and X.

DIO Update: Publication of NAO Report on the repurchase of the Defence SFA Estate

The National Audit Office (NAO) has today published its report into the MOD’s buy-back of 36,000 homes.

The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better.

Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently.

For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can sign up to get Defence Homes updates direct to your inbox via this link: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

Valuing Forces Families Overseas: Focus Group Invitation

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 researchers to understand how military families can have positive experiences of overseas postings.

Please follow the link below 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.

MOD Veterans Services: New online form now available for referrals and self-referrals

A new online form is now available, making it easier and quicker to refer to Veterans Services, who provide information, guidance and welfare support to those who have left or are transitioning out of the Armed Forces.

The form offers a simple and secure way for veterans, serving personnel, and those supporting them to request assistance and supporting guidance. It removes the need to download and complete paper or PDF forms, allowing referrals to be submitted directly to the Veterans Services team who will build and manage your case.

Most referrals can be completed in just a few minutes if you have the relevant information to hand. This may include contact details for you or the person being referred, such as a telephone number, address, Service number, National Insurance number, and date of birth. If you have not served, you can still make a referral – just provide the details of the serving person or veteran you are supporting.

To find out more about the new online referral/self-referral process, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-a-referral-to-veterans-services

Military Co-Working Hubs: Upcoming Virtual Events

LINK TO MAIN EVENT PAGE: Book Club | Military Coworking

Virtual Co-working – every Tuesday AND Thursday morning
Time & Location
Tuesday's and Thursday's 09:30 – 12:00 BST
Virtual Coworking
For those who don't have access to a hub but love to cowork.
LINK: Virtual Coworking | Military Coworking

Craft & Chat - Tuesday evening dates
Time & Location
Tuesday 19:30 – 21:00
30.06.2026 / 21.07.2026 / 28.07.2026 - Virtual Event
Bring whatever craft you're working on and have a natter with us whilst you craft!
LINK: Craft & Chat | Military Coworking

Colouring break – every Wednesday lunch time
Time & Location
Wednesday's , 12:00 – 12:30 - Virtual Event
Break up your working week with 30 minutes of colouring in and chatting, help make sure you take a bit of time for you in your busy weeks!
LINK: Colouring Break | Military Coworking

Book Club - Tuesday evening dates
Time & Location
Tuesday 19:30 – 21:00
Next date: 14.07.2026 - Virtual Event
Break up your working week with 30 minutes of colouring in and chatting, help make sure you take a bit of time for you in your busy weeks!
LINK: Book Club | Military Coworking

Content planning Club - Wednesday morning dates
Time & Location
Tuesday 19:30 – 21:00
Next date: 29.07.2026 - Virtual Event
Break up your working week with 30 minutes of colouring in and chatting, help make sure you take a bit of time for you in your busy weeks!
LINK: Content Planning Club | Military Coworking

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Cabinet Office Administrative Officer position in either London, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, Manchester - Closing Date: 15 July 2026

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (1 vacancy but multiple locations):

GFIE-496 – Cabinet Office Administrative Officer position in either London, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, Manchester - Closing Date: 15 July 2026

Job description: DWP Business Administrator

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)

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): 8 DWP Administrative Officer positions in Bristol, Camberley, Gloucester, Maidenhead, Staines, and Swindon – closing date 12 Jul

The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme (8 vacancies in total):

GFIE-494 – DWP Administrative Officer positions in Bristol, Camberley, Gloucester, Maidenhead, Staines, and Swindon

Job description: DWP Administration 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)

DIO: Families First Issue 39 Published

To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes

Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/

A* for British Forces Cyprus schools: parents give top marks

A* for British Forces Cyprus schools: parents give top marks

Defence Children Services (DCS) schools and early years settings in Cyprus have received outstanding results in the 2026 Parent Satisfaction Survey.

Covering 1,148 pupils across early years, primary and secondary schools within British Forces Cyprus (BFC) military bases, families have reported very high levels of confidence and satisfaction across all areas of education and care.

The survey showed that:

100% of parents agreed their child feels safe at school
99% said they would recommend their child's school to another parent
97% said their child is happy at school and doing well
98% of parents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children said the school gives their child the support they need to succeed

School staff have been consistently praised for their warmth, dedication and professionalism, with many families highlighting the excellent support provided during deployments, transitions and the challenges faced by service families on posting.

One parent summed it up simply: "Hands down the best school my children have attended."

Leigh Drummond, Head of Defence Children Services said:

“I would firstly like to congratulate the schools and staff who earned these amazing results. I am delighted that the efforts made throughout the year by BFC staff are being recognised.

“The fantastic feedback demonstrates the staff’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the pupils in our schools, from nursery all the way up to college. Schools, and those who work in them, play a critical role in helping children thrive in full and healthy lives.

“Parental feedback is really important in allowing us to continuously improve how we develop the education we offer.”

Families were surveyed in the first half of summer term, and questions and statements were designed to align with Ofsted standards. With 20% feeding back on their thoughts and experiences, BFC families doubled the expected return rate – providing the schools with a broad range of valuable viewpoints and insights.

Areas identified for continued development include improving club booking systems, extending after-school clubs and activities, and addressing staffing consistency – and the schools are already acting on each of those points.

These results build on strong performance in two previous annual surveys. They reflect the commitment of every member of staff across DCS Cyprus to providing a safe, ambitious and supportive environment for the children of our serving community.

Stagecoach Free travel for Armed Forces for Armed Forces Weekend

🚌🎖Free travel on Armed Forces Weekend (27th–28th June)

We're proud to show our appreciation for the incredible men and women who serve - and have served - our country.

As a small thank you, we're offering free bus travel across all Stagecoach services for members of the Armed Forces community throughout Armed Forces weekend.

Here’s who can travel for free:

✅Serving military personnel in uniform or with a valid military ID
✅Veterans with a veteran’s badge or military medal
✅Cadets

It’s our way of saying thank you - for your service, your dedication, and your sacrifice.