BFBS: April Update

To view this latest update from BFBS in full, please go to:

BFBS Update April 2026 | About BFBS

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 360 Case Manager job vacancies across the UK, closing date 14 May

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 360 Executive Officer Case Manager roles, working in Disability Services on the Access to Work scheme. 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: Disability Services - Access to Work - EO Case Manager - National (Ref: 761) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Open for applications until 14/05/26.

Defence Update: Your move, better supported - Fairer moving costs for UK PASH users

Your move, better supported:

Fairer moving costs for UK PASH users

Moving home is never easy, but the Armed Forces are making it a little simpler and fairer.

If you live in Single Living Accommodation (SLA) – in a Mess, Barrack Block or equivalent – and you need to move your things when posted to another unit, there are two ways you can get help:

• UK Private Arrangements Self Help Scheme (UK PASH) – you arrange your own move and claim back some of the costs
• Self Pack Service (SPS) – your unit helps move your belongings through stores

What's changing?

UK PASH remains a popular choice – used by over 1,500 Service personnel last year – and from 1 May 2026, it’s getting even better.

Right now, you can claim back up to £298.56 for things like van hire, a trailer, packing boxes, or a removal firm. That cap isn't changing.

But here's the new bit: you can now also claim Motor Mileage Allowance (MMA) on top of the £298.56. MMA is paid at 25p per mile for one return trip – including any required detours, like picking up a hired van.

In short, you get:

• up to £298.56 for your moving costs
• 25p for every mile you drive

Why does this matter?

Moving further away costs more money. But until now, everyone got the same cap – no matter how far they had to travel. That wasn't fair, especially as personnel don't always get to choose their posting – moving to where Defence needs them.

This change means longer moves get more support. It's a practical improvement that better reflects the costs involved in Service life.

Part of Your Offer

The Armed Forces Offer is about making sure that the people who serve our country are treated fairly and looked after well, with real support when life gets disrupted – like when you need to move home to serve at a new location.
Further information

Full details and information on all the rules around removal support are available in JSP 752, Chapter 12, Section 4.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Free financial webinars this May

🎲 Harmful Effects of Gambling with GamCare
Date: Tuesday 5th May
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Discover the financial impacts of harmful gambling with representatives from GamCare.

🌍 Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: Friday 8th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!

📆 Planning Ahead: Wills, Trusts and LPA Explained
Date: Tuesday 12th May
Time: 12:00-13:30
What to Expect: Find out about Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, Trusts, and Probate with representatives from Estates Planning Seminars.

🐖 Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings
Date: Wednesday 13th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion.

✍️ Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: Thursday 14th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending.

🛡️ Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters
Date: Wednesday 20th May
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it.

🚀 Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: Thursday 21st May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours.

💸 Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: Thursday 28th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply.

💛 Best Kept Secret in Finance: The Credit Union Difference
Date: Friday 29th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Learn how credit unions' people-focused approach benefits communities worldwide.

To find out more or to register for a webinar, please go to: Webinars - Serve & Protect

BFBS Esports Premier Competitive Gaming Platform

 

BFBS Esports is the premier competitive gaming platform for the UK Armed Forces and the wider defence community.

It was established in 2024 to reflect the increasing importance of gaming in the military, and champions ‘One Defence’.

BFBS esports team have decades of specialist industry knowledge and competitive gaming expertise, as well as a deep-rooted understanding of the military.

This year, our BFBS Pro League tournament has been expanded with new games, featuring Rocket League, F1 25 and League of Legends.

For 2026 BFBS have also created the BFBS Open Series, where new and casual players can develop their skills.

For more details, please click here

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 29 April 2026

Damage Charges process

DIO is introducing changes to the damage charges process to make this process simpler for you and your family upon Move-Out.

·From 1st May 2026, on the day you move out, your Housing Officer will provide a formal notification via email. This will include your move-out form, details of any charges incurred and information of how raise a dispute if needed.

· We have also extended the review timeframe for charges. You will now have 30 days to assess the charges and, if necessary, initiate a Stage 1 dispute. Recovery actions will not begin until this 30-day period has passed.

· If a dispute is raised, any recovery action will be paused until the issue has been fully resolved. Pinnacle will continue to handle Stage 1 disputes and DIO will continue to manage Stage 2 disputes.

These changes aim to ensure you are provided with clear details on the day of Move-Out and sufficient time to review everything before any further action is taken, if required.

For families who move out before 1st May 2026, formal notifications will continue to be issued under the current process. We appreciate your patience while we work through these remaining cases during the transition to the new system. 

New light pink shades added to Defence Homes colour palette

The Defence Homes Colour Palette has been updated following feedback from Service families, with five new light pink shades added. This update is part of our commitment to modernise outdated policies and give families greater freedoms to personalise their home. 

By choosing colours from within the Defence Homes Colour palette range, families can leave these at move out with no requirement to revert to white.   

If you are thinking about refreshing your home with a new coat of paint, you can start whenever you like – there is no need to ask for permission or to notify DIO, Amey/VIVO or Pinnacle.  

The updated palette does not specify paint brands or finishes (such as matt or silk), giving you the freedom to choose what works best for you. 

For more information and to view the full palette, click here.  

Notice to families using heating oil

DIO Families Families First Newsletter - Issue 37 Published

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter, featuring the latest Defence housing news and updates, is now available to view and download on the Defence Homes website.

Stop Loan Sharks Week 2026: 11 -17 May

Loan sharks play games with people’s lives

– let’s make it game over

Loan sharks don’t always look like villains. Sometimes, they change
character, switch tactics and reinvent themselves - just like players in an
online game.

But this isn’t a game. And the consequences are real.

A loan shark, also known as an illegal money lender, is someone who lends
money without proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority
(FCA). That means they don’t have to follow the rules that exist to protect
borrowers. They set their own terms, charge what they want, and stack the
game against you from the very start.

Loan sharks often appear friendly at first can - they reinvent themselves to
look like a trusted friend, a neighbour, another parent at the school gates or
someone recommended by family. But behind the friendly avatar, is
someone playing a dangerous game with people’s lives.

When they offer to do you a favour by lending you money when you need it,
it can feel like an easy option. But once you’ve pressed ‘start’, the game has
begun and things can quickly spiral out of control.
If borrowers struggle to keep up with repayments, what began as a helping
hand can turn into intimidation, threats or even violence. And in real life,
there’s no pause or exit button, just constant pressure and fear.

Knowing the warning signs can help you recognise when something isn’t
right. You could be dealing with a loan shark if:

Supporting the Unsung Hero: Business Start Up Programme – New Course Dates

For further information about Supporting the Unsung Hero programmes and to register for a course, please go to https://x-forces.com/supporting-the-unsung-hero/

Military vs Cancer: Supporting those in the Armed Forces Community affected by cancer

Click poster to enlarge.

Military Vs Cancer’s support includes:

• Additional family / nursing care funding.
• Travel costs for treatment, including hotel stays for family members.
• Home adaptations.
• Respite breaks.
• Memory making trips.
• Special experiences, especially for those with a terminal diagnosis.
• Peer group / community support for serving forces members and their families.

There are also several large-scale events this year including :

• Rugby Day Armed Forces Rugby Team vs North Select XV Teams - Doncaster - Free Tickets for Serving Personnel and Veterans
• Annual Summer Ball - Lincoln
• Heroes Golf Day
• Great North Run

To find out more about any of these events please visit: https://www.militaryvscancer.com/events/

Recruit for Spouses Webinar on 7 May: Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome

On Thursday 7th May at 12:30pm GMT, RFS is hosting:

Real Confidence for Real People: Imposter Syndrome

Delivered by the expert coaching team at Aletheia — Sam Ryder, Zoe Hughes, Saskia Hart, and Estelle Bailly — this free, practical session is designed specifically for military spouses and partners navigating self-doubt, career gaps, and the unique challenges of Service life.

Attendees will explore:

• Where imposter syndrome comes from and why it's so common in our community
• How to identify genuine strengths and challenge the narrative holding them back
• Practical strategies to build authentic, lasting confidence
• Tools to take confident action — whether exploring new roles, going for promotion, or starting something new

Thursday 7th May 2026
12:30pm
Virtual
Completely FREE

The session will be recorded but attendees need to register to access it, so we'd encourage anyone interested to sign up even if they can't join live.

Register here: https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in or email e.hartshorn@recruitforspouses.co.uk

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Supporting service children to thrive - a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Supporting service children to thrive: a new round of the Service Pupil Support Programme now open

Service life can bring unique challenges for children and young people. Frequent moves, disrupted learning and periods of separation can all add up - and they can affect how children feel, learn and achieve.

Delivered on behalf of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund, the Service Pupil Support programme (SPSP) funds practical, evidence-led projects that respond to these challenges and strengthen educational outcomes for service pupils. With a new round of funding now open, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are inviting schools and local authorities across the UK to apply, so more service pupils can get the right support to feel settled and succeed at school.

How much funding is available?

Grants of £5,000 to £150,000 for projects lasting up to two years are available. Projects must be evidence-led, clearly planned and time-limited, and work already covered by statutory provision won’t be funded.

Motorfinity: May Offer Sheets

For more information please visit the website here: https://www.motorfinity.uk

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2026 Recognise Outstanding Contribution of Armed Forces Families

London, 24 April 2026 – The fifth annual Celebrating Forces Families Awards took place on Friday evening at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, recognising the extraordinary contribution of Armed Forces families across the UK and overseas.

Bringing together families, organisations and advocates from across the military community, the awards shine a light on the resilience, dedication and often unseen impact of those who support Service life every day.

This year’s winners included:

• Young People’s Award: Jack and Luke Woodhouse
• Social Enterprise Award: NeuroDiverse Community CIC
• Business Award: QinetiQ
• Small Business Owner Award: Dionne Ross
• Family Volunteer Award: Lesley Collier
• Social Media Influencer Award: Padwives Unfiltered
• Public Service Award: Lisa Brown
• Armed Forces Advocate Award: Angela Lewis
• Inspirational Adult Family Member: Shelley Ellis
• Overcoming Adversity Award: Jo Gordon
• Away From Home Award: Katherine Sones

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements for 4 May bank holiday

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different for 4 May bank holiday:

On Monday 4 May offices and phone lines are closed.

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Monday 4 May, then benefits will be on Friday 1 May.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.

BFBS Signs Game-Changing 10-Year Contract with the MOD in New Era of Defence

24 April 2026: Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to transform the way that UK Armed Forces access trusted media and entertainment, wherever they are serving.
As Defence dominates world headlines, this agreement comes at a crucial moment and demonstrates the importance of BFBS’s services for the British military community worldwide, and for national security.

Ben Chapman, BFBS CEO said: “We are very excited to announce this renewed partnership with the MOD, and to fulfil our mission of uniting the UK Armed Forces and their families with trusted, creative media experiences for the next decade.

“We are living in complex geopolitical times, with Defence at the top of the global agenda, and never has the media landscape been more disrupted. BFBS plays a vital role in supporting the operational readiness and welfare of our military wherever they are serving, and we help to maintain a healthy democracy by ensuring that all those who serve our country have access to trusted, relevant, and secure media.

“We offer incredible value to the UK Armed Forces through our deep relationships with media partners who trust us to make their valuable entertainment, news, and sport content available to those who need it most – all free at the point of delivery.”

Maj Gen (Ret’d) Chris Wilson, Chair of Trustees for BFBS added: “From morale-boosting entertainment during deployments, and free, legal access to premium sport for those overseas, to our trusted, independent Forces News channels covering all aspects of military life, or AI training courses for military partners, BFBS contributes to the retention of personnel and the sustainability of national security.”

BFBS is developing a next-generation secure platform that will transform and futureproof media experiences for those who are serving, and the organisation already celebrates many successes with its channels and products.

The BFBS Forces News YouTube channel has more than one million subscribers, while the BFBS Esports Pro League — launched in 2025 — is helping to turn gaming culture in the forces into a competitive ecosystem, as military players enhance skills needed for modern warfare.

BFBS is also developing technology to deliver digital media content directly to submarines, ensuring that even in one of the most remote environments on Earth, personnel can access entertainment.

This new contract builds on more than eight decades of dedication to connecting and entertaining the UK Armed Forces and strengthens BFBS’s enduring relationship with the MOD to meet the future media needs of the military.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “BFBS are at the heart of service life, providing our personnel with access to secure, trusted entertainment, ranging from live football matches to the latest movie releases, and keeping our people engaged in Forces life from gaming to developing news.

“This 10-year contract renewal demonstrates our long-term commitment to our people - and will ensure they have media access relevant to their needs, devices and interests, wherever they serve. Our message to our Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.”

See bfbs.com for details of all services and follow BFBS on social media. Visit Forces News YouTube and Forces News for the latest global Defence news and stories.

‘Continue to Serve’: Military Service to Civil Service Online Event on 30 Apr

Are you a Veteran or Service Leaver looking to advance your career or explore opportunities within 'Department for Energy Security and Net Zero' (DESNZ) and the 'Department for Science, Innovation and Technology' (DSIT)?

Join the online event, ‘Continue to Serve - Military Service to Civil Service’, where they shine a spotlight on the experiences and journeys of veterans within the department.

During this session, you'll hear from colleagues who will discuss:

- Their personal experiences of entering and working at DSIT

- Progressing through the Civil Service

- The role and impact of the Joint Veterans and Reserves Network (JVaRN)

- Key HR policies and tips for applying to roles within the Civil Service

Date: 30th April

Time: 5:30 - 6:15 PM

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into building a fulfilling career at DSIT or DESNZ. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ebBpaUA5

LinkedIn posts:

DSIT

DESNZ

The sign up form can also be accessed at this LINK

Forces Employment Charity: Submit your Heropreneurs Awards nominations today

 The Heropreneurs Awards are now open for nominations across six award categories:

• Heropreneur of the Year
• Micro Enterprise of the Year
• Product Business of the Year
• Start Up of the Year
• Tech Business of the Year
• Warwick Business School MBA Scholarship Award

The annual Heropreneurs Awards celebrate exceptional achievements within the Armed Forces business community. Winners and finalists gain public recognition, expanded networks, and increased visibility for their ventures, opening doors to new opportunities.

Each year, the awards bring together founders and leaders from across industries, highlighting the talent and professionalism of veterans and their families.

To find out more please visit Heropreneurs Awards nominations | Forces Employment Charity

Defence Survey: Share your views on Single Living Accommodation

This is an opportunity for you to share your views on Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and help shape the future of Defence accommodation.

The survey will close at 1700 Friday 8th May 2026. Defence wants to hear from all Service personnel regardless of whether you currently use SLA or not.

To complete the survey, please click here: 2026 Single Living Accommodation Survey.

The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. It is entirely anonymous. We will not be collecting any personal information or sharing your responses with your Chain of Command.

Motorfinity: April Newsletter

Motorfinity - April Update

Welcome to the April Motorfinity newsletter! We’re excited to bring you our latest updates, including a Working Well Community podcast with Dr Paige Chana, fresh vehicle insights, theme park competition and helpful new content. This month is all about supporting wellbeing, unlocking savings, and sharing value across your teams.

Clinical psychologist Dr Paige Chana offers powerful insights into supporting wellbeing in complex healthcare environments, showing how psychological approaches can benefit both patients and staff.

New Car Discount with Motorfinity
NHS staff, Armed Forces, Social Care, Emergency Services and Education staff can save thousands on a brand-new car through Motorfinity.

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/PMJHYD8KCUw?si=VfTKzic-BEFLRfLE

👉 We’d love your support—please feel free to share this with colleagues and teams who could benefit from these exclusive savings.

New Vehicle Review: Changan Deepal S07 UK
Explore our latest review of the Changan Deepal S07 and see how it performs on UK roads.

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/LoPebH2IIuE?si=7FEPqI-Qk6F9jf4B

Podcast Feature: Dr Paige Chana
As part of the Working Well Community and Motorfinity’s newly launched Full Tank Thinking podcast series, this conversation was recorded at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Event 2026. It explores NHS workforce pressures, systemic wellbeing, and how psychology can help shape healthier workplaces across sectors.

Topics include: