First Defence Partners: What Is a Payroll Saving Scheme?

What Is a Payroll Saving Scheme?

Author: First Defence Finance

We all know that saving money is a good idea. The tricky part is finding something left over at the end of the month to actually save.

A payroll saving scheme makes saving easier by allowing you to save directly from your MOD salary.

Instead of waiting until the end of the month to see what's left, you choose how much you'd like to save, and it is automatically deducted from your pay and put into your savings account.

How does payroll saving work?

The process is straightforward:

You choose how much to save → the amount is deducted from your salary → your employer passes it to the savings provider → your savings build up over time.

You don't need to remember to make a transfer each month, and even a small amount can add up over time.

X-Forces Enterprise: Business Start-Up Drop-In Sessions

 

To find out more about the support available through X-Forces Enterprise, please go to: https://x-forces.com/

Defence Children Schools: Guidance for Service families on school admissions for September 2027 entry

 

Is your child starting primary school or moving to secondary school in September 2027?

Service families are encouraged to check admissions deadlines and start planning ahead.

If you are applying for a school place in England:

• Secondary school applications close 31 October 2026
• Primary school applications close 15 January 2027

Admissions arrangements and deadlines vary across the UK. Families in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should check the requirements set by their local authority or education authority.

Read the full information and find out where to access support on the Defence Children Services website: School admissions information for Service families: September 2027 entry

Mission Motorsport: October newsletter out now

There’s plenty happening across Mission Motorsport this month, from new partnerships and fundraising initiatives to upcoming events and preparations for Race of Remembrance.

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:

• Legacy Lap – a new way to become part of Race of Remembrance, wherever you are.
• The unveiling of our third-generation Mazda Poppy Art Car.
• Our new partnership with Gama Aviation.
• The growing #YourRoR community.
• Upcoming events, volunteering opportunities and fundraising challenges.

Every activity helps Mission Motorsport continue supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans, serving personnel and their families through recovery, rehabilitation and opportunities beyond military service.

To read online, please go to this link: Read the October newsletter

NHS STOPTOBER - quit smoking, stress less

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 116 Executive Officer Case Manager roles across Wales and the West Midlands – closing date 20 Oct

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 116 Case Manager roles across Wales and the West Midlands. The roles are within Disability Services - Disability Living Allowance as EO Case Managers.

DWP welcome applications from veterans, reservists, their family members and currently serving personnel looking to transition into civilian life..

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

Disability Services - Disability Living Allowance EO Case Manager (Ref: 781)

Supporting Wounded Veterans: Skihabilitation 2027 – applications now open

To find out more please go to: https://www.supportingwoundedveterans.com/sport-rehabilitation

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) scheme: DHSC Response Support Officer, London - Closing Date: 30 October 2026

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

GFIE- 513 - Response Support Officer, Emergency Preparedness & Health Protection - London

Closing Date: 30 October 2026

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)

LGBT Veterans affected by the pre-2000 Armed Forces ban - restorative measures applications close on 12 December 2026

https://affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk/spread-the-word/

Civvy Street Oct/Nov Magazine is Out Now

To read the latest issue please go to this link: Civvy Street

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

 

To read this newsletter in full, please go to: Autumn 2026 Newsletter

Little Troopers: Free All Together Online Space workshop on 10 Oct, and further dates

All Together ONLINE – Space Detectives Workshop

Saturday 10th October 2026, 1100hrs

SPACE DETECTIVES - All Together Online - fun virtual sessions bringing together military children

Journey around the Solar System and discover the size and distances of planets within our own neighbourhood. Take part in the “Human Solar System,” experiment with how it was formed and then assemble your own scale model.

👉Book your family space here

All Together sessions run frequently until April 2027.

Sessions are free, but places are limited. Please only book if you are confident you can attend so that as many families as possible can take part.

About All Together Online

All Together is a club that brings military children together. As part of this, All Together Online offers a series of exciting, live, online events especially for military children under 11 years old.

Everyone from the serving military community is warmly welcome to join us.

To find out more and to book, please go to: All Together - ONLINE by Little Troopers | Eventbrite

First Defence Partners: Should You Stop Saving to Repay a Loan or Credit Card?

Should You Stop Saving to Repay a Loan or Credit Card?

When money is tight, it can feel like you have to choose: save money or pay off your debt.

Paying off borrowing sooner can mean paying less interest overall and becoming debt-free faster. But stopping your savings completely can leave you without money to fall back on when an unexpected expense comes along.

So, should you stop saving to repay a loan or credit card? Not always.

Should you save or pay off debt first?

There are good reasons to do both.

If you're paying interest on your debt, making extra repayments could help you pay less interest and clear your debt sooner.

But having some savings means you have money to fall back on if something unexpected happens.

Your car could break down. Your boiler could stop working. You could get an unexpected bill.

Without savings, you may have to use more credit to pay for it.

For some people, the answer may be to keep saving while paying off their debt.

Forces Employment Charity webinars: Pathways into Health and Social Care Careers for the Armed Forces Community – 20 to 22 Oct

Why attend?

This series will help you understand where your skills, experience and ambitions could take you next. Whether you are preparing for your first civilian role, changing career direction or supporting a family member, each session offers practical insight into entry routes, employer expectations and meaningful career options across the sector.

Event schedule

• Tuesday 20 October 2026: Pathways into the NHS, 12:00 – 13:15

This session introduces the breadth of NHS career opportunities, with a focus on accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

• Wednesday 21 October 2026: Pathways into Social Care, 12:00 – 13:15

This session highlights career opportunities in social care, including accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

• Thursday 22 October 2026: Pathways into Pharma and Healthcare Support, 12:00 – 13:15

To find out more please go to: Free health and social care careers webinars for military community

October Quest Magazine is Out Now

To read the Ocober issue (or any back issues) please go to this link: https://www.questonline.co.uk/magazine-archive

Dept for Work & Pensions: Latest News Update – 2 Oct

 

State Pension Triple Lock announcement

This week the Prime Minister made an announcement on an adjustment to the State Pension Triple Lock.

The current Triple Lock will be maintained until the end of this parliament. The changes are proposed from 2030/31, with the adjusted Triple Lock meaning the State Pension will always increase by at least the highest of 2.5%, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation or a new earnings link – so that the State Pension will never fall below its level as a share of average earnings when we adjust the Triple Lock.

Forces Cars Direct: Spooky Good Deals This October 🚗🎃

Forces Cars Direct are announcing that there are some spooky good deals available this October! 🎃

They’re excited to welcome a new brand to Forces Cars Direct, Lepas, with their L8 model available with a saving of £6,161. You can also save up to £10,367 on the Toyota C-HR+.

Want to see all of the special offers available this month? https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

Their team is on hand to help you find the right car and make the most of your discount.

DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 October 2026

Military families invited to help shape the future of Service Family Housing

The MOD has today launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them.

This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard.

For more information and details on how to make a submission, click here.

Housing Matters – Episode 6

Episode 6 of the Housing Matters podcast is out now!

On this episode, actor and campaigner Anthony Cotton joins Emma Brett, Warrant Officer for Defence Homes, to talk about Service family accommodation and why having a home you can be proud of matters.

They discuss the improvements that have been made in recent years, while acknowledging there is still much more to do to ensure Service families have the homes they deserve.

This episode and all other episodes can be found on our “Housing Matters” Defence Homes page here.

DIO: Families First Newsletter – 2 October 2026 edition now available

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/

Girls Brigade: 'Forces Connect' free online group launched for girls aged 13+ from military families

The Girls' Brigade is currently partnering with the Methodist Forces Board to provide opportunities for girls and young women in military families. You can read all about the project on their website.

Are you aged 13+ and part of a military family? Join online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends.

Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families

When: Thursday 15 October • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: FREE!

What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.

No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.

How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance. https://girlsbrigadeonline.eventbrite.co.uk