Forces Employment Charity: Step into March with career confidence

Forces Employment Charity

Welcome to this month’s update. Whether you’re exploring new career paths, preparing for transition, or looking for ways to stay connected, we’ve got a range of opportunities designed to support your next steps. This edition highlights upcoming events aimed at building confidence, expanding networks, and helping you navigate the changing employment landscape. You’ll also find inspiring stories from those who’ve successfully made the leap into civilian careers, ideas to help you make a positive impact through fundraising, and opportunities created specifically for women within our community. We’re here to support you—wherever your journey is heading.

Register you interest to be first in the know for the next Op ASCEND event, Pathways into Manufacturing and Logistics. Join us on 7 May 2026, in Northamptonshire, for a day of panel sessions designed to inspire and engage, as well as connect you with the right people to help you along your next career path into Manufacturing and Logistics.
Register your interest today, and be first to get all the info and booking link. We look forward to you joining us for an action-packed, informative event.

The Families Survey (FamCAS) 2026 is now open, and we want to hear from you!

The Families Survey (FamCAS) 2026 is now open, and we want to hear from you!

Completing the survey provides senior policy makers with invaluable information that facilitates policy change, in areas that matter most to you - the families and partners of Serving Personnel, and your opinion is really valued.

To check whether you have been invited to take part this year, please click here to access the checker tool. If you haven’t been invited to take part this time, you can leave a comment instead.

Alternatively, you can go straight to the survey, by clicking on the below link or scanning the QR code below and enter your Serving Partner’s Service number to get started! The survey is online only. This survey works best in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Click here for the FamCAS Survey 26

Serve & Protect Credit Union – Upcoming March Webinars

 

Serve & Protect Credit Union – Upcoming March Webinars:

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: 05 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters
Date: 11 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it.

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: 12 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: How to create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending.

Saving Made Simple: Practical Habits to Boost Your Savings
Date: 18 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion.

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: 19 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit, plus actionable tips to improve yours.

Best Kept Secret in Finance: The Credit Union Difference
Date: 25 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
What to Expect: Learn what makes credit unions different from traditional financial institutions and how they benefit communities worldwide.

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
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.

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

Recruit for Spouses: New Flexible Jobs with Armed Forces Friendly Employers - Plus Free Training

Your next career move starts here - at RFS, everything we do is about opening real career opportunities for the military community.

We work directly with Armed Forces friendly employers, organisations who understand postings, flexibility, and the realities of military life, and who actively want to hire military spouses, partners, veterans, and family members.

This month, we’re connecting you with new opportunities from employers like Serco and Keys Group, alongside free, globally recognised training that could open the door to an entirely new career.

Whether you’re ready for your next role, exploring something new, or building your confidence and skills, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Please go to this link to view the newsletter in full: New Flexible Jobs with Armed Forces Friendly Employers - Plus Free Training

Free Childcare for Armed Forces Families at The National Transition Event – Silverstone, 2 Mar

For the first time ever, the National Transition Event has partnered with RAFA Kidz to provide a free, professionally staffed crèche service for members of the Armed Forces Community with children aged 2–4 years, allowing more members of our fantastic community to attend.

A UK first, Mission Motorsport’s partnership with RAFA Kidz is designed to break down barriers for those with children, ensuring parents and carers can fully engage with the event while their young children enjoy a safe, fun, and supervised environment.

It offers a valuable opportunity for meaningful engagement with businesses that understand the transition from military to civilian life, allowing attendees to gain first‑hand insights from ex‑military employees, receive tailored advice, and explore a variety of career opportunities.

Session Timings:

Session 1: 08:00 - 10:00hrs

Session 2: 10:30 - 12:30hrs

Session 3: 13:30 - 15:30hrs

Please note:Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
Children must be between 2–4 years old on the day of the event.
Parents/carers must remain on-site at all times.

The National Transition Event (NTE) connects the Armed Forces community with real opportunities, genuine support, and people who understand the transition journey. Set against the iconic Silverstone racetrack, NTE is the largest Armed Forces community gathering of its kind in the UK.

What to expect:
• 100s of employers, exhibitors and support organisations
• Direct access to companies actively seeking Armed Forces talent
• The Troops’ Track Day with fast passenger laps at Silverstone
• Insight, inspiration and a community that supports you

2nd March 2026 | Free to attend

Register for the National Transition Event : The National Transition Event 2026 Tickets, Mon 2 Mar 2026 at 08:00 | Eventbrite

Book Creche Sessions Here: The NTE 2026: Children's Crèche (for ages 2-4 years) Tickets, Mon, Mar 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite

Armed Forces Education Trust: Supporting Service Children in Education

The Armed Forces Education Trust is a charity working for children and young adults whose education has been compromised or put at risk as a result of parents’ past or current service in our Armed Forces. The grants given make a difference to young lives, helping improve their educational opportunities or supporting special skills or talents.

To find out more please visit: Home - Armed Forces Education Trust

Re-joining the British Army Webinar – 2nd March

Are you a British Army veteran thinking about re-joining?

Join this upcoming webinar to explore your options and get your questions answered. Representatives from a range of cap badges and corps will be there to talk through available roles and guide you through the re-joining process.

Monday 2 March 2026
1800–1930 (live)
Hosted on Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/4s1OSDo

Military Coworking Network: FREE online events

If you’re an adult family member of a person who is serving with the UK military (past or present) then you’re welcome to join MCN’s online events. They have a wide range of events on weekly, from virtual coworking, through to craft and chat and special online masterclasses too, and best of all it’s completely free! Find out more at www.militarycoworking.uk

Motorfinity: February Updates

This month, Motorfinity continue to bring fantastic savings across a wide range of brand-new cars, with exclusive discounts available to the Armed Forces Community, Veterans and their families.

Whether you’re looking for something stylish, practical, or compact for city driving, Motorfinity have some popular favourites available at outstanding prices, including the Audi A3 Sportback, Ford Puma Hatchback, and Toyota Aygo X Hatchback — plus many more from most major manufacturers.

Why Choose Motorfinity?

• Save an average of £7,400 on a brand-new car
• Exclusive discounts across most major manufacturers, covering EVs, hybrids, and petrol/diesel options
• We offer a wide range of electric vehicles to suit different budgets, from affordable everyday EVs to premium electric models
• Low-rate HP/PCP finance options and competitive leasing on new cars, designed to suit your needs
• 5-star rated customer service, with friendly experts who handle everything for you
• Immediate family member discounts with participating manufacturers

Our experienced team takes the hassle out of car buying, whether you’re purchasing outright, financing, or choosing a leasing option — so you can focus on what matters most, knowing you’ve secured a great deal. Please note - our discounts are not part of any salary sacrifice schemes.

Useful Guides for Armed Forces and Veterans

To help you make informed decisions, we’ve also created helpful guides covering key topics:A day in the life of a community health worker blog and video - Motorfinity | A day in the life of a community health worker
Which essential vehicle safety features should you consider? - Which essential vehicle safety features should you consider?
Electric Car Grant vehicle eligibility: How EVs have become more affordable - Electric Car Grant vehicle eligibility: how EVs have become more affordable
Car Lease vs Purchase: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Next Car - Car lease vs purchase: the ultimate guide to choosing your next car
Driving smarter starts now: Motorfinity is thrilled to announce smart car partnership - Driving smarter starts now: Motorfinity is thrilled to announce smart car partnership

If you’re considering a new car this year, Motorfinity is here to help every step of the way.

Get Started Today

📞 Call: 01636 558 885
🌐 Visit: https://motorfinity.uk//?source=outreach&utm_source=outreach&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=feb

New MOD Policy on Overseas Assignments published: Overseas Accompanied Service Assessments

A new MOD policy giving guidance to Service personnel and their families on considering and preparing for an overseas posting has been published today on Gov.uk at this link: Overseas Accompanied Service Assessments - GOV.UK.

This policy applies to Service personnel planning to take their families on an overseas assignment, particularly those with additional medical, social care, or educational needs. The assessment process is designed to take a holistic judgment about whether the host location can reasonably meet the family’s needs and whether associated risks to their health, education, safety, or well-being can be appropriately managed.

A new DIN (Defence Instruction & Notice) is also available (to MODnet users) – search 2026DIN01-017

For further information on any Overseas assignment please contact any HIVE, iHIVE (which covers locations worldwide where there is no physical HIVE), or email rc-pers-hivecomms-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

The HIVE Relocation Checklist may assist with additional planning for an overseas move, and can be accessed via this LINK or contact us for the checklist to be sent via email.

DMWS Bereavement Support

You don’t have to go through grief alone.

If you have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces in service or due to service related reasons, we are here for you.

DMWS are working alongside Scotty's Little Soldiers, Cruse Bereavement Support, Cruse Scotland, and The Poppy Factory to help those who may need support and advice after the loss of a loved one in service or for service related reasons.

Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or help accessing services, we can help.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in our support, please visit: https://dmws.org.uk/supporting-military-bereaved-family...

Army Welfare Service (AWS) Specialist Welfare referral form

The Army Welfare Service (AWS) has launched the new Specialist Welfare (SW) referral Microsoft Form, which is now the standard method for submitting all SW referrals.

You can access the form here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7WB3vlNZS0iuldChbfoJ5blCeF6QlzxDtMb3LsYsTplUOEE…

The new form is designed to:

• Capture the right information upfront
• Support effective risk assessment and triage
• Reduce incomplete or insufficient referrals.
• Allow self-referrals

If you need to self-refer to AWS but you are unable to complete the form, you can still contact the AWS directly. More information about the AWS and our services can be found at Army Welfare Service | The British Army.

Nexus/The Children’s Society: Young carers in the Armed Forces latest newsletter

Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To view the latest newsletter, please go to: Nexus Winter Newsletter 2026

The next webinar – A guide to the young carers covenant for the Armed Forces – is on 11 Mar at 1100hrs. For more info and to register please go to: The Young Carers Covenant Guidance for Armed Forces Services Webinar Tickets, Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Electoral Commission: Guidance and key dates for registering to vote in elections on 7 May

The Electoral Commission has published key dates for voters ahead of the UK-wide elections on 7 May.

Please go to Key dates for voters in 2026 | Electoral Commission, where information for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can be selected. Deadlines start from 20 Apr 2026.

There is also information available for the Armed Forces and their spouses/partners on registering to vote at Voting as a member of the armed forces | Electoral Commission and also on Gov.uk at: Register to vote (armed forces) - GOV.UK. These webpages include options to vote by proxy or post.

BFBS’ Award-Winning Sitrep Podcast Live from Munich Security Conference

BFBS Sitrep: Live from the Munich Security Conference

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has broadcast a special edition of its flagship Sitrep podcast from the Munich Security Conference 2026, marking the organisation’s first-ever presence at the world’s leading global security forum.

Titled BFBS Sitrep: Live from the Munich Security Conference, the episode was recorded during the event and released on Sunday 15 February, bringing expert analysis and discussion to audiences across global BFBS Forces News’ platforms.

The exclusive episode features Forces News reporter Simon Newton in conversation with former Director of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Sitrep defence analyst, Professor Mike Clarke, alongside General Ben Hodges, former Commanding General US Army Europe and Oana Lungescu who spent 13 years at the heart of NATO as its longest serving spokesperson, examining the UK’s announcement that it will send a Naval fleet to the Arctic, exploring whether the words of support for Ukraine are matched by action, and breaking down the fragile state of defence relations between Europe and the US from Munich.

Recorded at one of the most influential international security gatherings in the world, this in-depth episode of Sitrep offers expert insight and context on what may be a turning point for European defence independence, emerging from the forum.

The episode is live now on Forces News YouTube and BFBS Radio Sitrep.

For general updates, follow BFBS Forces News on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Motorfinity: New car and car leasing offers for the Armed Forces

For further Information please Click Here 

First Defence Finance: Earn £5 for every friend you refer to First Defence Finance this February

Earn £5 for every friend you refer to First Defence Finance this February using your unique link.

1. Log in & get your unique link
2. Share it with anyone who could benefit from joining our credit union.
3. Ask them to choose “Family, friend, or colleague” when the sign-up form asks how they heard about us.
4. Get £5 for you and £5 for your friends after every successful referral.

There’s no limit.* Invite one friend or ten and watch your savings grow!

Log in on their app to generate your link: bit.ly/GenerateYourLink

Or on their website: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/log-in

*Terms and conditions apply. Over 18's only. First Defence Finance is a trading name of Plane Saver Credit Union Ltd. Plane Saver Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Ref: 213609. All deposits are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for up to £120,000. Find the full terms and conditions on our website: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/refer-a-friend 

BFBS Launches First-Ever AI Skills Programme Exclusively for Military Partners

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has officially launched its AI Skills For Military Partners programme, an innovative course designed to help military partners build practical digital skills, expand career opportunities, and strengthen employability in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.

The programme, delivered through BFBS Academy, blends self-paced online learning with monthly live evening webinars and four one-off in-person workshops to be held in Cyprus, Catterick, Blandford, and Edinburgh. Fully funded by a £66,884 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the programme is tailored specifically for the needs of the armed forces community.

Jackie Collins, Head of Social Media at BFBS (Academy & Creative) and lead on the course, said: “Launching this programme at the start of the year is the perfect way to help military partners set themselves up for success in 2026. With practical AI skills, participants can confidently explore new opportunities, grow their careers, or enhance their businesses, turning the promise of new year in real action and results.”

Throughout the programme, BFBS Academy will support participants with tailored guidance, practical applications, and one-to-one coaching to ensure the training is meaningful, accessible, and immediately applicable.

The course will enable participants to:

• Build foundational AI skills relevant for real-world applications
• Understand how AI tools can enhance work or business growth
• Learn at their own pace with flexible online options, supported by live webinars and workshops
• Navigate AI responsibly and confidently

The launch marks a major milestone for BFBS Academy, reinforcing its mission to provide innovative, accessible training for the armed forces community, and empower military partners with the tools they need to thrive in a digital future.

Launch video: https://we.tl/t-ev4RgxmD9a

For further information, visit: BFBS Academy.

For general updates, follow BFBS Academy on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Forces Employment Charity: Op ASCEND Pathways into Manufacturing and Logistics event - 7 May 2026

 
The next Op ASCEND event for 2026 will be Pathways into Manufacturing and Logistics. Join on 7 May 2026, in Northamptonshire, for a day of panel sessions designed to inspire and engage, as well as connect you with the right people to help you along your next career path into Manufacturing and Logistics.

Register your interest today, to be kept up-to-date as event details are released over the coming weeks at this link: Coming soon. Register your interest for this flagship national event on 7th May.

To find out more about Op ASCEND please go to: Op ASCEND | Forces Employment Charity

Other upcoming Forces Employment Charity events can be found at: Events and networking | Forces Employment Charity

Gov.uk News: Public advised to stop using some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are reminding the public not to use 4 specified non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products under any circumstances due to an ongoing risk of infection associated with their use.

Additionally, UKHSA and MHRA would like to remind people that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, of any type or brand, should not be used for first aid, applied on broken or damaged skin and should never be used for cleaning intravenous lines.

There have been 59 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis associated with some non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products - identified in an outbreak in the United Kingdom from January 2018 to 3 February 2026. A small number of cases continue to be detected.

To read this news article in full, please visit: Public advised to stop using some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes - GOV.UK