Bovington: Are you due to move to Bovington, Lulworth or Blandford?

Are you (or someone you know) due to be posted to Bovington, Lulworth or Blandford soon?
If so contact Bovington HIVE to request pre-arrival information.

Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-Bovington-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Core information sheets are available from the HIVE and contain useful information on accommodation,employment,health & wellbeing, finance, childcare,schools & adult education as well as location overview of community amenities, facilities and activities etc. There is also help with general queries regarding the local area.

Bovington HIVE can also provide you with information sheets on other locations across the UK and overseas. Please call in to speak to the HIVE information officer or use the contact details above.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Defence Update on Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

If you’re in a long-term relationship, a range of allowances and support are now available to you – the same as your married or civil-partnered colleagues.

What’s changed?

Many allowances were only available to Service Personnel who were married or in a civil partnership. That wasn’t fair – not everyone wants to get married, even when they’re in a committed relationship.

From 1 May 2026, if you are in a Long-Term Relationship (Established) – known as an LTR(E) – you can claim allowances and provisions that were previously unavailable to you, just like your married colleagues.

Sarah Houghton, Director Armed Forces People Policy said:
“This is a real step forward for our people and their families. Around 20,000 Service Personnel are set to benefit – with those in long-term relationships being treated the same way as married colleagues, for ten allowances.”

Which allowances and provisions are affected?

The following are now available to Service Personnel in an LTR(E):

• Disturbance Expense (DE)
• Duty Travel
• Get You Home (Travel)
• Home to Duty Travel
• HM Forces Railcards
• Longer Separation Allowance (LSA)
• MOD Passport provisions
• Movement and Storage of Personal Effects (MSPE)
• Subsistence

This means, for example, that when you move home for service reasons, you can now claim expenses that reflect your real situation living with a partner – rather than being treated as single.

HM Forces Railcards and MOD-provided UK passports for service travel can also be extended to your partner, where eligibility criteria are met.

Are there still some allowances not covered?

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.

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.

Defence Update: Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Overseas Survey 2025 results published

The Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS) team commissioned a survey aimed at Armed Forces families living overseas to better understand their lived experience and provide an evidence base to help review current policy processes and develop future policy. The survey was issued to Serving personnel including dual-Serving and spouses/partners assigned overseas.

To view the results of the survey, please go to this link: Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Overseas Survey 2025 - GOV.UK

Inverness: Pupils from Armed Forces Families at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness have co-produced a ‘Welcome Book’ for new primary aged pupils from Armed Forces families arriving in the Highlands

Pupils from Armed Forces Families at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness have co-produced a wonderful ‘Welcome Book’ for new primary aged pupils from Armed Forces families arriving in the Highlands – but is a wonderful resource for any new Primary School pupil arriving.

The book is designed to be accessible for all, with options to click to listen or read text or both as you go through the book. They have talked about things that they want to highlight that are important to them when moving Schools.

The pupils hope you enjoy the book, that you share with those who will benefit and appreciate it and we can’t wait to hear your feedback. Click the image below to read the book.

To read the book 👉Book Creator | A Book to Welcome You!

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

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.

Staffordshire, West Midlands and Shropshire: Are you on the move soon??

 Are you or someone you know due to be posted to Lichfield, Stafford, Birmingham, Donnington, Ternhill, Bramcote or Kineton soon?

If so contact the Central HIVE Hub to request pre-arrival information.

Email: RC-Pers-HIVE-CentralHub-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Core information sheets are available from the HIVE and contain useful information on accommodation,employment,health & wellbeing, finance, childcare,schools & adult education as well as location overview of community amenities, facilities and activities etc. There is also help with general queries regarding the local area.

Central HIVE Hub can also provide you with information sheets on other locations across the UK and overseas. Please call in to speak to the Area HIVE information officer or use the contact details above.

Information provided by  Central HIVE Hub

Army HIVE: Relocation Checklist for moves within the UK and to/from overseas - now launched!

Army HIVE has now launched its Relocation Checklist, which is a comprehensive document listing all of the ‘know before you go’ actions to consider for Service personnel and their families on the move.

The checklist is in two parts, all within one document; the first part covers moves within the UK or back to the UK, and the second part covers overseas moves. As well as being a useful planning and reminder document, there are links throughout to the relevant resources that will enable our customers to find out more on each topic area.

To access the Relocation Checklist, please go to any of the following platforms to view, download or print:

• Army HIVE Sharepoint (MODnet access required) - HIVE. The Relocation Checklist can be found in both the Overseas Postings and the Relocation within or back to the UK sections.
• Our UK HIVE Blog – Information Sheets section: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Information%20Sheets
• Our Overseas HIVE Blog - https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ – click the Relocation Checklist button in the top menu
• Our British Forces Cyprus HIVE Blog - https://cyprushive.blogspot.com/ - click the Relocation Checklist button in the top menu

Please note that documents hosted on our Blogs can only be accessed from a personal or non-MODnet device.

For any queries on moving or how to find out more about a new location, please contact any HIVE. See www.army.mod.uk/hives , use the contact buttons on any of our platforms, or email HIVE HQ on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Our iHIVE can support with information on moves overseas worldwide and is listed as an action on the Overseas Supportability Checklist also – please get in touch via RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk with any questions on any location.

Preston & Weeton: Are you posted to the North/West?

Are you moving to the North/West?

If you are about to relocate to Preston or Weeton, please contact the HIVE office to request a pre-arrival information pack.

If you have just arrived in the area, HIVE will help you to find out more about your new location, where to register for doctors/dentists, find a nursery place, schools, employment, local area etc.

The HIVE also has information on all Army, RAF and Navy locations within the UK and overseas should you require information regarding a future posting.

Preston HIVE

Fulwood Barracks    - Tel. 01772 260025  (Mon)

Weeton Barracks     - Tel. 01772 260762  (Tues - Fri) 

e-mail:  RC-Pers-HIVE-Preston-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk 

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.

Are you being posted overseas? Our Overseas and iHIVE Blogs hold information on your new location

You will find information, including comprehensive Location Guides – plus our local office’s contact details – on our Overseas Blogs at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

For those posted elsewhere, anywhere in the rest of the World, our tri-Service iHIVE covers the area.

The iHIVE Blog hosts around 100 Overseas Location Guides that can be viewed or downloaded from our iHIVE Blog: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ with more being added routinely. These can also be accessed (by MODnet users) through the Army HIVE SharePoint site Overseas Postings area.

Most importantly, our iHIVE is also available to answer any enquiries about any overseas location worldwide, whether you are in the Royal Navy/RM, RAF, Army or civilian Service communities - please get in touch with any questions you may have.

iHIVE is listed in the Overseas Supportability Checklist as an action for any Service person/family assigned overseas, in order to check that local services, amenities and facilities meet each individual and family’s needs.

Our poster has iHIVE’s contact details, or get in touch by email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support.

Our iHIVE is tri-Service and is listed on the Overseas Supportability checklist as an action, so that Service personnel and families can obtain the relevant information they may each require, to ensure that their new location can meet each individual’s and family’s needs.

For those with MODnet access, Army HIVE’s SharePoint site can also be used to download our information sheets or ask questions – please go to our Overseas Postings area

If you’re relocating back to the UK from overseas, or moving within the UK, our SharePoint hosts guidance and resources in our Relocating within or back to the UK section.

Highlands: The Military Liaison Group (MLG) - who, what, why

The Military Liaison Group (Education), often referred to as “The MLG”, is a tri-service Highland partnership that is committed to ensure that all Children and Young People from Armed Forces families thrive in Highland and suffer no disadvantage in their education due to being from a military family (Army, Navy or RAF) whether Serving, Reservist or Veteran.

You can find out more about the MLG and their partners in a new resource👉 MLG Education: Who What Why

This can also be accessed through the Armed Forces Highland website along with more information regarding the MLG 👉 Armed Forces Families Highland

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Families Posted Overseas – have you nominated a Trusted Contact?

 

GOV.UK: Updated guidance for Service personnel and their families on Early Years childcare and child welfare policies

The Gov.uk website has been updated today, with new information in the ‘Free Early Years Childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to school starting age (including 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare)’ and ‘Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA)’ section.

To review the revised information please go to: Guidance for Service personnel and their families on child welfare policies.

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

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.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

Easier claims with more flexibility

From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.

This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.

The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.

Planning made simple

The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.

This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.

Supporting family connections

For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.

Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.

Disturbance Expenses rate uplift

From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.

More information

· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.

· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.

Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:

• Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only
• USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only
• Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only
• Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only

The new Global Mobility Allowance Calculator (accessible via defnet or Defence Connect) gives a real-time, tailored estimate of the GMA allowance you will receive, and a comparison of GMA trial versus non-trial allowances.

The tool simplifies what would be a complex and time-consuming calculation process and enables you to make informed decisions about your assignment – including considerations on family support, cost of living and financial planning.

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad.

Click on the link below to find out more - 

New digital tool - Overseas allowance planning now easier

Scotland: Welcome to Scotland Guide updated for 2025

The Scottish Government Welcome to Scotland guide has now been updated for 2025.

Welcome to Scotland is a guide to support service personnel and their families upon their move to Scotland. 

Due to the moving nature of service personnel and their families they can be transferred to different bases. 

This guide gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland.

To read the guide in full click on image above 👆

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE