Implementation of the settlement fee waiver

Following the joint announcement on 23 Feb by the Defence Secretary and the Home Secretary that the fee for Settlement (ILR/ILE) would be waived for eligible non-UK Service Personnel (SP) on discharge, the fee regulations have now been laid in Parliament and the waiver will come into effect on 6 April 2022.

To be eligible, non-UK SP applying on or after 6 Apr, must meet existing Home Office criteria and:
Have served for six years or more, or
Discharged with an illness or injury attributable to service – irrespective of length of service, or are a veteran currently living in the UK who has not regularised their immigration status following six years or more of service or were discharged with an illness or injury attributable to service.

A Defence Instruction or Notice (DIN) will follow.

Northumberland: Recycle it right

 

SFA: Pinnacle Group working with DIO - here's how you can get in touch

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Scottish Veterans Commissioner's Third and Final Report

Commissioner calls for early implementation of the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan in his third and final report on getting transition right in Scotland

A report published by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner says that the healthcare needs of those transitioning from the armed forces must not be neglected as the NHS struggles to recover from the Pandemic. The report examines provision of healthcare for veterans in Scotland and makes four recommendations to enable a more seamless transition to the civilian world.

Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Col Charlie Wallace

'Today I launch the third and final report in my Positive Futures series, focused on getting health and wellbeing support right for Service leavers. 

Get more information including an overview of my findings and access to the report in full here: https://scottishveteranscommissioner

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Transport Secretary declares zero tolerance for phone use behind the wheel

​I​t is now illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving under virtually any circumstance including:
- Taking photos or videos
- Scrolling through stored apps or playlists
- Play stored mobile games

For more information, click here​.

Building Heroes: Looking for hard-working employees

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Building Heroes: Providing the blueprint for your career

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Be money-wise: Tips when considering using a property finding and purchase management company

The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Team has been made aware of a “Property Finding and Purchase Management” service on the market that can tie personnel into aggressive contracts, with the unfortunate consequence that some have fallen off the T&Cs. They’ve ended up paying out money they can’t afford for a “product/service” that ultimately isn’t delivered. Some terms are not compatible with Forces’ life, and more importantly sometimes the services just aren’t necessary in the UK.

Unfortunately, when an individual takes out a commercial agreement independently the MOD isn’t in a position to take on that person’s case and engage in contractual disputes, so it’s important that personnel are financially astute in order to avoid these situations in the first place. In particularly the vulnerable, such as the young and those for whom English is not the first language.

Key things to remember:

1. Read T&Cs and seek advice if unsure before signing: Anyone signing a commercial contract really needs to read and understand all the terms and conditions. Seek support/advice if the information is too difficult to understand and never feel pressed into signing – that’s usually a red flag.

2. Be informed: do you need this service? Is it regulated? Useful signposting can be found here for house-buying: https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/estate-agent.

And the Covenant Team signposts people to the impartial and useful MoneyHelper org: Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

3. Check the credentials of a company: Pasting the AFC logo on a company’s website doesn’t automatically confer an alliance to the Armed Forces Community and its core values. Companies need to make profit at the end of the day, so be aware and do your checks on the community – don’t be sucked in by the marketing.

BFBS Audio - Accommodation News

The new FDIS Accommodation contracts will come into force on the 1st of April which will replace the current National Housing Prime (NHP) contract.

Improving the lived experience for Service Personnel and customer service are at the heart of the new FDIS Accommodation contracts.

Click on image below to listen to an audio of the radio trailer that is currently running until 4th April.

In addition, the link to the BFBS community info article is here: 

https://www.bfbs.com/community-info

Scottish Veterans Residences: Vacancies in Edinburgh and Dundee as of 28th March 2022

Scottish Veterans Residences is a charity formed in 1910 to support former members of the Armed Forces of all ages who are homeless, isolated or in need.

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Residences in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, click here for referral form.

Glasgow service is full and holding a waiting list

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE