Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New grants to support Early Years

 

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

 

Open University Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund applications are now open!

​Last year, The Open University supported around 28,000 disabled students. And, since the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund was established, more than 300 additional disabled students have been able to access higher education with us.

What is a Disabled Veterans' Scholarship?

If you’ve been injured or disabled in, or as a resu​​lt of, military service, you could be funded to complete a full Open University qualification.

We offer 50 scholarships annually. All undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. You’ll have your fees waived for up to 120 credits per seasonal academic year, up to a maximum of 360 credits, which is equivalent to a full honours degree.

Information and eligibility criteria can be found here

Disabled Veterans' Scholarships | How to Pay | Open University

HIVE 40th Anniversary: Request for Anecdotes and Memories.

HIVE is collating anecdotes and memories to showcase its 40th Birthday this year; could you add your comments and contribute to our gallery?


We would like to hear from our past and present customers, service users and professional contacts, and also current and former staff members.


Please click on this MS Forms to add your input – thank you!

Non-UK Nationals: Lower minimum income requirement agreed for the Armed Forces

• On 4 December 2023, the Government announced that the MIR would be increased to align with the new minimum general salary threshold for skilled workers, which is currently £38,700, with an initial increase to £29,000 in Spring 2024. This will no longer include an additional income requirement where a child is included in the application.

• The Ministry of Defence has worked with the Home Office on options to mitigate the potential impact on recruitment and retention the increase may have, and it has been agreed that the MIR will be aligned with the salary threshold for Other Ranks on completion of training, which is currently £23,496. Officers earn £31,304 until completion of Initial Officer Training when their pay increases to £37,425. The MIR for HM Armed Forces will be reviewed in line with the annual pay award.

• The Government introduced the MIR in July 2012 for partners and children of British and settled persons, and in December 2013 for a partner and child(ren) of HM Armed Forces, including the Brigade of Gurkhas, under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules.

• The full Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules can be found at: HC 590 – Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (publishing.service.gov.uk)

• A Q&A document has been prepared and can be accessed at this link

Family Action Job Vacancy: Practice Development Support Office - Part Time & Home Based

Practice Development Support Office - Part Time & Home Based - Family Action (family-action.org.uk)​
​starting at £24,724 FTE per annum, raising to £27,232 FTE per annum

 - Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum
 - Permanent Contract
 - UK home based with some travel
 - Part time – 22.2 hours per week
 - To apply: fill out the Application Form & send to: completed.application20@family-action.org.uk
 - To learn more about the role and requirements, read the job advert and the job description and person specification
 - Closing date: Friday 12th of April at 5pm
 - ID: 1126

National Adult Social Care Recruitment Campaign - Made with Care

 

23red is the partnerships agency working with DHSC on their national adult social care recruitment campaign Made with Care.

The campaign aims to highlight the amazing opportunities which the care sector can provide for a fulfilling career, showcasing the amazing difference you can make every day and demonstrating that it is easy for people without any previous experience to get started.

As part of their work DHSC have recognised that a career in care could work incredibly well for those leaving the armed services and the partners of those currently serving in the armed forces.

As such we have been working with Forces Employment Charity and the Career Transition Partnership to create a suite of resources which can help to showcase the benefits of a career in care and direct people to the national campaign site where they can find out more about the roles on offer and search for relevant jobs in their area.​

The resources, including posters, leaflets and social media assets, are free to download and will hopefully provide useful support for those currently looking for flexible careers or considering their next step.

Defence Discount Service: Veterans Privilege Card Video

Defence Discount Service have introduced a new video to support veterans with signing up for a Defence Discount Service Privilege card. To watch the video, please go to this YouTube link: ​https://youtu.be/KMIHDeVl3Jo?si=WVF-WFCVde-oZIV6

 

Social Media Specialists - free BFBS social media training programme for military spouses plus Veterans and their spouses

The BFBS Academy has announced the launch of Social Media Specialists, a free course open to the broader military community offering the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques.

Click here for further details

Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations (TSARs) JSP 464 updated to reflect Modernised Accommodation Offer

The following changes have been made to incorporate the elements of the Modernised Accommodation Offer (MAO) that are being implemented from 11th March:

JSP 464 Vol 1 Part 1 V 30Ch 12: Forces Help to Buy Scheme – Section XII Para 1251. Refund of Legal Expenses (New Buyers) policy

JSP 464 Vol 3 Pt 1 V24Ch 3: Single Living Accommodation and the Substitute Equivalents - ChargesSLA Waivers 0303c. Amendment to Over 37 Provision.
SLA Waivers 0303 y. Inclusion of the Dual Accommodation Waiver.

Details of the amendments are at this link JSP 464 Amendment and the full policy document can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-464-tri-service-accommodation-regulations-tsars

NHS 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' Campaign Launches Today

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 takes place 18-24 March

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 takes place 18-24 March, and a calendar of online webinars and Q&A sessions has been scheduled as a part of this. There are events relevant to individuals, parents and carers, employees and employers included; registration is via this link: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/events.

​Recordings of the webinars will be emailed out to those who register, if they are unable to join their selected event(s) at the scheduled time.

For those working within MOD, also have a look at the Neuro Inclusivity Network.

Army Welfare Service: A Message to Domestic Abuse Victims/Survivors

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Credit & Borrowing Videos & Financial Blog

Credit and Borrowing Videos

​Accessing affordable credit should not be complicated. The team at Serve and Protect Credit Union are here to explain all things credit and borrowing 🙌

🔗 Watch Serve and Protect Credit Union's credit and borrowing videos here - https://sandpcu.co.uk/videos-credit-borrowing

Financial Blog

Does your credit score need some help? 🤔

Serve and Protect Credit Union are here with 10 simple tips to improve your credit score, giving you better options should you need financial support.


🔗 10 Tips to Improve your Credit Score

https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/news/10-tips-to-improve-credit-score/

Togetherall: World Sleep Day Blog Post - Sleep Health

Struggling to get a good night's sleep? A good night's rest is crucial for our mental & physical health and quality of life.

Check out Togetherall’s blog on the power of sleep & how to get it: https://bit.ly/3lfZ79O

Army HIVE Non-UK National Support: New Email Address for Enquiries

For support and more information please email: RC-Pers-HIVE-NonUKNat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk