Non-UK Nationals: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution

A news article was published recently on Gov.uk, highlighting that people dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived.​ The implementation date in the article is 9 Oct 24.

This update applies equally to the Armed Forces community including veterans: "Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.​"

To read the article in full, please go to: Settlement fees waived for bereaved partners facing destitution - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Army HIVE's Non-UK National team can be contacted for further information via this email address: rc-pers-hive-nonuknat-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

 

The following work coach vacancy (30 posts) is open from 24/9/24 to 8/10/24

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job centre Work Coach - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire (Ref: 708) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

​More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Celebrating the exam success of our Defence Children Services schools

Defence Children Services (DCS) schools, which support Service children in education and care, are pleased to share the recent exam success of their pupils.

Defence Children Services schools, which are attended by children while their parents are stationed overseas, have some great news to share....

St John’s School and King Richard School in Cyprus are proud to announce the Summer 2024 exam success of their secondary school pupils. These results represent the dedication, resilience, and hard work of students and staff alike.

Applauding the A Level and BTEC results The results for both schools demonstrate improvements for Year 13 students, made up of 17 and 18 year olds. This year, the average A Level grade for both schools is a grade C. While this has been maintained by King Richard School, it is an improvement for St John’s School, which scored an average D grade in 2023.

Similarly, the outcome for Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) students at both schools has increased from last year and is above the average English national score for 2024.

All students at these schools have been successful in securing a place in their further educational choices, with 98% of students getting their first choices.

Student success at GCSE

Both schools have also celebrated their GCSE results, where students have performed strongly. This shows the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence.

Both schools scored significantly above the English national average of 67.4% in English and Mathematics. St John’s School reported that 75.5% of students achieved grades 4+ in English and Mathematics, compared to 88% for King Richard School.

Head Teacher of Saint John School, Colin Guyton, and Head Teacher of King Richard School, Richard Sproson, praised the efforts of their students and the unwavering support of their staff, parents, and the wider school community.

“As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of our students,” said Colin Guyton. “Their success is a reflection of their hard work, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.” Richard Sproson, of King Richard School added: “Our students have demonstrated remarkable progress and commitment. These results not only reflect their academic abilities but also their growth as individuals ready to take on future challenges.”

How DCS supports military families

DCS schools support military families by providing education which aligns with the needs of military operations. By fostering a strong academic and caring environment, DCS schools contribute to the well-being and stability of military communities, ensuring that children of Service personnel receive an education that supports both their personal development and the broader mission of defending our country.

Proud GCSE students at St John’s School

Mr Richard Sproson (Head Teacher) and Myles at King Richard School (GCSE student)

Pinnacle Service Families Virtual Outreach Weds 2nd October

 

Next week, Wednesday 2nd October, you have the opportunity to speak to colleagues from our Customer Solutions, Repairs, Home Services and Housing Officer teams.

​To book your slot by 29th September, visit​: https://t.co/KRfteEY6uX​

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme dedicated to supporting specific communities of Veterans

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are proud to introduce the Fulfilling Futures Programme, part of our ongoing rollout of Covenant Fund programme launches.

Based on feedback from the Trust’s consultation findings, this programme has been designed to fund projects to improve the quality of life for Veterans who have experienced significant, negative impact which is evidenced to be related to their experience during Service.

What is the Fulfilling Futures programme all about?

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘ensuring our Armed Forces communities are not disadvantaged.’ This new programme will focus on supporting Veterans who have faced significant and evident challenges during their Service, which has created barriers or compromised their ability to have a fulfilling Service experience. The consultation findings are available to read on The Trust website.

The Fulfilling Futures programme will support projects which achieve one or more of the following outcomes:  

* Veterans' experiences are acknowledged and understood, enabling them to positively progress on their recovery journey.

* Veterans' isolation will be reduced and quality of life improved, through gaining access to effective support.

* Veterans can build a positive connection with the wider Armed Forces community and access support in the future, should they wish or be able to access other support mechanisms that are most relevant to them.

Organisations can apply for a grant of between £50,000 and £100,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months

or

projects lasting three to four years for grants up to £300,000.

Who can apply?

The Trust is inviting applications from registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) local authorities and other statutory organisations.

What type of projects are The Trust looking to support?

The Trust are interested in supporting projects that support pilot projects or innovative approaches aimed at improving the lives of specific communities of Veterans who have been negatively impacted by issues related to their Service.

The programme is now open for applications and the closing date is 12 noon on 4 December 2024. You will receive a decision before end of February 2025.

Anna Wright, Chief Executive at the Trust said: "We are thrilled to launch this new funding programme, designed to support Veterans who have faced tough challenges during their Service.

This initiative aims to combat isolation and enhance their quality of life by offering the understanding, resources, and care they need for a positive recovery, empowering them to rebuild their lives"

Find out more

Full details of this exciting new programme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Trust’s website: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on each of the Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk

AGAI 50 and and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support - Updated and Re-published

Both AGAI 50 and the Guide for Non-UK Nationals and Unit Support have been republished. The AGAI may be found here, while the Guide is available on both the Personal Services SharePoint site and Defence Connect. The SharePoint site also contains copies of the unit letters featured in the AGAI and Guide and a version of the PowerPoint presentation for annual briefings.
​Please note that these links are only accessible via MODnet/Defence Gateway. Please contact HIVE if assistance is required.

Overseas Local Needs Analysis

 

Service families, have your say!

On behalf of the Defence Safeguarding Partnership Board (DSPB), DCS are undertaking a Local Needs Analysis to help us to better understand the needs, wants, and wishes of children, young people, families, and individuals overseas. The form should take no longer than 7 minutes to complete and can help to shape the future of social care, family support and personal support for all of our population overseas.

You can complete the form here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: News Update

 News Updates 

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals

Visa and Immigration changes for non-UK nationals



If you or your family hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, you will need to replace it by registering for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.



UKVI will be contacting customers by email to advise them to register for a UKVI account, but you do not need to wait to be contacted to take action. If you or family members have changed your email address since your last application for leave, or used someone else’s email address, you may not receive this email, but you can still register for an account.



What is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?

A BRP is proof of an individual’s right to stay, work or study in the UK, it can also be used to confirm an individual’s identity and right to any public services or benefits they may be entitled to whilst in the UK. Currently a Biometric Residence Permit is required by anyone who comes to the UK for:

* longer than 6 months,

* extends their visa beyond 6 months,

* applies to Settle in the UK,

* transfers their visa to a new passport,

* or applies for certain Home Office travel documents.

What should I do If I have a BRP?

Those with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will need to replace it by setting up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This will provide the holder with a digital visa (eVisa) based on the most recent grant of leave to be in the UK that an individual has. Once transferred to the eVisa all details will be accessible by the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the NHS and Rail, Air and Sea commercial carriers at any such times that they require it.



Those with a BRP should continue to carry it when travelling internationally until it expires.



What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital version of what was previously a BRP, a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in a passport. The eVisa will enable the holder, government departments and some third-party organisations such as the Department of Work and Pensions, Local Authorities, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, Border Force, the National Health Service and Rail, Sea and Air carriers to view the holder’s immigration status and associated conditions.



I am currently serving as a Non-UK national, am I affected?

At the moment, non-UK service personnel are ‘Exempt from Immigration Control’ whilst serving and do not need a BRP. However, it is likely that at some point in the future exempt statuses will also be required to hold an eVisa, and if you apply to Settle in the UK on discharge (Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK) will also require an eVisa. For now, Non-UK Service Personnel do not need to take any action for themselves. As and when this changes more information will be available.

My family holds a BRP, what do they need to do?

If a family member has a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which expires on 31 December 2024, they will need to register for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa. They should do this before their BRP expires.



My family has Settled status/Indefinite Leave to Remain in/Enter the UK, what do they need to do?



If a family member has Settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) or Indefinite Leave to Enter the UK (ILE)) and they have a wet-ink stamp or a vignette in their passport, then it’s recommended that they follow the following steps:

1. Make a No Time Limit Application [https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp] to replace the wet-ink stamp/vignette in their passport with a BRP.

2. Upon receipt of BRP, register for a UKVI account and move to an eVisa.



However, No Time Limit Applications can only be submitted in the UK. If they are overseas, they will still be able to enter the UK from the 01 January 2025 even if they have not registered for a UKVI account as Rail, Sea and Air carriers will be able to check their status automatically.



What should I do once I/family have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account?



Once you or your family members have registered for a UKVI account it is important to check that all travel document information is up-to-date for each account holder.



Further information



Details about the eVisas system and how to register can be found by visiting GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa]

Help your child’s school to access Service Pupil Premium funding

Help your child’s school to access Service Pupil Premium funding

Help your child’s school to qualify for the Service Pupil Premium by informing them of your Service status by 3 October 2024.

State schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of Service families in the school years from Reception to Year 11, can receive Service Pupil Premium (SPP) funding. The Department for Education (DfE) provides extra funding – £340 per pupil – to help schools to support Service children. It is for the school to decide how the money is spent, but support is often provided through pastoral support and can help to mitigate the impact of family mobility or parental deployment. The funding can be used for individual pupils or added to larger support projects.

Service parents are encouraged to inform schools of their Service status ahead of the autumn census deadline of 3 October 2024. You can do this by talking to the headteacher or school administration staff. Without this information, schools will miss out on this additional funding.



Who is eligible for the SPP?

Pupils from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for SPP for their schools if they meet the criteria below:

* One of their parents is serving in the regular Armed Forces (including pupils with a parent who is on full commitment as part of the Full-Time Reserve Service)

* One of their parents died whilst serving in the armed forces and the pupil receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pensions Scheme

* They have been registered as a ‘Service child’ on a school census in the past six years under the DfE’s Ever 6 Service child measure

* One of their parents is in the Armed Forces of another nation and is stationed in England

Useful information and resources

For more information about the Service Pupil Premium, including its purpose and what it’s used for, visit GOV.UK.

Link to poster

To find out about the financial and emotional support and services available for you and your family, visit the Discover my Benefits website.

Ayios Nikolaos HIVE Uniform Swap Shop

 Struggling to find school uniform? 

Have uniform that has been outgrown? 

Ayios Nikolaos HIVE has a uniform swap shop! Bring along your donations, or pop in and look through the rails to see if we have what you need. 

Open every weekday 8-1. 

Dhekelia School Uniform Swap Shop

 Struggling to find school uniform? 

Have uniform tht has been outgrown? 

Dhekelia Hive has a uniform swap shop! Bring along your donations, or pop in and look through the rails to see if we have what you need. 

Open every weekday 8-1. 

HIVE 40th anniversary local events - Catterick Garrison

To celebrate HIVE’s 40th Anniversary, events are taking place across the UK and overseas to mark four decades of support to the Service community.

This event took place in Catterick in July.

​For information on Army HIVE events in other locations, please follow our Blog and social media, or contact your nearest HIVE to find out more.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - new Trust funding programme to support family members of Serving Personnel and Veterans who are wounded, sick or injured

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) are proud to introduce the Family Focus Programme, part of our ongoing rollout of Covenant Fund programme launches. 

Based on feedback from the Trust’s consultation findings, this programme has been designed to fund projects that explore and pilot solutions for family members-both collectively and as individuals- of wounded, injured, and sick, serving personnel and Veterans.  

The Business Launch Accelerator Course from the Milspo® Network: Empowering Military Spouses to Thrive

The life of a military spouse and partner is full of unique challenges – from frequent moves to deployments and unpredictable schedules. But amidst these challenges, a desire to build a business and pursue financial independence often burns brightly. The Milspo® Network recognises this and has created the solution: The Business Launch Accelerator Course.

This comprehensive 8-week online programme is specifically designed for military spouses, partners, and other-halves eager to start and grow a business.

Reading Force Book Clubs

Reading Force is tri service, and we welcome Veterans/Reservists and their families as well as ex-service families (due to separation, divorce or bereavement).

We are looking for volunteers to run a book club with our support. My role is to share ideas on how to run a book club and help you to choose suitable books from our available titles. We have a great selection of books available and we will send out 3 books to each member from this list. These books are free of charge for each book club member to keep.

I can help with questions to ask at the book club meetings, how to keep your book club going after the three free books from Reading Force and much more. Email: nicola@readingforce.org.uk   

See attached links to our website which will give you some more information.

https://www.readingforce.org.uk/online-book-clubs-supported-by-reading-force/

https://www.readingforce.org.uk/book-club-suggested-titles/

Understanding the impact of Government school fees policy for SP with children using private schools

In light of the introduction of a governmental policy which will charge VAT on private and independent schools in the UK from 1 January 2025, the Army Personnel Policy team are keen to understand the impact of this change on Service Personnel and their families. 

Co-ordinated School Admissions (England)

What is co-ordinated admissions?

 
This advice applies if you have a child starting primary school (Yr R) or secondary school (Yr 7) in England for the first time (please note some LAs have a middle school point of entry also).

Applications for school places at these points are run on a national co-ordinated scheme. All admission authorities work to the same dates and timescales which are set in the School Admissions Code.

For more information click here

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New Trust funding programme to support serving families overseas

 

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched Supporting Serving Families Overseas Programme under the Covenant Fund exciting three-year Funding Framework.

The Supporting Serving Families Overseas programme is now open for applications for grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, for projects that aim to assist serving families stationed at overseas bases and defence locations, focusing on addressing and recognising wellbeing issues faced by partners, children and young people during overseas posting.

Wraparound Childcare – families Q&A session with the WAC team 17th Sept

 Do you have a WAC question? Ask the WAC team.

Have you registered for WAC but still have questions? Are you eligible but haven’t yet registered? Are you unsure of the registration and claims process?

The WAC team are here to answer your questions.

Tuesday 17 September 13:00-14:00

Book your space now, complete the MS Form to receive a link to the Q&A session Family Q&A with the Wraparound Childcare Team (office.com) 

What is this Q&A session for?

This session is the latest in a series of Q&As that have been held since WAC became available to eligible Service families and will aim to answer any queries that families currently have.

Where to find further information

Service personnel can access FAQs and more information on the Defence Childcare Information Page on defnet or Defence Connect

Families can find more information and FAQS on the Discover My Benefits Army, RAF, Navy or Marines webpage (www), or the HIVEs, RN FPS and Families Federations information sites.

New MOD booklet: Benefits and support for Reserve families

 

Announcing the new booklet, Alistair Carns MP MC OBE, Defence Minister for Veterans and People, said:
“Our Reserve Forces are an integral and valued part of the Armed Forces Community. Their hard work and dedication is essential to national security and enables us to be operationally effective no matter the situation.
“It is essential that we support our people and their families as they navigate the challenges of service life. Whether it’s support with childcare, medical needs or financial advice– there’s a wide range of benefits and support in place to help our Reservists and their families.
“Today, I’m delighted to share our new MOD booklet for the Reserve community, which signposts the help available, and how to access it. This will allow more of our community to live in a way that best suits their needs.”

The Whispering Wind installation for those who have experience pregnancy, baby or child loss

Reservations for windmills for our Whispering Wind event in October (9th-15th Oct 2024 at the Defence Academy of the UK at Shrivenham), are still open, but not for long.

So if you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy, baby or child loss, and would like to honour their child's memory through our event, please send them our way. Reservation forms can be requested via DM or emailing dandelionmilfamilies@gmail.com

Windmills are free of charge to families, will be personalised and sent out to families once our Baby Loss Awareness Week event has come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages about their loved ones so far, your strength continues to amaze us and we feel honoured you have chosen to share their memory with us for this event. ​

Togetherall: Behind the Smile

Togetherall:Behind the Smile