SBAA Employment Policy Guidance - Remote Working

 

New Employment Policy Guidance for UK Family Members

The Sovereign Base Area Administration Employment Guidance for UK Family Members has been published, providing important information for UK Family Members (UKFMs) who wish to undertake remote employment while living in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs).

The guidance confirms that UKFMs who hold a valid SBA Status Card and are lawfully resident in the SBAs may undertake remote work for a UK-based employer while residing in the SBAs. It also clarifies that employment does not affect or extend an individual's Treaty-based status, which remains linked to the sponsoring person's assignment.

The policy applies only to UK Family Members working as employees and does not cover self-employed individuals, freelancers, consultants, contractors, or those operating through their own company.

The document also highlights that UKFMs and employers remain responsible for understanding and meeting any tax, social security, immigration, payroll, or registration requirements that may apply. The SBAA does not provide legal, tax, or immigration advice relating to UK or Republic of Cyprus legislation.

A helpful FAQ section addresses common questions regarding remote working, tax obligations, employer responsibilities, and SBA Status requirements. Individuals who have questions regarding SBA tax obligations are encouraged to contact the Fiscal Office for further information.

For full details, please read the complete Employment Policy Guidance for UK Family Members SBAA Employment Policy Guidance

What Is a Payroll Saving Scheme?

 

Saving regularly can be difficult when there's always something else your money needs to cover.

A payroll saving scheme could make it easier by putting money into your savings automatically from your salary. 

Find out how it works and what it could mean for employees and employers.

Read the blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/what-is-a-payroll-saving-scheme

Have Your Say in the Annual Defence Survey 2026! - FREE coffee

Have Your Say in the Annual Defence Survey 2026!

We want to hear about your experience with our services across British Forces Cyprus.

Complete the Annual Defence Survey and as a thank you you'll receive a FREE regular Costa drink at your local participating Costa outlet.*

Plus, you'll be automatically entered into a prize draw to win an experience worth £250!

Your feedback helps us improve the services we provide and shape future enhancements across the contract.

Complete the survey today and make your voice count.

AYIOS NIKOLAOS - Ay Nik
DEKELEIA - DHK
EPISKOPI - Epi
AKROTIRI - Aki

DHK - Lions Social Club Events - October 2026

Notable dates during October:

9th - Quiz - open 1900-2300

10th - Boarding School Visit (everyone welcome) - 1200-1500

23rd - Kahoot - open 1900-2300

30th - Rag n Bone/Teddy Swims (free show) - open 1800-2300

Every Sunday - Pool League and Football on the TV - open 1600-2000

Contact thelionssocialclub@gmail.com for more info

JSSU (Cyp) Community Day - 17th October 2026

See the Ay Nik Facebook pages or TeamUp for more details of the event or contact the 

Ay Nik HIVE - BFC-HQ-HIVE-AYNIKGpMailbox.mod.gov.uk 

Ay Nik Library New Opening Hours

Ay Nik Library new opening hours from 5th October 2026:

Monday and Tuesday 0830-1600

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 0830-1300

Telephone: 2395 7502

Support the SSAFA Charity Raffle - Prize Donations Needed!

 
Support the SSAFA Charity Raffle being held 17th October 2026

Raffle prizes are required for the JSSU (Cyp) Community Day at Ay Nik.

If you can help please contact Calum - calum.grant136@mod.gov.uk 

Suggested donations:

• Gift Vouchers/Hampers
• Sports Equipment
• Games and Gadgets
• Chocolates and Treats
• Local Business Donations

Should You Stop Saving to Repay a Loan or Credit Card?

 

Should you stop saving while you pay off a loan or credit card?

It might not be as straightforward as you think.

This article looks at the pros and cons of saving while repaying debt, and how to find a balance that works for you.

Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/should-you-stop-saving-to-repay-a-loan-or-credit-card

Give Us Time - Autumn last minute breaks and more!

Give Us Time still have lots of breaks and other opportunities available over the coming months – read all the way down for the big news!

*HIVE note – many of our customers will have seen the recent posts regarding free Parkdean breaks. Give Us Time offers have similar criteria, and may be of interest to Parkdean breaks applicants, and others who meet the criteria: “Give Us Time supports Forces families to spend time together on donated respite breaks following separation due to deployment, bereavement, physical or mental injuries, financial need, or other welfare issues.” Find out more at Frequently asked questions - Give us time - Breaks for service personnel and their families

OCTOBER

• Cwm Llan cabin, North Wales, 5 – 9 October, sleeps 2

• Broadland Sands Holiday Park, Suffolk, 5 -9 October, sleeps 6

• Seawick Holiday Park, Essex, 12 – 16 October, sleeps 6

Give Us A Moment days out for half term

• Visit the newly re-opened Palm Houses at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
• Enjoy Pumpkin Picking at Hatters Farm, Essex
• Explore the Gardens at Monteviot House near Jedburg

NOVEMBER

• Polperro, Cornwall, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

• Pevensey Bay, Sussex, Platinum standard lodge, 9 – 13 November, sleeps 6

DECEMBER

• Kidlandlee holiday cottage, Northumberland, 7 – 11 December, sleeps 6

PLUS THE RV GUESTHOUSE, FALMOUTH - DATES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

THE BIG ONE!!

We’re also thrilled to have more tickets for the Polar Express! This year we’ll be travelling along the Spa Valley Railway from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Friday 6 November, leaving at 7pm - please visit the website for more information!

As always, we book on a first come first served basis via the website - https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - breaks are accommodation only, days out are entry ticket only – GUT cannot cover the costs of travel, food etc.

Girls Brigade: 'Forces Connect' free online group launched for girls aged 13+ from military families

 

The Girls' Brigade is currently partnering with the Methodist Forces Board to provide opportunities for girls and young women in military families. You can read all about the project on their website.

Are you aged 13+ and part of a military family? Join online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends.

• Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families
• When: Thursday 15 October • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT
• Where: Online via Zoom
• Cost: FREE!
• What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.

No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.

How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance. https://girlsbrigadeonline.eventbrite.co.uk

Army HQ: Army HQ: Family Welfare Matters Edition 04 now available

To read online with accessible links, please go to Family Welfare Matters Sept 2026

For those with access to MODnet, both this edition and the full internal Welfare Matters newsletter is uploaded onto the Army HIVE SharePoint site in the Welfare Latest News section. The link to access is: Welfare

BFBStival on the Road Cyprus End of Summer Party - Saturday 3rd October 2026

 

Christmas 2026 Mail Message

Last Minute Parkdean Resort Holiday Breaks Available (16-23 Oct 26) – Apply by 1200hrs on 1 Oct

FAO Regular Army personnel.  

 

HQ Regional Command has secured additional 3 x fully funded 7-night Parkdean Resort family breaks that require urgent allocation.

 

To register your interest, complete this form by clicking the below link or scanning the below QR code. This expression of interest will close at 12:00 on Thu 1 Oct 26:

 

Funded Breaks for Regular Army Personnel (Parkdean Resorts) 16 - 23 Oct 26 – Fill in form

 

• Open to all Regular Army personnel

• 7 nights accommodation from Fri 16 to Fri 23 Oct 26

• 3-bedroom accommodation (up to 6 people)

• Completely free of charge

• 30% discount voucher for on-site food and beverages

• Applicants considered on a case-by-case basis

 

Important: Personnel may only register their interest if they:

 

• Are available to attend for the full duration of the break

• Offer justification as to why they should be considered

• Have obtained authorisation from their Chain of Command

 

Queries: RC-Pers-WelSpt-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

BFBS Valarian Pro League Grand Final 2026 Crowns The S.E.A. Dragons as Season Two Champions in the Royal Air Force Museum London

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has today announced the winners of the BFBS Valarian Pro League Grand Final 2026, following the season-ending esports competition at the Royal Air Force Museum London on 27 September.

 

Eight teams from across the armed forces esports community came together for a day of competitive gaming, with the championship title ultimately decided in front of a live audience, showcasing the camaraderie and skills that defined this year’s tournament.

Is Saving £25 a Month Worth It?

Struggling to save every month? 

Even £25 is enough to make a big difference overtime.

First Defence Finance has done the maths to show how small, regular savings can add up, and how an extra £5–£10 can have a huge impact over time.

Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/is-saving-25-a-month-or-less-worth-it

How Does the Bank of England Work?

The Bank of England affects your everyday spending more than you might realise. 

But what does the Bank of England actually do, and how can its decisions affect your money?

This simple guide breaks it down. 

Read the full blog: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/how-does-the-bank-of-england-work

Summer Reading Challenge 2026

 

If your child took park in Read to the Beat, please remember to take your books back and collect your prizes from your local library.

BFBS Update: Paramount Pictures’ Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt, comes to military working dog headquarters for pre-release screening in BFBS mobile cinema

 

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), brought Hollywood to the heart of the UK’s military working dog community, hosting an exclusive pre-release screening of Paramount Pictures’ Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt, directed by David Ayer and written by Cameron Alexander, at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) in Melton Mowbray, the headquarters for the UK’s Military Working Animals.

Audiences experienced the pre-release in an entirely new way, stepping inside the all-new BFBS Movie Machine - a purpose-built digital cinema housed within a 44-tonne HGV. Offering a truly unique cinema experience the specialist hydraulics transform the trailer, extending its sidewalls to create a fully self-contained, 80-seat mobile cinema, that has been bringing the big screen experience to armed forces communities since 2001.

The screening was delivered in exclusive partnership with Paramount Pictures, giving members of the military community the opportunity to see the film ahead of its UK theatrical release on 23 September, alongside interviews with service personnel and their working dogs.

The film follows an ex-special forces soldier and his former military working dog as they navigate the aftermath of service and a fight for survival in the Alaskan wilderness. Its themes of military life, resilience and the extraordinary bond between service personnel and animals made the DATR the perfect setting for the screening.

Adam Hardwick, BFBS Deputy Director of TV and Cinemas, said: “The Movie Machine has been an integral part of our worldwide cinema offer for more than 20 years, so we’re incredibly proud to partner with Paramount Pictures to bring this film to our armed forces and their families in such a unique way. It’s a great example of what the BFBS Movie Machine can do: take a major cinema release out of the traditional setting and bring it directly to those who are in the military community.”

With its unique ability to transform into a fully equipped film theatre, the Movie Machine has taken films to personnel in locations including Bosnia, Kosovo and Cyprus, making it the perfect platform for bringing this special screening to the heart of the military community.

For further updates on BFBS Cinemas, follow on Facebook and X.

The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2027 is open!

 

The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2027 is open! 

This is an opportunity for serving personnel to share their views about Service life and shape improvements.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to making Service life better for personnel. The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) takes place each year and invites a random sample of Regular serving personnel to share their views and experiences about Service life. Feedback helps shape policies and initiatives across the Armed Forces.

Check if you have been invited to complete the survey.

• If invited, you'll be taken directly to the survey. Please complete the survey by 1 February 2027

• If you haven't been invited, you can still share your views through a shorter survey.

Your answers are completely confidential. This means your personal responses will not be shared with your Chain of Command.

This year’s survey is much shorter and easier to complete. It takes around 20 minutes and focuses on the areas that matter most to you.

Help Defence to better meet your needs

By taking part in AFCAS, you are not only helping Defence to understand what life is really like for you, but are also helping to represent the experiences of those who serve beside you.

This helps Defence to understand what’s working well and make improvements for you and the wider Armed Forces community.

Your feedback improves things like:

• Pay and allowances
• Service accommodation
• Career opportunities
• Work-life balance
• Support for personnel and families

Recent improvements for Service personnel and families

Defence recognises the critical role that serving personnel play in the Armed Forces. Their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices are vital to keeping Britain safe. To help ensure that serving personnel continue to feel valued, supported and able to thrive, Defence continues to improve important aspects of Service life.

Recent improvements include:

• A new Defence Housing Strategy, where £9.2bn will go towards modernising, refurbishing or rebuilding over 40,000 Service family homes.

1. As part of the Housing Strategy’s commitment to improve homes, we are building the first new forces homes in a decade.
2. More than 120 military families in Woolwich will live in newly refurbished properties as they return from deployment in Cyprus. Hundreds of brand-new, energy efficient homes have also been completed at Imjin Barracks through a partnership with housing developers.
3. 1,250 homes have been fully refurbished as part of the delivery of commitments made in the SFA Consumer Charter. This is only the beginning of a decade-long improvement in military accommodation that is promised in the Housing Strategy.
4. Additionally, Service families now benefit from greater freedoms to make their house feel more like home, including keeping pets and decorating their home.

• A new Defence early years childcare scheme, the UK Nursery Authority, launches from September 2026. This scheme will reimburse eligible working parents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the difference in the costs of Early Years childcare hours, matching the “free” (Government funded) childcare hours they would be entitled to if assigned to England.

• Defence launched a new training guide for Servicewomen to transform how they train, fuel and recover for the most demanding military roles.

• There are ongoing improvements to the Armed Forces reward package, ‘Your Offer,’ which includes pay and other terms and conditions of Service.