F e d e r a t i o n N e w s Federation
Discussions at the Ministry
T
he Federation Chairman has just returned from the 6-monthly Family Forum at the Ministry of Defence. This meeting
provides an opportunity for the three Service Families Federations to brief the Under Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones, on issues of concern to military families.
Also present at this meeting was the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel) who is the top man on tri-Service personnel policy and senior representatives from the Centre and other single Service policy staffs.
Key Themes Reported to the Minister Based on evidence gathered over the last 6 months, either via unit visits, our hotline or via individual issues reported via our website, the key themes that dominate the Federation’s agenda include: on-going concerns with the delivery of customer service by Defence Estates; issues surrounding un-entitled partners; co-serving couples, especially those with children who were unable to secure collocation; single parents; and the impact of separation on family life.
Make it Easier for Partners with Jobs in the Public Sector Dawn expressed concern at the lack of progress in some areas of the Service Personnel Command Paper, notably the commitment to make it easier for partners to transfer jobs in the public sector on re-location with a serving military partner or spouse.
Take Family-Related Issues off the ‘Back Burner’
Dawn expressed significant concerns at the impact of ‘streamlining’ in the MOD. This drive for efficiency has resulted in a 40% reduction in the staff available to progress key family-related policies and meant that
16 Summer 2009
NEWS
important reviews were being placed on the back-burner due to lack of resources.
Recognise the Challenges of Tours Overseas or in NI The other Family Federations raised important issues regarding overseas voting and the ‘normalisation’ of life in Northern Ireland and these were discussed. On the former, the Army Families Federation (AFF) were keen to see improvements to the overseas voting facilities since current postal voting procedures can result in votes not being received in time. In NI, families are concerned at the perception that ‘normalization’ means a tour there is no different to any other UK unit, when the security situation still creates challenges for families. Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel) plans to visit the Province and has asked the AFF and RAF FF to provide evidence on life in NI from the family perspective.
Support those with Mental Health Issues The provision of mental health support for family members was discussed and there was recognition that more needed to be done to signpost family members to the support available should they feel their partner is suffering some form of mental health condition, possible caused by witnessing traumatic events in operational theatres.
Family ID Cards The Naval Families Federation (NFF) asked if further consideration could be given to the provision of Family ID cards to make access to military units easier for family members. The point was made that, if the Services wish to encourage community life on bases and to open up education and training facilities to family members, providing an ID card would make their lives much easier and also make them feel valued members of the military family.
Back the Chairman up with YOUR Evidence The Federations always welcome these meetings as they provide a rare opportunity to brief the Minister face-to-face and to represent the families we serve.
www.raf-families-federation.org.uk
When asked to give examples of the issues we are describing, it is invaluable to have real-life issues to present and this is where your contact with us is so important. The Chairman can only provide such hard-hitting evidence at that level if she has received that evidence from you – either via unit visits, the Federation hotline or via our website ‘Report an Issue’ facility.
Always ‘Without Names’ Families should rest assured that, during such briefings, no personal details are revealed but, if Dawn can cite real examples of the issues she is presenting, there is no doubt that the Minister and his supporting staff listen all the more attentively.
The Next Opportunity Our next meeting with Ministers will be as part of the quarterly progress meetings on the Service Personnel Command Paper and then we will meet with Kevan Jones again in October. So, if you have anything you want to say to the Minster regarding family life in the RAF, and you perhaps don’t get the opportunity to see him in person, why not tell us and Dawn will take your evidence to the top.
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