E m e r g i n g I s s u e s Emerging Issues


Increased Relocation Leave


I


n recognition of the domestic upheaval that can occur on postings, Tri-Service agreement


has been reached, revising Relocation Leave (RL) provision. With effect from 28 Jul 08, RAF personnel who change station and accommodation location will be entitled to a norm of 5 working days’ RL. JSP 760 will be amended to reflect this change. To read more go to: www.raf-ff.org.uk


RAF Bulletin A S


ready aide-memoire on activities the RAF is planning or has undertaken and


other information relevant to a wide audience. It is available to read at www.raf-ff.org.uk or www.rafcom. co.uk The focus of the current issue is personnel.


School Admissions Consultation 2008


ecuring a school place for a child is one of the most


important things parents do. The proposals contained within the Schools Admissions Consultation Document (available to view at www.teachernet.gov.uk/ publications or at www.raf-ff.org. uk) take forward the Government’s commitment in the Children’s Plan to make the admissions process and administration of appeals as fair, transparent and straightforward for parents as possible.


The consultation runs from 12 Jun – 2 Oct 08 and your views on the proposals are welcomed. If you would like to comment, send your views to review. admissions@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk. For Service families the Government has published proposals on how it plans to improve access to public services so they are not disadvantaged. See article on the outcome of the Command Paper.


4 Autumn 2008


Cost of Phone Calls Reduced


T


he price of calls to the UK from


those serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo are reduced from 89p/min to 11p following a £1.4 million investment by the MOD.


Each week, British troops on operations get 30 minutes of free calls to anywhere in the world.


MILITARY SOCIAL WORK SERVICES WINS QUALITY AWARD


M


ilitary Social Work Services provided by SSAFA Forces Help


have been awarded the prestigious Charter Mark. The assessment looked at how user-friendly the service was. In addition to the provision of statutory services, eg safeguarding and fostering, SSAFA offers confidential support line for military personnel and families, a specialist adoption service and holidays for those with additional needs and more. For further information go to www.ssafa.org.uk


MESSAGE FROM MHS – GAINING ACCESS TO PROPERTIES


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or repairs, MODern Housing Solutions (MHS) usually require access to the property during the day. MHS


understands that this can be difficult when occupants are at work themselves however it is paramount for planned safety inspections as per ‘Service License to Occupy Service Family Accommodation’.


Gas Safety Regulations place a legal duty on Defence Estates Ops Housing, like any other landlords, to carry out annual safety checks. Please respond to notification of your gas


safety inspections to confirm or re-arrange the appointment.


Last year thousands of planned maintenance appointments (covering gas, oil and electrical inspections) were missed by occupants. Do not risk your life, those of your family’s, friends and neighbours. For further information go to www. modernhousingsolutions.com


SSAFA Co-Ordinates Self-Help Groups for Families


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he MOD has asked SSAFA to establish two new self-help groups for the families of Service


personnel who have been injured or killed. Jane Barnes will co-ordinate the groups and provide professional guidance and advice. She said "These groups will be an opportunity for people who are having similar experiences to get together and support each other through very difficult times. People can be left feeling isolated so bringing them together can ease the burden."


Anyone wishing to join either the support group for families of injured Service personnel or for bereaved families of Service personnel contact jane.b@ ssafa.org.uk


The RAFA Grand Draw 2008


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he draw offers the opportunity to win a Mini Cooper, a Mediterranean cruise and a


Dambusters Helicopter flight.


RAFA supports current serving personnel and their families and veterans. Each of the 500 Branches undertake, on a voluntary basis, over 25,000 welfare visits to those in need. The support may be just a friendly chat or perhaps preparing and submitting applications for financial help, advice on war pensions, short welfare breaks or longer term care.


With no direct Government funding RAFA need to raise over £8 million each year so


www.raf-families-federation.org.uk


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