EDITOR/CHAIRMAN
EDITOR’S words T
his glorious weather is inspiring and it is hoped that with all the ‘not such good news’ around, it
will help us all focus more on the positive.
There is a huge amount of activity going on behind the scenes and some of it is very positive. In this issue there is the news that: Decompression is happening for all; the introduction of qualified Airplay youth workers is in full swing; the Catering,
Good reading.
From the Chairman W
ell, I never thought I’d see the day when I got excited by technology(!)
but I have to confess to a real sense of anticipation over our launch of on-line evidence-gathering. Having visited countless RAF units over the last three years and really struggled to reach family members, particularly the non-serving members or those living ‘beyond the wire’, we have invested a great deal of time and energy in building an on-line capability so that you can now contribute your evidence via the Internet.
We have placed all six themed surveys on-line this year but will be controlling the issue of passwords to ensure, as far as possible, that those participating are genuine members of a RAF family. So, if you didn’t get a chance to vote last year and you have views on any of the topics we are researching this year, watch out for the announcements of the issue of passwords via our website and unit staffs. If
you’d like to see what voters said last year, see the 2010 Annual Report on the homepage of our website.
We still intend to visit a select group of RAF units to conduct live evidence sessions and PR activity, including a number of Families Days, so we hope to meet many of you then. You can always contact us direct and we welcome any evidence on family-related issues that you feel should be highlighted to the policy staffs.
If you’re wondering what we do with the evidence beyond writing reports, see the article on our appearance before the House of Commons Defence Committee Inquiry into Support to the Bereaved and Seriously Injured, which is also on our website under ‘News’. We expect to be called to give further welfare-related evidence to the Committee this year and we are also contributing to the monitoring of the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant, which has just been published.
Finally, we continue to monitor the impact of the SDSR and are aware that further base closures are due to be announced soon, along with the results of the 1st Phase of the Redundancy programme and the announcements of Phase 2 fields in early September. We are also keeping a close eye out for the results of the MoD Review of Children’s Education Allowance and will ensure that your views on that are reflected back once the impact of any changes is known. Keep telling us what you think – it’s your views that count.
Why Should YOU Contact the Federation? T 4
he RAF Families Federation represents the concerns of RAF personnel and their family members on the
issues that affect them as part of a RAF family.
Your views and concerns are put in front of senior RAF and MoD staffs and direct to Ministers.
Envoy Summer 2011
The Federation is also invited to sit on steering groups where the views of RAF family members are sought. In these ways the Federation can influence change, where it is needed, for the better.
So whether you’re in uniform yourself or a spouse, a partner, a parent, a child or a sibling of a member of the RAF, the Federation is here to act on your behalf.
If you have something you wish to bring to the Federation’s attention, please call and speak to one of the team on 01780 781650 or email:
enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk
We operate entirely outside the RAF chain of command, so we can always promise an independent and confidential service. Please remember it is your views that are asked for, not ours!
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Retail and Leisure outlets are rolling out across the Air Force and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is enhanced beyond anything we have seen so far.
If there are concerns, then do remember to let us know, rather than just voicing it to a neighbour or friend. That way we can address it head on.
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