FOREWORD FOREWORD BY
CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, AIR CHIEF MARSHAL
SIR ANDREW PULFORD KCB CBE ADC RAF
I
know that many of you have been awaiting news of the New Employment Model (NEM) so that you can understand what it will mean for you. We know the main headlines and I hope that all personnel, both
married and single, took the opportunity to attend one of the unit briefs provided late last year (and that they took the message home to their families too!) because NEM will have an impact on everyone – serving personnel and their families, be they Regular or Reservist. Some initiatives, such as the trial of a House Purchase Initiative, have already been announced and I expect to be able to pass on to you more detail towards the middle of the year about the other initiatives and components of NEM.
To ensure we continue to provide a valuable contribution to the defence and security of the United Kingdom and its interests overseas, not only do we need the right and best possible equipment but we must also retain our brightest and best people. We also have to remain attractive as an employer to those who want to join us in the future. NEM is designed not only to help achieve all this but also to provide you and your families with greater choice and more flexibility in how and where you choose to live while serving.
Groups such as the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) and initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant will also play a vital role in this. One certain way to have your views heard by groups like AFPRB and the Armed Forces Covenant Team is to let the RAF Families Federation know what you think. The Federation provides both written and oral evidence to AFPRB and is an external member of the influential Covenant Reference Group, run by the Cabinet Office. As such, the Federation can provide you with a voice and help influence decisions on issues such as pay and removing disadvantage caused as a direct result of being in the Service.
I am acutely aware that we live in challenging times but it is incredibly important that we look to the future and that the RAF
moves forward with clarity and confidence in order to maintain its position as a word-class Air Force to 2020 and beyond. I continue to be hugely impressed by the contribution our personnel are making on operations both at home and overseas, and with the exceptional support we receive from our families and friends, who provide the essential foundation for all that we do. Thank you.
The RAF Families Federation is helping to provide a link between the real problems our personnel and their families have to deal with, and those who have the ability to take the necessary action to make a difference. Please do not hesitate to contact the Families Federation and help them to help you by giving them your views on the issues that matter most to you, either directly or through the online surveys available on the Families Federation website.
Why Should YOU Contact the Federation? T
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.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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!
Envoy Spring 2014 5
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