FOREWORD FOREWORD BY
WO CLIVE MARTLAND, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF’S WARRANT OFFICER
I consider it a privilege to support the RAF Families Federation and contribute to the Envoy magazine.
One of my key roles is being a representative of our non-commissioned personnel, and in doing so, to inform the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Force Board members of the reality of life in the RAF. A vital part of that process is the programme of routine Station visits which provide the opportunity for open and frank discussions on a whole variety of issues that affect our personnel. It is important that people remain engaged and voice their opinions and concerns. The work of the RAF Families Federation and their ability to articulate the concerns of the whole RAF Family support the changes that are often needed to improve the quality of life for our personnel. They too provide a key forum to communicate with the Air Force Board.
I would urge everyone to embrace the Federation and for those in a line management position in the workplace, to encourage our younger cohort to engage with the Federation and help them to represent us. As a serving, unaccompanied regular airman with a family and married to a FTRS officer, I can empathize with many of the concerns and believe the RAF Families Federation have got it absolutely correct with who they represent – regulars, families, reservists and single personnel.
We live in an increasingly unstable world and it is against all those influences that shape our day to day workplace that can cause the greatest degree of uncertainty. We consistently ask our people to operate in testing circumstances and it is my belief that we have never failed to deliver. We do however have the chance to shape some of that uncertainty. The chance to air our views on the CAAS and the NEM with associated terms and conditions
must not be missed. I believe that there has never been a more important time for our personnel and their families to be able to seek representation. The Federation form an integral part of that representation, so engaging with the Federation is essential.
I was delighted to meet some of the RAF Families Federation team earlier in the year during a Station visit to RAF Wittering. I have been astounded by just what lengths they go to, to ensure we are served so well. I believe their website is something that the Federation should be justifiably proud of, as they should also be of the Envoy magazine – and the forums that they coordinate.
To all those at the RAF Families Federation, thank you.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Envoy Winter 2015
7
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