Tuesday 19 March 2024

Brunei: PCMF & DENTAL Centre Information - PCMF and DENTAL CLOSURE - Friday, 29th March & Monday, 01st April 2024


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Brunei: Get You Home (GYH) Information


GET YOU HOME (OVERSEAS) ENTITLEMENT

 Reference:

A. JSP 752, Chapter 9 Section 11.

1. Entitlement. All SP who are permanently assigned to an overseas station are eligible for GYH(O). In addition, any spouse/civil partner and/or family members child(ren) accompanying the SP will also be entitled to GYH(O), less those SP claiming SCV (Para 09.1105b refers). They are entitled to one return GYH(O) journey per assignment year to the country of domicile. The assignment year commences on the SP’s arrival in Brunei and renews on the anniversary of the arrival. There must be an expectation of serving the full 12 months of the assignment year in order to qualify for the entitlement.

2. Carry Forward of GYH(O) Entitlement. In normal circumstances there will be no scope for the carry forward of GYH(O) from one assignment year to the next. Where it is considered that there are exceptional circumstances (e.g. consecutive operational deployments) a case should be submitted by the affected Service person to their unit CO for authorisation. A copy of the CO’s personal authorisation should be copied to the unit HR admin staff to authorise them to adjust the Service person’s GYH(O) journey balance on the JPA system.

3. Commencement of Entitlement. Entitlement to GYH(O) commences from the date the Service person reports for duty in the overseas country. Entitlement to GYH(O) will not commence during any period of leave taken in the overseas country prior to the assignment reporting date.

4. Cessation of Entitlement. The entitlement to GYH(O) for the Service person will cease on the last day of duty in the overseas country. The immediate family entitlement will cease from the date the immediate family departs the overseas assignment location, or the date of the Service person's last day of duty overseas, whichever is the earlier.

5. Travel Arrangements. Personnel are responsible for their own travel arrangements and travel from either Miri Airport, Malaysia or Brunei International Airport is permitted. Where a direct flight is not available and a break in the journey is unavoidable, Service personnel are to book the next available connecting flight to the UK or the final country of domicile. Where possible, stopovers in the overseas destination to the country of domicile or UK must not exceed 24hrs as it is expected that a flight to the UK or country of domicile will exist within that timeframe. Requests to conduct a ‘stopover’ beyond 24hrs must be cleared through RAO BFB, through the relevant chain of command, prior to the SP entering into any financial arrangement with a travel agent or booking service. GYH(O) journey legs must be applied via JPA online self-service system (Self Service Journey Claim) and be approved before commencing GYH(O) travel. Note: SP must reach their final destination within 72hrs in order to claim MMA for terminal travel. 

6. Advances. Service personnel eligible to claim an advance of up to 100% of the anticipated GYH(O) entitlement, including terminal travel, for themselves and their accompanying eligible immediate family members up to 90 days prior to travel. The advance must be cleared by claiming for the GYH(O) journey travel costs on JPA within 31 days of the anticipated return from the period of leave for which the GYH(O) advance was paid. If not cleared by the Service person within those 31 days the advance will be recovered from the Service person’s salary.

7. Reimbursement for terminal travel. Where the terminal travel is made by rail, civil air, bus coach or taxi, or a combination of any of these forms of transport, the reimbursement limit of MMA is calculated as below:

a. Calculate MMA from RWA to airport of departure. Example: Tuker Lines to BIA for 1 pax is calculated as 61 miles x BND$0.65 x 1= BND$39.65 = BND$79.30 (return). 

b. Calculate MMA from arrival airport to final destination. Example: Kathmandu (TIA) to Pokhara (PIA) for 1 pax is calculated at 126 miles x Rs 57.71 x 1 = Rs 7271.46 = Rs 14,542.92 (return).  

c. SP are permitted to claim the cost incurred up to the reimbursement limit of MMA calculated as above. 

d. Terminal travels must be supported by receipts. 

e. Where the terminal travel is made by private vehicle, including a privately hired vehicle, the reimbursement limit of MMA will be 1 x MMA (regardless of number of family members travelling).
 
8. Audit Requirements. SPs should be aware that, if the claims be called to audit; the following evidence are to be submitted to confirm the expenditure and travel.

a. JPA Audit Front Cover - Available through HR Admin or link: Front Cover Audit Sheet.

b. JPA Claim declaration Sheet - Available through HR Admin or link: JPA 025. Note: Declaration to be typed, signed and dated.

c. Print out of JPA Journey Number page.

d. Print out of the claim details. Note: not the call to audit notice workflow

e. Receipts for payment of flight including terminal travel other than travel made by private vehicle. Note: Out of Bounds travel receipts are not accepted, and invoices are not admissible as this is not proof of payment.

f. Print out copy of flight itinerary and proof of travel (copy of passport page with departure/arrival stamp of county of embarkation and disembarkation).

GYH (O) - OUT OF BOUNDS TRAVEL AGENCIES

1. By order of the Chief of Staff Brunei Garrison, the following businesses have been placed out of bounds until further notice in relation to claims made against the MOD Get You Home (Overseas) travel scheme:

a. Century Travel.

b. Shammiz Travel - Not registered with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).

c. Ramdhani - Not registered with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).

d. Travel Consultant Mr Joe Gani – impersonating as employee of Pan Bright. 

2. All ranks are to be aware that JPA claims made with receipts obtained through the above-named agencies, or through a Non-Government registered agency in relation to Get You Home (Overseas) travel, will be recovered in full. Administrative or disciplinary action may be taken against those failing to adhere to this order.

3. The use of a third party individuals, who act as links between the SP and legal travel agencies, are strictly prohibited. Flight/Hotel booking for GYH(O) and Respite should be purchased online or from legally registered service provider found at link: Brunei legally registered Travel Agencies to satisfy the MOD audit requirements. 

GYH (O) - SUGGESTED GYH (O) REPUTABLE TRAVEL AGENCIES

1. A list of suitable travel agencies within Brunei can be obtained through the MCC Internal Sharepoint. All ranks are to ensure that the business by which the GYH (O) travel is facilitated must be registered with the Bruneian government or a known reputable ATOL registered online Internet agency. Suggestions are:

a. Brunei - Pan Bright Travel

b. Brunei - Freme Travel

c. Brunei - Southern Cross

d. Brunei - Anthony Tours

e. Brunei - JJ Tours

f. Internet - Booking.com

g. Internet - Expedia.co.uk

h. Internet - Royal Brunei Airlines

i. Internet - Air Asia

j. Internet - Sky Scanner

2. If Service Personnel are in any doubt as to whether the receipts are acceptable, they should contact the FSA BFB located within the main Admin Office, Tuker Lines in the first instance.

For further enquiries, please contact the RAO department.

Brunei: Respite Provision


RESPITE PROVISION (RP)

1. Aim. The aim of Respite Provision (RP) is to contribute towards travel and accommodation costs of Service personnel and their accompanying immediate family permanently assigned to an overseas station in order to achieve overnight respite from their duty station. 

2. Eligibility. All Service personnel and any accompanying immediate family who are permanently assigned to an overseas location and in receipt of permanent rates of Local Overseas Allowance are eligible for RP. The annual entitlement as at Apr 23 is £105 per person for 7 nights. RP are not to be combined with any other travel entitlements (e.g. GYH(O)) to fund travel by the Service person and/or their immediate family. Children visiting their parents in accordance with the arrangements for School Children’s Visits are ineligible for RP. 

3. Method of claim. 

a. Respite journeys must be applied and approved including ILA (except weekends) prior to using Respite Provision. 

b. Refunds of RP costs are retrospectively claimed through the JPA Expenses Claim system as detailed in the JPA Self Service User Guide. 

c. Claims are normally to be submitted within 14 days of completion of the journey in order to ensure that costs are attributed to the correct assignment year. 

d. SP are required to retain evidence of travel and expenditure to substantiate their claims. 

4. Audit and Receipts. 

a. Original receipts are required for all forms of travel and accommodation. Invoices are non-admissible as they are not proof of payment. 

b. Google maps is to be used to measure distances converted to miles for MMA claims. 

c. Cash payment for any transaction is strongly discouraged.

d. Tour and Travels agencies could be used, however the claimants must provide travel itinerary and proof of stay from hotel accommodation. 

e. Claimants must retain the supporting receipts and documentation for a period of 24 months from the date of submission of the claim.

For further information, please contact your company clerk.

Brunei: AWS Community Support - Easter Programme and Opening Hours from 11th March - 22nd March 2024

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For Easter Programme - Booking and Payment required by Wednesday, 20th March 2024.


Opening Hours for the Next Two Weeks
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Brunei: GOGGINS Challenge Charity Run for Mental Health - Wednesday 20th - Friday 22nd March 2024 @ Temple Car Park




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GOGGINS Challenge Charity Run!
4 mile run in every 4 hours for 48 hours.

20th - 22nd March 2024

A team from C Company 1 RGR is organising a charity event to support SSAFA mental health support team.

Please support with donation or if you wish to take part scan QR code and register your name.

Donation link is
https://www.justgiving.com/page/goggins-challenge-1709102462980?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fgoggins-challenge-
1709102462980&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Brunei: Closure of Regimental Accountant's Office (RAO) - Easter Leave


CLOSURE OF REGIMENTAL ACCOUNTANT’S OFFICE - EASTER LEAVE

1. The Regimental Accountant’s Office will be CLOSED for the dates as shown below:

a. 20th to 22nd March for monthly closedown procedures.

b. 25th March to 07th April for Easter Leave.

2. NO cash or bank transaction will be made for the period from 20th March 2024 to 07 April 2024.

3. Normal operating hours will RESUME on Monday 08 April 2024 from 08:00 to 12:30hrs.

Brunei: BFB Garrison Splash Tots - Fridays, *next class* 12th April 2024 @ Garrison Swimming Pool


Please click HERE to register for April.

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Togetherall: Neurodiversity Celebration Week Support



We all experience and interact with the world in a way that makes sense to us. Neurodiversity highlights the idea that there's no one right way to think, learn, behave or feel.

People think differently, which means we can also utilise different ways to feel better. With Togetherall, members can share their experiences and share community.​

Read more about Neurodiversity in @Togetherall's blog post: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/support-articles/what-is-neurodiversity

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit: We stand with victims




Please click HERE to access to further information.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Final round of Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme brings total grant funding to over £11.8 million in two-years

Final round of Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme brings total grant funding to over £11.8 million in two years

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) is delighted to announce that they have awarded over £2.8 million to 32 targeted projects that will deliver real change within Armed Forces communities in the final round of the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme.

That’s a huge total of more than £11.8 million in grant awards since the programme launched in April 2022!

Addressing gaps in support

Race Council Cymru have been awarded £99,851 to establish a support network for ethnic minority Veterans and their families, providing access to essential support and resources. The project will address a significant gap in support for ethnic minority Veterans in Wales, helping them access support and honouring their Service.

Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE, CE at Race Council Cymru says: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant and what a wonderful opportunity to allocate resources to working with the Armed Forces to engage with more diverse ethnic Veterans and their families, connecting them to the Armed Forces family.”

Specialist employment support

The Poppy Factory will receive £100,000 to expand the Families Employment Service which is delivered in partnership with families’ specialists The Ripple Pond. Launched in March 2023, this two-year pilot service offers remote, one-to-one support for adult family members who support Veterans with health conditions and require additional help finding and retaining employment.

Debbie Boughtflower, Director of Operations at The Poppy Factory, said: “It’s clear that there are many family members whose lives have been affected by time in Service, and who now face significant barriers to employment. Our specialists are proving that expert support can make all the difference.

“We are tremendously grateful to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for supporting the successful launch of the Families Employment Service, and for providing further funds to ensure we can help many more family members to find a new way forward.”

This award will enable The Poppy Factory to continue to meet a high level of demand and to further develop the service.

Strengthening support and building partnerships

Beyond the Battlefield’s project, Pace, will develop a sustainable support structure for LGBT+ Veterans and their families in Northern Ireland by building a partnership between the Veterans and Veterans’ organisations. The project, which was awarded £100,000, aims to create safe spaces for LGBT+ Veterans and improve their pathways to support, helping to promote inclusion and recognition.

Annemarie Hastings, CEO of Beyond the Battlefield, explains: “This groundbreaking initiative seeks to fortify the assistance provided to LGBT+ Veterans residing in Northern Ireland. Our project mission is to bolster the existing support structures within Veterans' and LGBT+ organisations across the region. At the heart of our endeavour lies a commitment to advancing the

recommendations tailored to Northern Ireland as outlined by Lord Etherton's independent review on the service and experiences of pre-2000 LGBT+ Veterans. Central to our vision is the empowerment and expansion of Fighting with Pride's footprint within Northern Ireland.”

Providing an escape from barrack life

39 Engineer Regiment were awarded £50,000 to deliver four off-grid Respite Pods at Kinloss Barracks on the Moray Coast, North Scotland. The pods will be available for use by soldiers when off duty for socialising and relaxing, addressing issues of social isolation and loneliness.

39 Engineer Regiment QM, Lt Col Mark Horrocks, explains: “39 Eng Regt is a very busy regiment with a high number of young soldiers aged 25 or younger. The remoteness, limited transport and cost of living mean many unaccompanied soldiers remain on Barracks during weekends and many report feeling lonely and isolated. We hope offering single soldiers – either together, or with visiting friends and families – use of this unique sustainable respite area to socialise, escape barrack life, and enjoy the adjacent beach and woodland will enhance wellbeing and promote interest in this area of natural beauty.”

Creating a lasting impact across the UK

In total, across four rounds, the programme has supported 126 fantastic projects across the UK, delivering significant changes and improvements in Armed Forces communities with hidden or compelling needs. The projects supported have addressed a wide range of needs within the Armed Forces community, such as mental health, social isolation and bereavement, to employment, parenting and physical health. A continuing theme addressed by many projects has been the cost-of-living-crisis and the challenges this has presented to Armed Forces communities.

Sonia Howe, Director of Policy at the Trust, said “The aim of the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme was to provide targeted funding for Armed Forces communities with hidden or compelling needs, or where there are gaps in provision. We are delighted to have supported so many fantastic projects and we hope that the changes and improvements they introduce continue to positively impact our Armed Forces Communities for years to come.”

Find out more

Check out the full list of awards made in this latest round on their website www.covenantfund.org.uk.

Want to find out what’s next for the Covenant Fund? The Trust are hosting a Lunch & Learn webinar on Thursday 25 April, 12 noon to 1pm to share how findings from their Armed Forces Covenant Consultation held last year are underpinning the development of future Covenant Fund programmes. Full details are available on their website.

Keep up to date with funding opportunities

For the latest updates and announcements on each of these Covenant Fund programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website www.covenantfund.org.uk