Healthy Soldier Cookbook : Volume 2

The British Army has launched the 'Healthy Soldier Cookbook' volume 2 in a bid to help troops embrace a better diet.

Click here

DCYP Bites

DCYP has updated its series of 'DCYP bites'.

Please see below updated versions.

Please click on images to enlarge

DCYP's Children’s Education Advisory Service

To view DCYP's CEAS latest leaflet please click HERE

Reopening Of Armed Forces Team (AFT) At UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)

Following closure in March 2020 as a result of Coronavirus, the Armed Forces Team (AFT) at UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has now re-opened. However, due to Home Office Coronavirus safety measures it can only offer a very limited service. The AFT is accepting new passports and is also engaged with clearing the backlog of passports that has accumulated since March. 

Non-UK Service Personnel (SP) are to note:

SP who have already had passports submitted to AFT for inclusion of the “Exempt UK Immigration Control” vignette will have them processed and returned to their RAO in due course, but it is impossible for AFT to say at this stage how long this will take.

Any SP who are currently waiting for their passport to be processed and require it urgently e.g. to travel for family emergency can contact Regional Command Family Support Team who will engage with AFT to see if the passport can be returned without the exemption vignette, with a view to resubmitting it later in the year.

The submission of passports to AFT for inclusion of the exemption vignette can resume but be aware that processing times will inevitably take much longer than usual. As above, AFT is unable to advise as to the potential length of delay at this stage. 

Not having the exemption vignette in a passport does not prevent non-UK SP from travelling on military business. They can use their Army ID card as proof of being a serving soldier.

SP who require an exemption vignette should therefore consider with their RAO whether they need to submit the passport to AFT immediately or whether they are able to wait until later in the year when processing times should be reduced as the backlog is cleared.

All passports sent to AFT must still be sent in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex A of the Unit Guide to Supporting Non-UK Nationals.

Reading Force: Teaching Teachers About Forces Children

The Director of Reading Force: https://www.rcet.org.uk/teaching-teachers-about-forces-children/ For those of you with Forces children, or perhaps who were Forces children yourselves, this may be particularly relevant. I am speaking at their conference later on this month.​

Reading Force Research Associate Scheme

New initiative: Reading Force Research Associate Scheme. This arose from a posse of students who had been Reading Force children – and still wanted to remain involved. We see this as a way of developing individuals, and particularly young people, who want to get involved, and offering mentoring and support in return. The experience will hopefully develop them and give them material for their CV. If you would like to suggest that a young person is part of this, do please pass on the invitation – see here for further information.​

Department of Education School Admission Consultation

The Department for Education is consulting on a revised version of the statutory School Admissions Code.

Please note closing date for consultation feedback is 16th October 2020.

To complete the survey please HERE

Partner Career Support Programme

The CTP are delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new Partner Career Support Programme – providing exemplary career support to spouses and partners of members of the UK Armed Forces. 

Whether you’re already in employment, have been out of work for some time, or are based overseas and are looking to understand your suitability for a UK based role, we’re here to help you find a future career that suits your individual needs and experience. 

Better yet, the programme will be entirely accessible online, meaning you can begin planning for your dream future career, from anywhere in the world, at a time and pace that suits you. 

Your support will be flexible to allow you to understand your career path options and develop the confidence to progress along your desired career path, all while still having time to meet the demands of Service and family life.

For further information, visit the website

https://www.ctp.org.uk/partner-programme

Anti-Bullying Helpline Now Live

A confidential helpline has launched to provide support for personnel experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment or discrimination in the armed forces.

For more information please

CLICK HERE