September webinars from Serve and Protect Credit Union

This September, Serve and Protect Credit Union are delivering a range of free educational webinars on the following financial topics:

Thu 4th - Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money

Mon 8th - Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money

Wed 10th - Harmful Effects of Gambling: Presented in Collaboration with GamCare

Tue 23rd - The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

Thu 25th - Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

Thu 25th - People Over Profit: The Credit Union Movement

Tue 30th - Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know

With actionable tips to prepare for financial emergencies, improve your credit score, and budget your money, don't miss out on these free webinars from Serve and Protect!

Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/hs-webinars

2025 Army Families Federation questionnaire on Service pay

The Army Families Federation (AFF), Naval Families Federation (NFF) and RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) are jointly running a questionnaire to hear from Regular Service Personnel and their families about satisfaction with pay and personal financial circumstances over the past 12 months.

The responses will help to:

• Better understand the financial challenges faced by service families.
• Identify any trends or issues specific to each of the single services.
• Provide robust, evidence-based feedback to the MOD, the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and other key stakeholders.

To take part in this questionnaire, which is open to serving personnel, spouses and partners, please click the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFF2025_Pay_Questionnaire

The questionnaire should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and every response helps strengthen the evidence that family federations can present on behalf of families.

Outstanding GCSE Results at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School are once again celebrating a year of exceptional success in their GCSE examinations, with nearly a third of all entries achieving a grade 9-7. 79% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Mathematics. This year’s results reflect the hard work, determination, and ambition of Dukies, with a significant number earning coveted academic and sports scholarships as they move into Sixth Form.

Principal Alex Foreman commended students and staff alike, stating: "We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements. As one of the top-performing non-selective boarding schools in the country, we are delighted to see so many Dukies choosing to continue their journey with us into Sixth Form. Our university-style boarding environment, alongside our academic and enrichment programmes, offers a truly unique education. Students thrive here – not just academically, but as confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for the future path they choose."

This year, 13 students were awarded academic scholarships for outstanding GCSE performance, while 7 received sports scholarships recognising their talent, commitment, and leadership on and off the field. 4 of these students will join the school’s elite Rugby Performance Pathway, delivered in partnership with Ealing Trailfinders – a testament to the school’s dedication to developing athletic as well as academic excellence.

Among the many outstanding achievements this year are Samuel McLay, who earned six grade 9s and three grade 8s; Bijes Rai, with three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s; Nina Umeh, who achieved four grade 9s, one grade 8 and four grade 7s; Chidera Achomadu, who secured two grade 9s, four grade 8s and three grade 7s; and Parisha Rai, who secured one grade 9, five grade 8s and three grade 7s.

The school’s distinctive ethos, combined with small class sizes, exceptional education, and outstanding opportunities, continues to support students to exceed expectations and reach their full potential.

Applications to the school are welcome, with academic scholarships available for external applicants.

For more information, visit www.doyrms.com

Career Transition Partnership Employment Fairs – remaining 2025 dates

To view all CTP employment events, and to register to attend an event, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Serve and Protect Credit Union – Aug & Sept Financial Education Webinars

Serve & Protect Credit Union have the following upcoming financial education webinars:

Topic: The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

• Date: 20 August 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

• Date: 21 August 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know

• Date: 28 August 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money

• Date: 04 September 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money

• Date: 08 September 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected

• Date: 23 September 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: The Road to Financial Resilience: Preparing for the Unexpected | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score

• Date: 25 September 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Topic: Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know

• Date: 30 September 2025
• Time: 1200 - 1245
• Register: Before You Borrow: Key Things to Know | Serve and Protect Credit Union

For more information on Serve & Protect webinars, please visit: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/education/webinars/

Easy Resettlement Magazine: Subscribe for free and read online

To subscribe for free, please click this link: Subscription | Easy Resettlement Magazine

To read current and back issues of Easy Resettlement magazine, please visit: Back Issues | Easy Resettlement Magazine

The Duke of York's Royal Military School Celebrates Exceptional A Level and BTEC Results

Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School are celebrating another year of exceptional results in their A Level and BTEC examinations. This year, the average A Level grade achieved by students was a B, while BTEC students also performed impressively.

Principal Alex Foreman praised the hard work and determination of students and staff, stating: "Our unique school continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for our students, academically and personally. Our Dukies are supported by exceptional teachers and pastoral staff, and they flourish in a setting that encourages them to aim high and develop the skills required to succeed. Our students have shown remarkable determination and commitment, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved. They are inspiring young people, and I am confident they will step into the next stage of their lives with confidence and purpose."

This year’s cohort is heading on to an exciting range of next steps. Among the outstanding individual success stories: Mayowa Aiyere A*, A, A going to read Law at Warwick; Olivia Ofili Distinction*, A, A to read Accounting and Finance at Warwick; Ulhana Shevtsiv Distinction, Distinction, A* to read Global Design and Engineering at the Engineering and Design Institute; Imogen Thorne A, A, A to read Politics and Language at Southampton; Archie Hussey Distinction, Distinction, Distinction degree apprenticeship in Construction Management with BW Workplace Experts; Seyi Ferreira A, A, B to read Chemical Engineering at Newcastle.

At The Duke of York’s Royal Military School students benefit from small class sizes, exceptional education, and outstanding opportunities, ensuring they leave not only with superb qualifications but also with the leadership, independence, and confidence needed for their futures.

The school celebrates the success of all its leavers and looks forward to seeing the impact they will make in the world beyond school.

For more information, visit www.doyrms.com

Stop Loan Sharks: Summer Newsletter

Stop Loan Sharks have published their summer newsletter. This jam packed edition features the latest arrests, a video for school children, a new campaign encouraging partners to support victims in making the call, and much more.

To read the newsletter please click HERE. 

For further information please visit the Stop Loan Sharks website: Home - Stop Loan Sharks

NAAFI: 2025 Welfare Returns figures

NAAFI are excited to share that they’ve announced their 2025 Welfare Returns figures - when people shop at NAAFI facilities, any surplus they earn is given back directly to the communities they serve.

This year alone, they’ve generated £110,435 for local garrisons and communities across seven of their locations:

• Ascension Island
• Brunei
• The Falkland Islands
• Germany
• Poland
• Bahrain
• Royal Navy Ships

You can read more in NAAFI’s latest blog post here: https://naafi.co.uk/a-year-of-giving-back-welfare-returns-2025/

And find out more on the NAAFI website: https://naafi.co.uk/

GOV.UK: Updated guidance for Service personnel and their families on Early Years childcare and child welfare policies

The Gov.uk website has been updated today, with new information in the ‘Free Early Years Childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to school starting age (including 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare)’ and ‘Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA)’ section.

To review the revised information please go to: Guidance for Service personnel and their families on child welfare policies

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) bank holiday arrangements for 25 August 2025

The Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) office opening arrangements are different for the 25 August bank holiday.

England, Scotland and Wales:

On Monday 25 August offices and phone lines are closed.

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Monday 25 August then benefits will be paid early on Friday 22 August.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest HMRC Vacancies in Newcastle, Belfast and Portsmouth - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE-448 – HMRC Review Officer - Newcastle, Belfast and Portsmouth

Closing Date: 12 September 2025

GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Forces Employment Charity: A month to go to Empowering You!

About Empowering You

Date: Monday 15 September – Wednesday 17 September

Hosted by Barclays in partnership with the Forces Employment Charity, this three-day hybrid event is designed for military spouses, partners, and military women (including reservists). Attendees will join two virtual days and one in-person day held at your choice of Barclays venues in London, Manchester, or Glasgow. All for free.

The event will include:

• 1-to-1 mentoring with a Barclays corporate mentors
• Direct connections with employers actively recruiting the Armed Forces community
• Expert advice from people who get it. All our Families Employment Advisors are military spouses or partners themselves!

Overview

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Child Maintenance Group Caseworker, Falkirk

The Department of Work and Pensions has 30 new Service Excellence - Child Maintenance Group - Caseworker Executive Officer opportunities in Falkirk. These are now open for applications until 8 September 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Service Excellence - Child Maintenance Group - Caseworker - Administrative Officer - Falkirk (Ref: 742)

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

Recruit for Spouses latest newsletter: Career Support Events and more!

The latest Recruit for Spouses newsletter has been published, and is available to read online.

How satisfied are you with family life while serving overseas?

As the Overseas Survey draws to a close on 30 August 2025, MOD are making one final call to hear from Armed Forces families living overseas. These insights are vital in shaping the support, services, and policies that matter most to them.

Whether it’s childcare, education, employment or military life in general—their voice makes a difference.

Take the Overseas Families Survey. 

Also a reminder to everyone that, for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to take part yet, there’s still time. It only takes a few minutes, and feedback is invaluable.

MOD would like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s already shared their experiences. Their contribution will help the MOD to build a clearer, stronger picture of life overseas.

Brunei: Home Address Submission For Students Attending Panaga School To Arrange Transport

Parents of Year 7 and Year 8 students attending Panaga School from this academic year are requested to provide their home addresses to the below email address. This information will enable us to arrange transportation services to and from Panaga School.

PoC for school transport: Sgt Vijaysingh Gurung (MT SNCO, QOGLR Det)
Email: vijaysingh.gurung226@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: Cinelink Screening: Thunderbolts - Friday, 15 August 2025, 1600 - 1850hrs @ Paradise Chalchitra, Mumong Community Centre

This movie showing is available to all who are age 12+ (under 12 can attend with an adult).

All BFB members and BFB LEC’s and their families welcome.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Universal Credit Income and Expenses Agent, Leeds

The Department of Work and Pensions has 110 new Universal Credit Income and Expenses Agent Executive Officer opportunities in Leeds. These are now open for applications until 26 August 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Income and Expenses Agent Executive Officer - Leeds (Ref: 741)

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on the DWP EO Microsite.

NAAFI Fund - NATO Shape's Community Spaces Are Officially Open

The NAAFI Fund recently awarded a £17,500 grant to NATO in Shape, Belgium to give their community spaces a much-needed makeover! This project was all about creating a centralised, welcoming space for the British Military Community. To read NAAFI Fund’s blog post on this project, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/project/from-dream-to-reality/

NAAFI Fund said: “To gain some inspiration about how the NAAFI Fund could help in your unit or local community area, please take a look at our previously supported projects Completed Fund Projects - NAAFI

“For more information on the NAAFI Fund, the application process and what grants are available, please take a look at our website NAAFI Fund - NAAFI

“We anticipate the portal to re-open for applications in April 2026, however, we will announce the exact dates and links nearer the time via our social media and website, so please keep an eye on those @naafisocial. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, to receive communication nearer the time so you can start to prepare your bid, please email funding@naafi.co.uk”

NAAFI: https://naafi.co.uk/

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 11 August 2025

SFA Consumer Charter – greater freedoms for families

Service Personnel and families deserve homes that reflect your unique needs and lifestyles. Outdated, lengthy policies are unhelpful in fostering a sense of belonging where you can make a house feel like your home. This is particularly important given the transient nature of military life, which we know can be disruptive.

DIO is committed to transforming this experience. By modernising our policies, we’re empowering families with greater freedom to personalise and enhance your homes. Defence Secretary Rt Hon John Healey MP announced the latest improvements, which include an update to policies making it easier for you to own pets and run businesses from home. In the future, you will also have more freedom to personalise and decorate your homes, the details of which will be confirmed in due course.

• SFA pet policy: We know that pets are a big part of family life. Previously, families with pets were required to seek written permission through the National Service Centre (NSC) before acquiring or bringing existing pets into SFA. Under the revised policy, effective from 9 August 2025, pet owners do not need approval. Instead, you simply need to notify the NSC that you have a pet via an e-form.

Permission will only be required if the number or type of pets exceeds the permissible criteria outlined in the Pet Notification Form on the Pinnacle website.  

• Business from home policy: Following a review of this policy, applications to run a business from an SFA home were reinstated in May. We have now revised the approvals process, effective from 9 August 2025, giving DIO single authority to make decisions on applications, as opposed to individual units. This will ensure approvals are consistent throughout the UK.

For any queries related to these policy updates or for questions about your SFA, you can contact your local housing officer or call the Pinnacle National Service Centre 0800 031 8628.

Providing families with floor plans

As part of the SFA Consumer Charter, we are committed to providing improved, clearer information for families ahead of moves, including photographs and floor plans of all homes when a family applies for housing.

Currently we are aware that a number of SFA properties do not have an up-to-date floor plan. If you reside in one of these identified properties, you will be contacted by a letter from Pinnacle in the coming weeks to inform you about an appointment, for a surveyor to attend your property to carry out a floorplan survey. This should take no longer than one hour.

If your home is identified for a floor plan survey, we greatly appreciate your cooperation in providing access to your property for these surveys to take place, for the benefit of future Service families.

For any queries please contact your local housing officer or call the Pinnacle National Service Centre 0800 031 8628.

Personal CCTV reminder

Personal CCTV footage captured from your homes (including video doorbells) is for the use of protecting your property only, and not for publishing externally. Helpful guidance on how to use domestic CCTV responsibly and legally can be found on GOV.UK.

FAMCAS results show steady improvements

In July, the results of the 2025 Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FAMCAS) showed a steady increase of satisfaction with accommodation services, including:

• 51% satisfied with the overall standard of SFA/SSFA, (an increase from 47% in 2024).
• 36% satisfied with the response rate for repairs, (an increase of 10% since last year).
• 33% satisfied with the quality of repairs, an increase from 26% in 2024.

This is an encouraging sign that Service families are starting to experience the improvements that DIO and its suppliers are making, and we will continue to work to improve the SFA experience for you.

UK SFA investment plans 2025/26

Following the Strategic Defence Review which announced more than £1.5 billion of additional funding to improve accommodation for Personnel and families, we are now able to share our investment plans for UK SFA in 2025/26. Read more here about the investment that is planned above maintenance funding.

7 September 2025: National emergency alert test and guidance for victims of domestic abuse

There will be a test of the national emergency alert system on 7 September. This will come through to all mobile phones across the country. SafeLives have issued the following guidance for those who are victims of domestic abuse:

A UK-wide emergency alert test will take place on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm. Mobile phones will emit a loud siren and vibrate — even if they’re on silent.

Whilst these alerts aim to protect the public in emergencies, they could put victim-survivors of domestic abuse at risk — especially those who rely on hidden phones as part of their safety plan.

Please know, you CAN opt out of this test.

If you need to disable alerts for safety reasons, follow the steps here: Opting out of emergency alerts - GOV.UK

New surveys for Service children aged 8-18 – share your experience of growing up in a military family

Please click the image to enlarge.

Links for Survey:

• Age 8 - 11
• Age 12 - 15
• Age 16 - 18

New BFBS Royal Air Force Documentary: Top Flight Fitness – Available to Watch Now

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) spent six months at RAF Cosford following trainee Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) on one of the Royal Air Force’s toughest and most demanding courses, in a brand-new programme, Top Flight Fitness.

BFBS Forces News had special access to this intense and demanding training journey, capturing the brutal workouts, military theory lessons, real-world teaching sessions, and relentless physical and mental assessments that push even the fittest to their limits.

From raw recruits straight off civvy street to experienced service personnel, the series reveals what it really takes to become a PTI, and it’s not just about six-packs and speed.

BFBS Forces News reporter Kirstie Chambers joins the course every step of the way, sharing insight into the teamwork, psychology, resilience and sheer determination it takes to earn the coveted PTI badge, she said: “They didn’t just train bodies, they built minds. The women matched the men, the competition drove camaraderie, and the real test? Just keeping up the pace.”

Expect sweat, setbacks and serious inspiration in this must-see look inside the RAF’s most physically demanding training ground.

Top Flight Fitness: What it takes to keep the RAF fighting fit, is available to watch now on BFBS Forces News YouTube: https://brnw.ch/21wUzsH

Evolve House event on 28th Sept for frontline women, in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric

Evolve House in partnership with Motorfinity and She’s Electric

An opportunity for frontline women….

Motorfinity in partnership with She’s Electric are hosting an inspiring day at Stubton Hall in Nottinghamshire / Lincolnshire border on Sunday 28th September – created especially for you, the incredible women who keep everything moving.

Whether you’re part of the UK’s Armed Forces, a Veteran, or work in the Emergency Services, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance services, Prison Services, Education, Social Care or the NHS – this event is a way to say thank you, and to give something back to the women who do so much for others.

Expect powerful conversations, expert wellbeing insight, a fun electric drive experience and a chance to recharge.

If this sounds like you, or someone in your circle, we’d encourage you to register – places are complimentary but limited.

Link to register:

https://www.sheselectric.co.uk/motorfinity-evolve-house?utm_source=toolkit&utm_medium=comms&utm_campaign=EvolveHouse

Give Us Time: new donor in the North East of England

Give Us Time have a new donor in the North East of England – please see the poster for more details and for how to book.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): WP Work Coach Vacancies

The following Executive Officer work coach vacancies are now open:

Civil Service Jobs link:

Decision Making Directorate - Decision Maker - Bangor, Ty Taf (Ref: 740)

Open from 07/08/2025 to 21/08/2025

More information on DWP, the roles available and the application process can be found on our EO Microsite

Reading Force’s memoir competition for adults, children and young people – closes end of August 2025

Less than a month left to enter Reading Force’s 2025 writing competition for adults, children & young people!

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest DWP Vacancy in Middlesbrough - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE-447 - Decision Maker - Middlesbrough

Closing Date: 2 September 2025

Job Description

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Family Action – UK remote, full time, permanent job opportunities

Family Action have 5x UK remote, full time, permanent job adverts: 

Performance Business Manager – Full Time / Permanent – UK Remote - £36,842 - £41,106 FTE per annum
Closing date to apply – Tuesday 19th August at 23:59
Job ID: 1535

Continuous Improvement Manager – Full Time / Permanent – UK Remote - £42,140 - £46,240 FTE per annum
Closing date to apply – Tuesday 19th August at 23:59
Job ID: 1536

Continuous Improvement Manager – Relate Counselling Services - Full Time / Permanent – UK Remote - £42,140 - £46,240 FTE per annum
Closing date to apply – Tuesday 19th August at 23:59
Job ID: 1537

Not only are they all fantastic opportunities to shape what we do at Family Action and Relate (part of Family Action) but we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role and, we are also applying positive action to improve the representation of people of colour in management roles at Family Action. As such, the guaranteed interview scheme is extended to applicants of colour who meet the minimum criteria. To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person. 

Mission Motorsport August Newsletter is now out

August is here, and it’s been a fantastic summer season so far. Mission Motorsport has been running powerful and inspiring recovery sport experiences — and the best part? There's still a lot more on the horizon.

This edition of our newsletter brings you the latest stories, a look ahead at what’s coming up, and plenty of ways for you to join in. Here's a taste of what’s included:

• Mission Motorsport Racemakers Shine at Silverstone
• Mission: Possible - Mission Motorsport Featured in IMI’s MotorPro Magazine
• Upcoming events - Beneficiary tickets available, and the Forces Family Track Day in Croft
• Fundraising Force - great efforts continuing to raise money for Mission Motorsport

You can read the newsletter by clicking the attachment or visiting our website here.

As always, if you have any questions or just want to say hello, drop us a line at team@missionmotorsport.org.

We can’t wait to see you at an event soon!

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest HRMC Vacancy in London - available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners

The following vacancy is now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE-443 HMRC STRAP Security Officer- Stratford Regional Centre - London

Closing Date: 1st September 2025

Job Description

​GFiE roles are available specifically to people who served in the Armed Forces, or be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable time frame or a Military Spouse/Partner (your current partner must still be serving or was discharged within the last 12 months).

To apply, please submit a completed EOI Form (also see Guidance notes) and an up to date CV to GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

For more information on the GFiE scheme please go to: A complete guide to GFiE – Veterans, Military Partners/Spouses and Service Leavers – Life Chances – Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) (blog.gov.uk)

Quest Magazine – August Edition now available

To read this issue online, or any previous issues, please go to: Quest Magazine | Quest Online

BFBS to Broadcast 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition as Official Media Partner

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) will deliver exclusive livestream coverage of the 2025 Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC), bringing forces audiences around the world closer to the action.

Now in its 21st year, the IDRC is the world’s premier military rugby tournament. In 2025 the second Women’s International Defence Rugby Competition will take place, running throughout August and September, featuring elite teams made up of soldiers, sailors and airwomen from armed forces around the world, plus a unique squad brought together by Vodafone and rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz. All teams will compete for the title of the greatest armed forces rugby team in the world.

Hosted in the UK by the British Army, the tournament will kick off with an Opening Ceremony at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Berkshire on 15 August. Fixtures will then take place over three weeks at venues across the UK, culminating in the final at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, on 3 September.

As the official media partner for the 2025 competition, BFBS will livestream selected fixtures via Forces News YouTube and Forces News Fcebook ensuring service personnel, veterans, and rugby fans worldwide never miss a moment.

BFBS will be covering every twist and turn of the tournament across its radio, TV and digital platforms, on both BFBS and BFBS Forces News channels.

Lt Cdr Laura Blagden RN, Tournament Manager at IDRC said: "The IDRC is more than just a competition, it is a celebration of teamwork, resilience and international camaraderie among women in uniform. We’re proud to be hosting the tournament in the UK, and with BFBS as our media partner, we’re giving the athletes a platform to amplify the visibility and recognition their performances deserve on a global stage.”

Sara Burls, Senior Director, Livestreaming and Studio (News) at BFBS, added: "We are proud to be the official media partner for this year’s International Defence Rugby Competition, and we’re thrilled to bring global audiences closer to the energy and excellence of women’s military rugby. This tournament showcases the extraordinary skill and spirit of these athletes, and we’re proud to share their stories and achievements with the forces community and beyond.”

2025 Tickets Are Now On Sale For The Following Fixtures:

Round 1

17 August

• UK v Tonga - Esher RFC
• Ireland - Esher RFC

18 August

• France v Australia - Maidenhead RFC
• Fiji v Vodafone LooseHeadz Barbarians Invitational XV - Maidenhead RFC

Round 2

21 August

• Tonga - Basingstoke RFC
• UK v Ireland - Basingstoke RFC

22 August

• France v Fiji - Henley RFC
• Australia v Vodafone LooseHeadz Barbarians Invitational XV - Henley RFC

Round 3

25 August

• UK - Aldershot Garrison
• Tonga v Ireland - Aldershot Garrison

26 August

• Fiji v Australia - Aldershot Garrison
• Vodafone LooseHeadz Barbarians Invitational XV v France - Aldershot Garrison

Challenge Cup Semi

29 August

• 3rd Pool A v 4th Pool B - Guilford RFC
• 3rd Pool B v 4th Pool A - Guilford RFC

Cup Semi

30 August

• Winner Pool A v 2nd Pool B - Richmond RFC
• Winner Pool B v 2nd Pool A - Richmond RFC

Challenge Final

2 September

• 7th/8th Play Off - Newbury RFC
• Challenge Cup Final - Newbury RFC

Cup Final

3 September

• 3rd/4th Play Off - Kingsholm Stadium
• IDRC Final - Kingsholm Stadium

About BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service)

BFBS is a military charity and media organisation that entertains, informs, connects, and champions the UK Armed Forces.       

We bring trusted and secure entertainment, news, sport, and information services to the military, their families, and veterans worldwide. We spread happiness and keep people in touch, helping build morale among the military overseas and at sea, offering them a way to share experiences, as well as a valuable connection to life back home.     

We also champion the UK Armed Forces by keeping their activities in the public eye on our BFBS Forces News digital channels.        

And our commercial offering – which provides income for the charity – spans training, digital, and creative services, as well as pioneering technology solutions that enable media and communication in the hardest to reach places.   

DIO Families First Newsletter – Issue 29

The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.

Get Safe Online: Parents Leaflet

Get Safe Online states, “today’s children are growing up in a connected world – but that doesn’t mean they always know how to stay safe in it. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, your guidance can make a huge difference”. Get Safe Online has produced a new leaflet, which provides some practical ways to help your child explore the internet with confidence and care this summer holiday.

Alternatively, take a look at the advice on the Get Safe Online website: Are you in touch with what your kids do online? - Get Safe Online

The leaflet can be read and downloaded from this link: July25_Parents_Leaflet.pdf

Women’s International Defence Rugby – 14 August to 4 September 2025

Please follow the link for more info: https://www.interservicerugbychampionship.co.uk/166/2582/idrc-home-page

Recruit for Spouses Career Academy: Foreign & Commonwealth Programme

Are you a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth community with a qualification from your home country that you need transferring to its UK equivalent?

Then RFS has some very exciting news to share with you!

RFS are thrilled to announce that applications are now open.

RFS will cover the costs of obtaining a Statement of Comparability and facilitate the application process, working with trusted service providers to ensure qualifications meet UK standards.

Eligibility:

• Partner of a Foreign or Commonwealth national serving in HM Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force)
• Over 18 years of age
• Partners include spouses, civil partners, fiancés(e), or individuals living with serving personnel in a relationship akin to marriage/civil partnership for at least two years

Application Requirements:

• Partner’s service number
• Date of entry to the UK
• Visa status (if applicable)

To apply for this support and service, sign up to our portal and navigate to 'programmes.'

https://portal.recruitforspouses.co.uk/users/sign_in

University of York Research: Fijian Military Spouses Participation Invite

 

For more information and to register interest: https://forms.gle/GbeXzXmfLaBAtYoKA

BFBS: August Update

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To view the update in full, please click HERE

Barclays Eagle Labs: Veteran and Military Spousal Founders Programme starting online on 29 Sept 2025

Designed to support those wishing to start or grow their own business, the FREE 5-week programme is completely online and consists of a series of self-learning online modules as well as access to a Barclays Champion who will act as a mentor throughout. The programme is designed to be flexible as well as virtual to allow those with work or caring responsibilities to complete it at their own pace and at their convenience.

The next cohort will start on 29 September 2025 and individuals who are interested in the programme can apply online using the link below (applications close on the 1 Sept 2025).

https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/diversity-at-eagle-labs/veteran-and-military-spousal-founders/

Action for Happiness Calendar - August 2025

Please click the image to enlarge.

Our monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world. 

Click here to access the Action for Happiness Calendar.

Brunei: BFB Social Calendar - August 2025

Please click the image to enlarge.

The aim of the Social Calendar is to allow garrison personnel and their families to view all social events and activities taking place and is accessible to all. It is also an area where you can advertise an event that you are planning such as a Patio Sale, Bingo evening, Coffee mornings etc. To have an event added to the Calendar it must:

• Be for the BFB Community.

• Include NO military information.

For further information, please click HERE.

Brunei: BFBS Gurkha - We're Hiring! Closing Date - Wednesday, 06th August 2025

Do you want to join our team?

BFBS Brunei are hiring!

The Office Administrator position is 37.5 hour, five-day week and offers 25 days leave per year, plus UK Bank Holidays.

This post is open to all BFB spouses/partners.

Please click the link for more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RhlM4DjG-8y7g0ruTboA8KwpirPaOg1P/edit?tab=t.0