Tips to help navigate this blog:
- TOP: Location Guide for Brunei; links to HIVE's Social Media, and a map of contact details for our worldwide network of information centres.
- LEFT COLUMN: Use the search engine; sign up to receive our weekly email updates, or find information by subject.
- RIGHT COLUMN: Contact HIVE with your specific query.
- CENTRAL SECTION: All the latest posts in date order:

Friday, 11 April 2025

Brunei: PCMF - Cervical Screening


Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a way of preventing cervical cancer. It is not a test for cancer. It tests for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

High risk HPV can cause cell changes in the cervix, which may develop into cancer over time. But not all cell changes will develop into cancer. So, it's important to monitor any changes and give treatment if necessary. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk HPV.

Brunei: PCMF - Closure Notice


Primary Care Medical Facility DPHC
Dental Centre
Headquarters Brunei Garrison
Tucker Lines
British Forces Post Office 11
Tel: (+673) 322 4893

1. The PCMF and Dental Centre will be CLOSED on Friday 18 April 2025, in conjunction with Good Friday, and on Monday, 21 April 2025, in conjunction with Easter Monday.

2. For any medical and dental emergencies, please report to the PCMF Duty Nurse on 833 0246.

3. Normal Operations will resume on Tuesday 22 April 2025.

Mission Motorsport March & April Newsletter


The Mission Motorsport team has continued the fast-paced start to the year, packed with recovery sport and memorable events - and there’s still so much more to come. Check out their latest newsletter to see what they’ve been up to, what’s ahead, and how you can get involved, including:
  • National Transition Event 2025: A Resounding Success at Silverstone
  • Upcoming events: Veterans@Heritage, Prodrive Tour, Bicester Scramble and a tour and Millington Engines
  • Details on how to be a 'Grid Person' for Speedworks at BTCC
  • Volunteering Opportunities:  Get involved in running the Mission Motorsport Scalextric
  • Fundraising: Simon Griffiths completes his ride from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson
  • Other news and information
To read the newsletter, please click here

Serve & Protect Credit Union: 2025/26 Cash ISA now launched!


Serve and Protect Credit Union's latest Fixed Cash ISA is here!

Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return on your savings for the 2025/26 tax year, while supporting the wider community of those who serve and protect. Here’s how the new Fixed Cash ISA benefits you:
  • Start Small, Save Big: Deposit as little as £5, with contributions up to £20,000 for this tax year.
  • Tax-Free Growth: Enjoy a guaranteed 4% AER return to maximise your savings effortlessly.
  • Peace of Mind: Your savings are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).
  • Community Impact: Your savings make a meaningful difference by supporting others within the credit union.
Learn more at: https://sandpcu.co.uk/isa-hs-email

BFBS Update - April 2025


The BFBS April Update is now available to read online – please clink this link to view the latest news.

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


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

GFIE 429 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Fraud Officer
Ayr, Scotland
Closing Date: 6 May 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)

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust latest round of grants: Serving Families - On the Move programme


A further three projects have been awarded bringing the total number to 14 projects worth over £1.25 million! These inclusive projects will improve the quality of life for service families affected by the difficulties and challenges relocation can bring, by implementing support for families not to just adapt but thrive in their new communities - in the latest round of grants from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

Recruit for Spouses: Free programmes designed to empower and guide you every step of the way



The latest Recruit for Spouses flyer outlines a range of upcoming free employability, industry insights, and financial workshops available to members of the Armed Forces community.

The link to sign up is: RFS Portal

In addition to these workshops, RFS are now accepting applications for two further free programmes offering additional support:

1. Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme
This 6-week virtual programme is available to spouses of serving personnel, veterans, and reserves. It covers a range of topics, including:Managing isolation and anxiety
Communication strategies
Building support networks

2. Foreign & Commonwealth Programme
This programme provides support to the Foreign and Commonwealth community, helping individuals convert their home nation qualifications to their UK equivalents, alongside tailored employment support.

For further information please visit: Recruit for Spouses - Championing Military Spouses for Career Success

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – multiple locations


The Department of Work and Pensions has 76 new Executive Officer Team Leader opportunities across multiple locations. These are now open for applications until 24 April 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Operational Delivery - Team Leader - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK (job reference 366699)

There are jobs available at the following locations: Bangor (Gwynedd), Basildon, Bristol, Burnley, Dundee, Glasgow, Hastings, Motherwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Preston, St Austell, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland, Swansea, Wigan, Wrexham. 

Please note: this vacancy is not on the DWP EO microsite but there is a candidate pack available within the advert content on Civil Service Jobs – see link above. Candidates will be asked to complete two online tests, then if successful complete a 250 word personal statement. If their statement is successful they will then be invited to a live Microsoft Teams interview.

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Brunei: BFB 24 Hour Charity Swimathon 2025 - Friday, 0700 hrs on 18th April – Saturday, 0700 hrs on 19th April 2025 @ BFB Swimming Pool


Join the BFB 24-Hour Charity Swimathon: A Day of Community, Fun and Fundraising!

On 18 and 19 April 2025, Serving Personnel (SP) will dive into the BFB 24-Hour Swimathon at the Tuker Lines Swimming Pool, marking a significant opportunity to raise vital funds for two important charities: the Gurkha Museum Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).

Event Details

What: BFB 24-Hour Charity Swimathon

When: 0700 hrs on 18th April – 0700 hrs on 19th April 2025 (Friday to Saturday)

Where: Tuker Lines Swimming Pool

Who: A, B, C, Sup, HQ, and GST SPs (MST passed)

Why: To raise funds for the Gurkha Museum Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF)

How:
            a. A group of 10 (MST passed swimmers) from each Coy will relay
            b. One swimmer at all times in the pool and can use any style to swim
            c. Maximum distance to be covered within 24 hrs
            d. Prize to the winning team that covers the longest distance
            e. Team entry fee of BND 100 ($10/pax) to be submitted to the Event Coord shankar.gurung231@mod.gov.uk (cash preferred)
            f. Entertainment – music, projector cinema, food stall (pay as you eat), drink stall (pay as you drink), play-station, tambola, quiz,
 massage, etc
            g. First aid point with duty medic on standby
            h. Life guard present throughout the event
            i. Provision of sleeping area for swimmers and support team
            j. Live broadcast by BFBS


How to Donate

You can donate to the cause through the GoFundMe page created for the event. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in supporting the Gurkha Museum and the Army Benevolent Fund. Your generosity will directly help fund the maintenance and preservation of the Gurkha Museum, as well as provide crucial aid to veterans and their families. Additionally, there will be charity donation pots at the event for those who wish to contribute in person. Every donation helps, and we encourage the entire BFB community to show their support in any way they can.

Spread the word and help make this event a huge success. We look forward to seeing you at the Tuker Lines Swimming Pool on 18th April for what promises to be a memorable 24 hours of swimming, fun and community spirit!

Brunei: DIO Scheduled Work


DIO contractors will be carrying out LV Switchgear inspection works as shown in the table below. 

Utilities may be affected during the work but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption. To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk either via phone Calls Ext.3375 or 3224130 or Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk during office hours.

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Aurora New Dawn: Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness & Recovery Programme – 3 June to 22 July


Aurora New Dawn’s Athena Domestic Abuse Awareness/Recovery Group is military specific and all online via zoom. This programme is for 8 weeks taking place on Tuesday evenings 3 June to 22 July, and is open to serving personnel and families worldwide.

Details of how to sign up are on the poster, and to find out more about Aurora New Dawn’s support to the Service community, please go to: https://www.aurorand.org.uk/armed-forces/

Monday, 7 April 2025

Veterans Karting Championships with Mission Motorsport


Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it.

Please see the image for details of all event locations and dates.

Registration is now open for all rounds—you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster.

Here are the event dates and sign-up links:
29th April – Leicester: Sign up here
13th May – Newcastle: Sign up here
17th June – Crawley: Sign up here
15th July – Cardiff: Sign up here
16th September – Preston: Sign up here
7th October – Birmingham: Sign up here

These events are free to attend and open exclusively to members of the Armed Forces Community. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect, try something new, and experience the buzz of motorsport in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Events like this happen with amazing support from TeamSport Karting.

To see what events Mission Motorsport are running please visit: website.

Military vs Cancer Rugby Event – Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle, 21 June


Tackling cancer, one try at a time - Join us for the Military vs Cancer Rugby Event at Kingston Park on 21 June at Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle.

This Armed Forces Day, be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates courage, community, and the fight against cancer. Watch as the UK Armed Forces Rugby Teams take on the North Select XV in thrilling men’s and women’s matches. This is more than just rugby — it’s a day of unity, remembrance, and support for a vital cause.

Honour Your Loved Ones
Make this event even more meaningful by having the name of a loved one featured on the official rugby kit worn by the players. For just £20, you can ensure their name becomes part of this incredible day. With space for 750 names, this is a unique way to celebrate someone special while supporting Military vs Cancer. Names are limited to 20 characters each — so act fast to secure your spot! To add a name to the jersey, include it in the comments when purchasing your reward online via the link or QR code. Let’s fill that kit with love, strength, and remembrance!

In Memory of Heroes
This year’s game and kit will honour the memory of Cpl Tim Crossin RM and L/Cpl Nathan Summersgill-Smith RM, two brave individuals who fought valiantly but sadly lost their battles with cancer. Let’s come together to celebrate their legacy and support others in need.

What to Expect:

Top-Tier Rugby Action: Witness elite players from the Armed Forces and North Select XV.

Military Displays: marching bands, veterans sweetheart Sarah Dennis, and interactive exhibits.

Family Fun: A day filled with entertainment for all ages.

Community Spirit: Reconnect with friends and support a cause that matters.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event! Tickets are available now via the Newcastle Falcons website or the Defence Discount Service for military personnel and veterans. 

Defending the Try Line, Honouring the Front Line

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


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

GFIE 426 - Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP) Application Operations Engineer
Blackpool
Closing Date: 28 April 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)

Young Carers within Armed Forces Families - Nexus Easter Newsletter


Nexus is a three-year project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. The project aims to improve support, resources and access to services for young carers within armed forces families.

To find out more, and the latest updates, you can read the Easter Newsletter.

Headspace: New Ebb Chat Service now available



Army personnel and Army civil servants are eligible to sign up to Headspace for free, and also to extend this free subscription offer to five friends and family.

To sign up, please go to https://work.headspace.com/britisharmy/member-enroll

Please use your @mod.gov.uk, @armymail.mod.uk or @csmail.mod.uk email address to verify your account when prompted.

Civvy Street Magazine – May 2025 Edition now available online


The latest edition of Civvy Street can be found HERE.

Brunei: ISB Withdrawal Notification Deadline - 11 April 2025


For all SP/UKBC with children at ISB who will be leaving at the end of this school year, the deadline for informing the school is 11 April 2025.


Those SP/UKBC who do not inform ISB of their child's leaving at the end of the summer term could be liable to repay the deposit fee.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment – Southern England (multiple locations)


The Department of Work and Pensions has 100 new Executive Officer work coach opportunities across Southern England. These are now open for applications until 17 Apr 2025.

Civil Service Jobs link: Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Southern England (Ref: 729) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

There are jobs available at the following locations: Abingdon, Aldershot, Andover, Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bedford, Biggleswade, Borehamwood, Bracknell, Chesham, Didcot, Eastleigh, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, High Wycombe, Hythe, Leighton Buzzard, Letchworth, Luton, Maidenhead, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, Slough, Southampton, St Albans, Stevenage, Waltham Cross, Watford, Witney. 

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

New guidance for schools and local authorities on supporting Service pupils


On 1 April 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education published non-statutory guidance to help state-funded schools and local authorities in England to understand and address the needs of Service pupils in schools (reception to year 11).

Going Forward into Employment (GFiE): Latest Vacancies in London area (multiple roles/locations)- available exclusively to Service Leavers, Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners


The following vacancies are now open for applications under the GFiE Scheme:

GFIE 428 - Work Coach – Dept for Work & Pensions (DWP)
London – 18 vacancies across multiple inner/outer London locations
Closing Date: 28 April 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)

NAAFI Fund 2025 – Applications Now Open


NAAFI have just announced the launch of the NAAFI Fund Date for 2025!

The NAAFI Fund was launched back in 2020 and has supported 467 projects so far, donating over £4 million to help improve the lives of service personnel and their families around the world. To read more about the projects that NAAFI have supported to date: https://naafi.co.uk/giving-back/

To read the blog post announcing new information regarding the NAAFI Fund 2025: NAAFI Fund: Applications Open Soon - NAAFI

SSAFA Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference – Registration Now Open


The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) Conference 2025 is taking place on 2 June 2025. This is an empowering and informative event designed for current service personnel and their families with additional needs or disabilities. Hosted by the FANDF committee and facilitated by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, this conference will offer expert insights and practical advice for service families.

The event will be FANDF’s first hybrid FANDF event. You can join in person or virtually, making it accessible for those with caring responsibilities or living further afield.

The event will feature guest speakers from Defence (MOD) and support services offering valuable advice, information, and insights on available support for families. Our theme for this conference is 35 years strong: Championing Families, Shaping Change and we hope to celebrate some of the successes of support available for service families, whilst also highlighting how we can continue to shape change.

What's included:
  • Food provided on the day
  • Travel reimbursement available for FANDF members
  • Accommodation available for FANDF members traveling over 2.5 hours
Who should attend?
  • FANDF members or those eligible for FANDF membership.
  • Professionals in the sector - please note, priority will be given to FANDF members for in-person attendance.
We invite you to attend this important event to hear from experts, ask questions, and access the support you and your family deserve. The FANDF committee look forward to welcoming you to this significant event, designed to shape change and further champion families with Additional Needs & Disabilities within the Armed Forces.

If you would like more information, please email: CS.ANDA@ssafa.org.uk

For details of FANDF membership, please visit: Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum FANDF | Disability support | SSAFA

Forces Employment Charity Monthly Update - Award Nominations, Marathons, and Events


Forces Employment Charity’s monthly update is now available, and the latest news includes:

  • Heropreneurs Awards 2025 nominations are now open
  • A round-up of events across the UK and online webinars
  • Marathon preparations
  • Get to know Forces Employment Charity’s military women employment lead
  • Satisfaction survey
  • Links for further information
Read the update in full at this link: Get involved: Award Nominations, Marathons, and Events

Brunei: Hornbill School - National Sports Week 16 - 22 June 2025


Are you passionate about sports?

and or

Are you a qualified coach?

Hornbill School is looking for volunteers to help support our upcoming national sports weeks!

The aim is to provide the children in each year group with 60 minutes of sports and exercise each day.

Hornbill would like to create a programme that includes a wide range of sports and experiences throughout the entire week.

Are you interested in volunteering?

If so, please contact: Jamie SHERWIN (Jamie.sherwin@modschools.org)

FamCAS 25: Have you shared your views on Service family life? Time’s running out!


The Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2025 closes today Monday 7 April 
at 23:59! Don’t miss your opportunity to tell us what you think about Service family life.

Each year, Defence invites a random sample of Service partners to complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS). This survey is your chance to tell us about your experiences and views in relation to various aspects of Service family life.

You can see if you are in this year’s sample, and can access the survey, by using the online tool.

Why complete the survey?
Your feedback will help us to understand what Service life is like for your family, which will help us to make informed decisions on what changes to prioritise and develop policies to address your family’s challenges and needs. Whether it’s with childcare and children’s education, housing, deployment, or employment.

Who can complete the survey, and how?
To find out if you can take part in FamCAS 2025, please use the online eligibility tool. You will be asked to enter a token/access code, which is your partner’s Service number. This is needed for security reasons only. Please be assured that all survey responses are anonymous.

If eligible, the tool will direct you to the survey. We recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

If you have any questions about this year's FamCAS, please email: Analysis-Surveys-Enquiries@mod.gov.uk.

Information and support
Check out our new Families Hub, which signposts to support, guidance and organisations to help you navigate Service family life.

Visit Discover My Benefits to find out about the range of benefits, opportunities, and support for you and your family.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: April Update


Free financial webinars this April from Serve and Protect - don't miss out!

  • Eco-Friendly Ways to Save Money
  • Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
  • Credit Score 101: Boost Your Score
  • The Road to Financial Resilience
  • Before You Borrow: Things to Know
Register here: https://sandpcu.co.uk/webinars

NEW Fixed Cash ISA
Serve and Protect have launched their new Fixed Cash ISA for the 2025/26 tax year. 

Secure a guaranteed and tax-free 4% AER return over the next year and watch your savings grow!

Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/cash-isa/

Podcast Episodes 11 & 12 
Loan sharks can have a devastating impact on people's lives and becoming a victim is easier than you may think.

Our friends at Serve and Protect recently welcomed Stop Loan Sharks to their podcast to explore some misconceptions, stories from victims, and the support available!

Watch here: https://youtu.be/6z-xdYbehBs?si=di6_UU_0OCTptnkB

For Debt Awareness Week, our friends at Serve and Protect welcomed the Money and Pensions Service to their podcast to explore the stigma around debt. 

If you find it difficult to talk about money with your loved ones, this episode includes some manageable steps to start a conversion.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/X_PkxsAG1co?si=voGbF96Aovyafy9l

Stress Awareness Month - April
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to understand the causes and cures of stress. 

If your finances make you feel stressed, Serve and Protect are here to help you save and build your financial resilience.

Learn more via their website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/

DIO Families First Newsletter - Issue 25

Please click the image to enlarge.

This issue and previous issues can be read online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defence-infrastructure-organisation-service-family-accommodation


Brunei: Panaga Club Information - Panaga Stingrays Swimming Gala 4 May 2025

 

Brunei: Panaga Club Information - 4 Days Walkathon 19-22 May 2025

Brunei: Panaga Club Information - Panaga Club Open Day Membership Promotion 27 Apr 2025

Brunei: Panaga Club Information - Panaga Club Open Day 27 Apr 2025