Updated: Armed Forces Covenant Duty Statutory Guidance

The Covenant Duty will come into force on 22 November 2022. The Duty is supported by Statutory Guidance to help in-scope bodies understand what is required of them under the new Covenant Duty.

What is the new Armed Forces Covenant Duty?

The new Covenant Duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to ‘have due regard’ to the principles of the Covenant, and requires decisions about the development and delivery of certain services to be made with conscious consideration of the needs of the Armed Forces community.

Who does the new Duty affect?

The new legal obligation impacts organisations that are responsible for delivering principally statutory functions in healthcare, education, and housing services. The Armed Forces community will be affected as beneficiaries of the new Duty.

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NSPCC Resources

Please click here for a helpful list of resources available on NSPCC websites for schools and parents/carers

 

Reserves - Did You Know?

 

Education Advisory Team

Defence Children Services

The Defence Children Services (DCS) provides professional direction, support and advice in order to ensure that Service children and young people are provided with every opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes and fulfil their potential.

DCS seek to ensure that Service children and young people receive their full entitlement to statutory services and support and suffer no disadvantage because of their parent’s Service status; this is the underpinning principle of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The aim is to provide support which is proactive and preventative as well as being responsive to emerging needs.

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Defence Discount Service

Defence Discount Service

 

Cost Of Living - Army Resource Pack

The Army has produced an presentation to assist with information regarding the current Cost of Living crisis, for Serving Personnel and Civilians within MOD. Some of the links within will not be accessible unless on a MOD Device, therefore if you require access to further information then please contact your nearest HIVE:

HIVE - Army Web​

 

Talkback

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Ripple Pond Newsletter Nov 22

Please click Here to read the Newsletter
 

Royal Collection Trust

  

All valid MOD90 and Defence Discount Service (DDS) card holders are entitled to complimentary admission to Windsor Castle, on production of their card. Further details about Windsor Castle can be found here.

Cardholders are entitled to a complimentary ticket for themselves and up to four other guests, after 12:00 noon at Royal Collection Trust venues. Please note admission is subject to availability and at sites where we operate a timed-admission system you will be offered admission for the next available time slot.

Tickets are available to be booked in advance by calling our Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)303 123 7304, please note all telephone bookings are subject to a £2.00 booking fee. You will need to present your MOD90/DDS card at the ticket desk on arrival to collect your tickets.

DDS cardholders will also need to bring supporting photographic identification such as a passport, driving licence or MOD90 card. For further admission information please visit the website www.rct.uk or telephone the Ticket Sales and Information Office on +44 (0)303 123 7304.

Armed Forces Spouse Development Programme

An Information Session about FREE Armed Forces Spouse Development Programme

BFBS Update

BFBS Update October 2022 (office.com)

 

NHS Armed Forces Update

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Supporting Partners: Innovation Grants, under the Armed Forces Families Fund

The Trust has partnered with the MOD to administer the Armed Forces Families Fund.

This programme provides funding to projects that will offer innovative, new forms of support for the partners of those who are serving.

More information on who can apply can be found in the programme guidance at
https://covenantfund.org.uk

Reading Well for teens

A new 'Reading Well for teens' collection launched in public libraries in England and Wales on World Mental Health Day 2022.

The scheme supports the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers aged 13 to 19 years old, providing information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence in a post-pandemic context. Click the link below for details.​​

Reading well for teens

Samaritans - Emotional Health & Wellbeing for Service Leavers and Veterans

To read the Samaritans Emotions Health and Wellbeing for Service Leavers and Veterans - Life after the Armed Forces​, please click HERE​
 

Check out the JFC Library DINOTASTIC FUN!

 

Cost saving suggestions for reducing energy bills

 

Defence Accommodation Strategy

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We recognise the importance of homes and families to the wellbeing of Service Personnel, especially when making such extraordinary sacrifices in the UK and overseas.

Defence continues to consider how we best support our people and ensure that they have access to high quality subsidised accommodation in line with modern living standards and the support that meets their varied needs, health, and wellbeing.​

Armed Forces Spouse Development Programme

 

Mindful Connections - Scotland - Service Leavers

Forces Children Scotland has launched a holistic support service to help families leaving the armed forces to make a successful transition to civilian life across central Scotland.

Titled Mindful Connections, this new service has received funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund to pilot holistic support to help former armed forces families to make a successful transition to realise their potential and thrive in civilian life.​

​Mindful Connections - Forces Children Scotland

Servicewomen’s Health Handbook

The Servicewomen’s Health Handbook​ was released last month and is for all personnel who are directly affected by female-specific health issues, for commanders and line managers who have a responsibility to enable their people to be their best, and for colleagues to better understand and support.

Copies of the handbook are available via internal Health and Wellbeing Portals or can be downloaded direct from Servicewomen's Health Handbook​.