www.advancemagazine.co.uk Finding your new home The essential information you need to know The road successto Get on track with a new career in driving ISSUE ELEVEN AUTUMN 2022 Discover the career opportunities waiting for you on civvy street Are you ready to retrain? theUtilisingCTP How the official rese providerlementcan help you THE RESETTLEMENT MAGAZINE
Are you looking for a dynamic, progressive, experienced recruitment business to support you into permanent, temporary or contract roles? We can supply a tailored solution to meet your needs and provide dedicated support for the Armed Forces community. With years of experience, our experts have lived the day-to-day demands of the industry and understand what it takes to help you succeed. With proven expertise in recruiting across the driving and logistics industries at all levels, we have roles including: Class 1, Class 2 and 7.5 tonne drivers Multi-drop van drivers ADR TPTrafficdriversplannersmanagertraffic co-ordinators DRIVE YOUR CAREER FORWARD Contact us now to find out more information about our tailored recruitment solutions. We’re proud to say that we have received the silver award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, for commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community through employment. We look forward to continuing this support indefinitely and helping ex-service personnel secure jobs in the driving industry. Call us on 01698 535870 or email bookings@connectdriversolutions.co.uk LIVINGSTON • SUNDERLAND • EDINBURGH • KIRKCALDY GLASGOW • GRANGEMOUTH • DUNDEE • HAMILTON connectdriversolutions.co.uk
www.advancemagazine.co.uk 3 Welcome
lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.ukBaillie SALES Marian marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.ukMathieson EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Edward Fernandez ADVANCE MAGAZINE 198www.advancemagazine.co.ukDCPublishingLtd,BathStreet,Glasgow,G24HGTel:08442499007 THE RESETTLEMENT MAGAZINE TOSUBSCRIBEADVANCE If you’d like a free copy of Advance delivered to your door, head to our website. advancemagazine.co.uk/subscribe DON’T MISS 10 TIME TO RETRAIN Discover the opportunitiestrainingavailable as you make the return to civilian life and search for your new career. 16 RECOGNITION IN SOCIETY The Armed Forces Covenant is a legally binding promise to the service community that they will be given the same opportunities and support as anyone else in society. We explain how the AFC works and what it has achieved since 2011. 22 YOURLAUNCHINGBUSINESS It’s time to take control of your future career by running your own business. Whether you already have an idea or you just love the idea of being your own boss, there’s plenty of support to help veterans become self-employed or explore franchising. Emma Storr,EditorM ©DC Publishing Ltd 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors. @AdvanceMagUK Hello and welcome to the latest issue of Advance Magazine
aking the move from the Armed Forces back to civvy street will be one of the biggest changes you undertake in your life, and a er more than two years of disruption, you might be wondering what help and support is still available. Inside this issue of Advance, you’ll find a wealth of information to help you in these next steps. We’re here to ensure you have the tools necessary to not only make a successful transition back to civilian life, but to thrive once you are home. Inside this issue, we’re talking you through the resettlement path, starting with how the Career Transition Partnership can aid you during this time on page 6. The official provider of resettlement can help you with everything from training to employment and financialExcitedsupport.togaina new qualification or even a degree once you return home? The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme - o en referred to as ELCAS – helps service leavers like you pay for education. Find out more on pageThere’s8. more to resettlement than searching for a new job or career: it’s time to think about finding a place to live and the different ways you can get involved in your local community. On page 25 we’re breaking down the steps to finding a home and showcasing different ways you can utilise your free time or retirement on page 28, before helping you get in control of your money on page 30. At Advance, we pride ourselves on producing informative and helpful content to support you in your next steps. Make sure to let us know what you think, or what you would like to see more of, by contacting me at editor@dcpublishing.co.uk Denise Emma Lucy
emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.ukStorr DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
denise@dcpublishing.co.ukConnelly EDITOR
PUBLISHER
YOUR28WELLBEINGFOCUSINGFREETIME From volunteering and mentoring to short breaks and social clubs, there’s something to suit everyone’s interests and to tackle isolation on civvy street.
YOUR30FINANCEMANAGINGMONEY From building a budget to claiming your pension, understanding your money can feel overwhelming. It’s time to get in control of your finances.
NEW25HOUSINGFINDINGYOURHOME
14 USING YOUR SKILLS As a service leaver you have a host of transferable skills that are valued in the workforce.
Whether you want to rent or buy, there’s support at hand to help you find a place to call home. We’re sharing the essential information you need to know.
30 22 LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS It’s time to take control of your employment as a business owner or franchisee.
21 THE ROAD TO SUCCESS Get on track with a new career in driving.
18 ON THE FRONTLINE OF CIVVY STREET From paramedics to police officers, the emergency services have a wealth of opportunities fit for service leavers.
The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme helps you pay for education and new qualifications, we highlight the essential information you need.
WHAT8TRAININGELCASEXPLAINED:YOUNEEDTOKNOW
16 RECOGNITION IN SOCIETY Learn how the Armed Forces Covenant works and what it means for service leavers and veterans in society.
212818 Welcome WHAT’S
4 www.advancemagazine.co.uk
10 TIME TO RETRAIN As you return to civilian life, you might be wondering what career path would suit you best. We’re helping you find the right fit for your future.
6SUPPORTUTILISINGTHE CTP
13WORKCREATING YOUR CV We’re breaking down what you need to include to impress prospective employers.
The Careers Transition Partnership is the official resettlement provider, aiding in everything from finding financial support to employment and training.
ContentsINSIDE
SPACES AVAILABLE 01752 585858 | plymouth.ac.uk Contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The CTP is a partnering agreement between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Right Management, who are global career development specialists, with the main aim of helping service leavers into new employment. You can get support from the CTP regardless of time served: to date, the CTP has helped more than 235,000 service leavers.
M
theUtilisingCTP
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The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the official Armed Forces resettlement provider for the government, and the organisation’s role is to help you during the transition from the military back to civilian life. Essentially, the CTP helps to remove unnecessary stress from this move and are there to answer any questions you have during the process.
SUPPORT The CTP offers a range of support to all ranks of the UK Armed Forces which varies depending on your length of service, but the key point is that all of this help is provided free of charge. This essential support is flexible and can start as early as two years before discharge, giving you the tools necessary to market yourself to employers once you leave the Armed Forces. After help and information provided by the Army, RAF or Royal Navy, the CTP is the next tier of support. On the CTP website, visit the getting started page to input your length of service and find out what support you are eligible for, or whether one of the CTP’s specialist services is right for you. The organisation has nine Resettlement Centres throughout the UK, providing one-to-one, long-term guidance from career consultants as well as trainings and client services administrators. EMPLOYMENT The main way the CTP helps service personnel and veterans is through employment support. From creating a CV right through to interview skills and how to research and apply for jobs, they are there every step of the way. This support doesn’t end once you’ve secured your first job on civvy street, you can access it throughout your working life. Once you have registered using the getting started page online, you’ll be able to see what programme you are entitled to, but all of these should include access to CTP RightJob. This is the CTP’s online job service which lists thousands of vacancies open to service leavers. These could be from local, national or international employers.TheCTPdoesn’t just work with service leavers: they work with employers to show them why service leavers make highly skilled, committed employees who bring a range of transferable skills to any role.
TRAINING AND EVENTS Careers support sometimes starts before the job search: you might want to access training to better prepare you for your new career. The CTP offer workshops and vocational training courses as well as advice on external training providers. Training booked through the CTP is tailored to service leavers, often cheaper than with external providers, and is MoDBeforeapproved.attending a training course, you could attend a Career Transition Workshop where you will be able to get support in identifying your transferable skills; creating an effective CV; enhancing your online profile; building interview techniques and other essential tools.
When leaving the Armed Forces, the Career Transition Partnership is your first point of contact, but how does the service actually work? aking the move from your post in the Armed Forces to civvy street can be daunting, regardless of why you are leaving. Support and guidance are key to making this move successful.
FURTHER ADVICE
CTP FUTURE HORIZONS
SUPPORT FIND OUT MORE Access full support and see what you are eligible for at www.ctp.org.uk
CTP ASSIST CTP Assist is a programme launched specifically to support military personnel who are being medically discharged. Service leavers have to be referred to this programme, but it helps people who are deemed to have the most significant barriers into employment. Once referred, this support is available for up to two yearsServicepost-discharge.leaverswho access the CTP Assist programme work with specialist employment consultants who support, advise and guide them to achieve their preferred vocational outcome. This could be part-time employment, fulltime employment, volunteering, returning to education or even retirement.
The main aim of the CTP is to help you transition into your new career, but you can access further support from the organisation around things like finances, pensions and health.
The CTP’s Resettlement Guides are a great blueprint of what you should consider with more than 35 guides to explore. These cover everything from self-employment and retirement, to industry sector guides which include information on employment opportunities, skills and training requirements, useful links and more.
The MoD is now committed to improving resettlement support for early service leavers who has served less than four years in an area of the Armed Forces. In response to this, the CTP has developed CTP Future Horizons which is delivered by the RFEA, the forces employment charity, with the support of the CTP. Once registered with the programme you can get specialist advice and a member of the CTP team will contact you regularly to see how you’re getting on and if you need further support. You can also sign up to the CTP’s Young Adults’ Job Finding Bulletin which includes opportunities for entry level positions, apprenticeships and traineeships.
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TRAINING
ELCAS EXPLAINED What you need to know T
FURTHER EDUCATION Through the Joint Funding Initiative, ELCAS funds service leavers in their qualifying resettlement phase as they pursue up to three years of study for level three qualifications or above on MoD-approved courses. This funding can fully pay for further education qualifications. You can obtain two A-Levels or a vocational equivalent as defined by the National Qualifications Framework in England or the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework in Scotland. A vocational equivalent could be an apprenticeship.Highereducation can also be covered by ELCAS funding for everything from a foundation to an undergraduate degree. You could also study a Higher National Certificate or Diploma. These are tailored towards particular professions, have lower entry requirements than degrees and normally take place at publiclyfunded institutions.
This website also has a search tool for MoD approved courses and institutions.
DIRECT PAYMENTS
Current personnel must submit an ELCAS claim form a minimum of 25 working days prior to their course start date. They will then receive a Claim Authorisation Note (CAN), which they must present to the learning provider of choice before the course commences. Service leavers must provide evidence of their last day of service, a utility bill showing their home address and full information about their course. These are submitted via the Member’s Area of the ELCAS website to your Single Service Representative. FIND OUT MORE To find out more about ELCAS and to access all the forms you need, visit their website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme will help you pay for education whether currentlyyou’reserving or are a service leaver. We break down what you need to know and the eligibility criteria he Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, often referred to as ELC or ELCAS, is organised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It financially supports serving personnel and service leavers as they pursue up to three years of higher learning and obtain nationally recognised qualifications.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
ELCAS offers direct payments which can fund education or re-training. You can make a total of three claims and you can only make one per financial year. The scheme allows you to claim between £1,000 and £2,000 per year, depending on how long you’ve served, but you may be able to combine all three claims to be used at Checkonce.theELCAS website to see the direct funding that you’re eligible for as this is unique to your service experience. There’s a document called JSP 822 which outlines all of the factors determining the kind of funding you can access. This can be found on the MoD website. Go to page 205 to find all of the relevant information for your application, including how specific circumstances, such as a medical discharge, affect funding eligibility.
https://sava.co.uk/education/diploma-residential-surveying-valuation/01908442158•hello@sava.co.uk
If you are looking for a new career, have you considered re-training to become a Residential Surveyor?
This could be the career for you if: 4 You find property interesting 4 You want great career prospects 4 You want a role that’s in high demand 4 You want to be well paid – the average AssocRICS salary is £49,293 (source: RICS 2018 UK rewards and attitude survey) 4 You want flexible employment opportunities, including self-employment 4 You want a well-respected career path 4 You like challenges and for each day to be different 4 You don’t want to be sat at a desk all day The Sava course is now ELCAS approved, allowing members of the armed force to secure financial support for higher level learning. For further detail on how to secure up to £2000.
If you are looking for a well respected career in the property industry, the Sava Diploma is a unique qualification giving those without the relevant degree the opportunity to join the Residential Surveying profession.
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Discover the careeryouopportunitiestraininghelpingtolaunchanewoncivvystreet
The National Training Academy for Rail was formed in 2015 and has since helped more than 21,000 people to upskill, learn and train on practical, skills development and educational programmes. The training academy is involved in the daily operation of the UK rail network and everyone who undertakes a course with the provider benefits from being in a hands-on environment, learning from tutors and trainers with real rail experience.
BUILDING HEROES www.buildingheroes.org.uk Did you know that the shortage of key construction skills is at the highest level since 1998? The construction industry is in need of reliable, dedicated workers and there’s plenty of training programmes to encourage veterans into the sector. Building Heroes help service leavers seamlessly transition from the
Are you ready RETRAIN?toA
cross different industries, a range of specialist training programmes exist to help get service leavers into a new career that they enjoy. Before you decide what area you want to go into, always do your research and ask yourself some simple questions to decide what industry would best suit your skills, interests and what you want out of your new Considerjob.what environment you want to work in, e.g. an office or out on a site; whether you want set hours or the opportunity to work shifts; what you enjoy doing in your spare time or current position; what location you want to work in. Understanding what you want from a job can help you narrow down the search when looking for training opportunities. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) should be your first port of call when researching suitable training providers, you can read more about how the CTP can help you with this and more on page 6.
NTAR www.ntar.co.uk
SAVA www.sava.co.uk
Sava has spent the last 35 years making buildings better through education, technology and compliance. The company provides training for people who already work in the property industry, or for people looking for a new career that brings flexibility, variety and a good salary. Working with the property industry, Sava has qualifications in residential surveying, residential valuation, identifying invasive non-native plants and more. TECHVETS www.techvets.co Just by being a member of the Armed Forces, you have been integral to the security and protection of the country. When you return to civilian life, you can continue to protect the UK by training in digital security and protection. TechVets forms pathways into information technology careers for veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families. The free cybersecurity training is delivered online so you can learn from the comfort of your own home. The provider also has CV services which help you get your resume reviewed and distributed to companies across the UK, and often holds events and meet ups across the country.
FIND OUT MORE Find more training providers through the Forces Resettlement Service (www.bfrss.org.uk)
BFBS Academy is a charity dedicated to Armed Forces broadcasting and communications, bringing UK TV, sport and music to Forces families around the world. The charity creates award-winning content but is also an esteemed training provider with courses for serving personnel, veterans and military spouses. The vocational and academic courses build skills and confidence, with training in everything from photography to podcasting available. The Level 3 photography course provided by BFBS is an ELCAS funded course.
BFBS ACADEMY academy.bfbs.com
NETWORK RAIL www.networkrail.co.uk Network Rail have a long history helping ex-Forces personnel and the reservist community into employment on civvy street. The rail provider has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and has been honoured by the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The company recognises and values the attributes service leavers bring to the role including leadership, discipline and flexibility, and work with the CTP to provide jobs and training for service leavers on civvy street. Network Rail offers a generous benefits package for veterans including two weeks’ additional paid leave for reservists with training commitments; a Forces Network for anyone with links to the Armed Forces; and up to five days’ paid volunteer leave each year. Support If you’re unsure of where to start or you just want some guidance before making your next career move, there are dedicated organisations ready to help.
RFEA (www.rfea.org.uk), the Forces employment charity, is the leading source of ex-Forces jobs and career advice. The charity works in partnership with different employers who respect and value service leavers’ skills, and provide services like job matching, training, recommendations, support writing a CV and employment fairs. The charity also has training programmes for ex-service personnel and their families. Support organisation X-Forces Enterprise (www.x-forces.com) offers help around training, coaching, mentoring and networking to help service leavers and veterans establish business connections and find new careers. This can be extremely helpful if you don’t know many people outside of the Armed Forces and want advice on the best career path to take.
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“A range of specialist training programmes exist to help get service leavers into a new career” Armed Forces into the civilian workplace through accredited qualifications. With support at every step along the way, the organisation will help you reach your full potential and find a construction role that you’re truly interested in. From health and safety to engineering and groundwork, there’s a whole range of training courses available from the provider.
Education This section is essential to your CV, always include where you received your education and what you have qualifications in. These don’t have to solely be qualifications you gained at school or in higher education, they could be courses you completed in a previous workplace, during your time serving or ones you gained through ELCAS.
Example: Experienced senior manager within the Armed Forces with a range of qualifications, now looking for new career opportunities as I progress.
Your information Every CV should start with your essential information: your name and contact details. This makes it easy for employers to get in touch with you if they would like to offer you a job interview. Personal statement A er your contact details, it’s good practice to include a personal statement on your CV. This shouldn’t be long: it is a sentence or two about you and what you’re looking for in your career.
References References are a way for a prospective employer to find out what you were like in your previous roles. You should include around two references on your CV – this could be the person who you reported to in the Armed Forces or even your resettlement officer – but you can also add a line that reads ‘references on request’ if you want to provide their contact details later in the recruitment process.
Creating your CV
Cover letter A cover letter is a short introduction to you and why you’re a good fit for the job that you’re applying for. This can be a few paragraphs long and should concisely show how your skills fit the desired attributes which are listed in the job description. This page is separate to your CV and should be re-written for every job you apply for.
Skills This section of your CV is the perfect place to showcase all of the transferable skills and experience you gained during your time in the Armed Forces, but also out with this if you have previous employment or have gained skills through your interests and volunteering. Always try to tailor the skills you mention to the role you are applying for to ensure you make a good impression with the employer.
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Your CV is an important part of your next career move and is often an employer’s first impression of you, but what should go in a CV and where do you start?
Try to keep your CV to two pagesA4orless
Awards Did you receive any awards during your time serving? If so, you could include a small section on your CV listing what awards you received and when. Interests If you have a hobby or interest that relates to the role you’re applying for, including it on your CV can show your passion for the area. Hobbies that involve doing things with a group, being in a leadership position or require a lot of focus can go a long way in demonstrating the skills you have outside of your previous employment.
Interview If you haven’t attended a traditional job interview for years, or you never have before, you might be wondering what to expect or feel nervous to attend. There’s plenty of advice and support available to help you prepare for your first job interview on civvy street. You could speak to an organisation like RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, the Career Transition Partnership or your resettlement officer. They all have experience helping people just like you successfully find work after leaving the Armed Forces, so are best placed to coach you through the process. As well as reaching out for support, there are ways you can prepare yourself before you start the job search or before the interview itself. When getting ready for an interview, always look over the job description with the skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Try to identify key phrases within this that you can use and expand on during an interview. Translate Some of the qualities on a job description might be worded differently than you’re used to – at this stage, it’s a good idea to look at your military experience and translate the jargon into civilian terms. If you were a sergeant, you could describe this as being a team leader; an officer is equivalent to a manager; and a soldier or sailor could be described as an employee.Ifyouare able to, ask a family member, friend or someone who has supported you during resettlement to help you prepare. This can be done by carrying out a mock interview, or working through common interview questions together to ease your nerves when the real thing happens. Whether you are offered the job or not, any interview is a great way to build your confidence and experience, helping you to improve in the future. FIND OUT MORE For further advice and support before attending an interview, speak to RFEA (www.rfea.org.uk) or the Career Transition Partnership (www.ctp.org.uk)
WORK If you’re applying for a job or getting prepared to attend an interview, it’s important to know how to describe your skills and experience Skills Whether you realise it or not, as a service leaver you have a host of transferable skills that are valued by employers in a wide range of industries.Goodcommunication skills; the ability to identify a problem; taking on feedback; achieving goals within a timeframe and working in a team are all skills that you will have from your time in the Armed Forces. You could also have additional skills that aren’t mentioned here. These are assets that you can use to show employers why you’re right for the position. Always try to use examples of how you put your skills to use in the past, and how these scenarios helped you to build on them. Other skills like resilience and leadership are great qualities to include in any cover letter, CV or during an interview, regardless of the position that you’re applying for.
“Any interview is a great way to build experience”confidenceyourand
Using your skills
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Coming to the end of your Military career? We are hiring.
The Development Initiative LimitedThe Development InitiativeTDI TDI provides a number of services to organisations in both humanitarian and commercial sectors including landmine clearance, UXO disposal, mine risk education, IEDD and search training, fleet maintenance and dog services. With 17 years of operations, TDI has successfully completed over 80 projects in north and central Africa and the Middle East. TDI has contract positions available for Project Managers, EOD and IEDD Trainers and Mentors, Technical Field Managers, EOD qualified staff, Mechanics, Engineers, Medics and all associated support staff.
OLE Engineering NVQ Level 3 Diploma Rail Engineering Technician Competence (RQF) C O U R S E S Akona Ltd is an NSAR approved provider of Overhead Line Construction Training which meets to Network Rail Standards The purpose of this NVQ is to define the technical competence requirements to undertake construction renewal enhancement and modification activities of Railway Engineering Overhead Line Construction without direction This qualification will require the learner to attend classroom theory and practical assessments prior to deploying into their place of work This qualification includes: Electrification & Power Engineers (E&P) EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker (RQF) This qualification offered by Akona is designed solely for individuals who have been working in the electrotechnical industry as a practicing electrician Individuals are required to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in this field off work During this course you will gain the relevant knowledge to be able to carry out tasks such as electrical inspections, installations and maintenance activities on the infrastructure W h o i s t h i s c o u r s e f o r ? Additional qualifications of this course includes: Akona Ltd is a Training Solutions Company specialising in the delivery of various vocational training packages In 2014, we opened our brand new indoor practical rail training centre As Akona Ltd is an ELCAS approved training provider, these qualifications can be funded by Enhanced Learning Credits A B O U T A K O N A C O N T A C T U S info@akona co uk 01928 518 004 www akona co uk
Personal Track Safety AC Initial Health and Safety Level 3 Emergency First Aid At Work Personal Track Safety AC Initial OLEC 1 & Earthing and Bonding Level 3 Risk Assessment (RQF) Health & Safety Level 3 Emergency First Aid At Work Experienced operatives who are/have been been working in the electrotechnical industry as practicing electricians for a minimum of 5 years Those who wish to have their competencies recognised and work towards an ECS Gold Card Those who wish to develop their career OLEC 1 OLEC 2 NVQ Level 3
TDI encourages men and women who have the appropriate skills and experience to submit their CV and certificates to info@thedevelopmentinitiative.com. Follow us on our website https://thedevelopmentinitiative.com/ and our social media pages
Covenant
inRecognitionsociety Forces Fund Forces Armed Forces Covenant Fund £11.5
DEDICATED Once you leave your post in the Armed Forces, you’re still a part of this community and your commitment will be remembered throughout the rest of your life. The AFC will help you in your life as a veteran through specific policies and support, mainly through organisations which have been formed as part of or signed the AFC. Veterans UK is the MoD’s support organisation dedicated to veterans and aid on issues like injury; bereavement; compensation schemes; housing and welfare. The organisation has a free helpline for advice and support (0808 1914 218). The Veterans (www.veteransgateway.org.uk)Gateway is one of the first points of contact for veterans and their families seeking support. They can aid you 24 hours a day and work with expert partners like Combat Stress, SSAFA, Poppy Scotland and more to find you the right support. The organisation also has self-help guides on everything from housing to pensions and living with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When you’re searching for support services, organisations in your community.ArmedpeopleopportunitiestoaremeansAFClooknewcommunitylocaloremployment,outforthelogo.ThisthattheycommittedprovidingforintheForces
community. £25 500million Between 2015 and 2020, the
million to over 700 projects through the Local Grants programme. £11.5 million
Trust awarded more than
SUPPORT In 2011, the Armed Forces Covenant was created, promising equal access to support for people in the Armed Forces community, but what benefits does it bring for service leavers? s a member of the Armed Forces you have sacrificed many things to serve your country, and this commitment should be recognised and appreciated in all areas of society. The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) was originally introduced as the Military Covenant in 2000, but became enshrined in law as part of the Armed Forces Act in 2011. The Covenant is essentially a promise from the nation to the service community that they will be treated fairly in society and be given the same access to support. This promise expands further than words within an Act, it has helped spread information and awareness about the skills and value service leavers and veterans bring to society, and has opened doors to new opportunities for people who have served.
FIND OUT MORE Learn more about the Armed Forces Covenant at armedforcescovenant.gov.uk
Trust awarded more than £25 million to support the Armed
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A The AFC numbersin7,000 More organisationsthan have now signed the AFC. 850 More practicesthanin England have been accredited under the Veteran Friendly GP Practice Accreditation Programme. Op COURAGE - formerly known as the Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service – helps around 500 former troops with their mental health every year. In 2020/21, the Armed
about the people. The patients. The newborn babies, the cardiac arrests, stabbing
01202 736 373 |
|
Did you know that you qualify for funding to train with us if you have served six years or more in the forces? Contact our ELC and SLC consultant to find out how APM | AgilePM® |MSP®| PRINCE2® & many more... Virtual Classroom | e-Learning | On Demand All trademarks are used under the permission, and remain the property, of their respective own ers and are used for identification purposes only. AXELOS products must be purchased with exam PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATON Please quote ‘Advance’ when you speak to our team for special ELCAS rates IN SERVICE & RESETTLEMENT
We employ Armed Forces veterans and reservists in a wide range of roles across our Trust and are seeking to recruit more. For an informal chat about available opportunities, email our Armed Forces Staff Network. Recruiting! Proudly Veteran Aware staffarmedforces-veterans@cntw.nhs.uk www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers RESERVES ARE RECRUITING IN THE SOUTH EAST FOR MORE INFORMATION call 01252 357606 or visit www.serfca.org www.army.mod.ukwww.royalnavy.mod.uk/rnr www.www.royalnavy.mod.uk/royalmarinesraf.mod.uk/rafreserves RESERVES ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE (RNR) BASED IN PORTSMOUTH AND ROCHESTER ROYAL MARINES RESERVE (RMR) BASED IN OXFORD AND PORTSMOUTH RAF RESERVES BASED AT RAF BRIZE NORTON, RAF BENSON AND RAF HALTON ARMY RESERVE BASED IN MOST MAJOR TOWNS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH EAST
our team 1.9 million. The number of emergency calls made in London every year. The most in the country. But working for the London Ambulance Service is more than just the numbers.
Join It’s victims, third-degree burns and elderly fallers. It’s about being here when people need us most. Why not come and provide the highest quality care for one of the world’s busiest ambulance services. We are currently recruiting for staff for roles from back office to frontline. Where ever you work in our organization there are opportunities for you to develop your skills and progress your career. For more information and to find out how to join the world’s busiest ambulance service please visit It’shttp://jobs.londonambulance.nhs.uk/notaneverydayjob. Working towards a diverse workforce www.spoce.com sales@spoce.com
Some police forces around the country are actively recruiting for ex-forces personnel. Earlier this year, Nottinghamshire Police launched the UK’s first direct pathway for military personnel to join the force with support from the College of Policing. The Military Widening Access Course has been created to provide tailored support for serving personnel who are looking to move back to civilian life and feel a career in policing would suit them. The 12-week course, which is run in partnership with the University of Derby and the Ministry of Defence, is a fast-track on to the second year of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship which involves both on and off the job learning. To find out more, visit nottinghamshire.police.uk
Police The UK has more than 40 police forces, mainly covering specific areas but also including specialist services like the British Transport Police. You could work in an area like counter-terrorism, the drugs squad, or in a fraud investigation unit. Job roles are advertised by individual forces and so the best way to find opportunities is searching for your local force online. There are a range of roles in the Police and like in the Armed Forces, there are different ranks depending on your experience. If you have previously been in a leadership role, you could apply to become a superintendent or inspector instead of starting your career as a police constable.
L The pathway to saving lives
18 www.advancemagazine.co.uk
All of the UK’s emergency services recognise the valuable skills you have gained during your time serving, whether you have specialist training in a relevant area or not ike the Armed Forces, the UK’s emergency services and the National Health Service (NHS) are there to keep our communities safe. Having dedicated your career so far to protecting your country and its citizens, a career in the sector could be the perfect fit for you on the return to civvy street. In the police, ambulance service and fire and rescue service, there are more positions than you might think, from paramedics and dog handlers to drivers and call operators. One of the main benefits of a career in this sector is that opportunities are available regardless of where you live in the UK. Plus, there’s always chances for progression and additional training once you’re in the door.
WORK www.advancemagazine.co.uk 19
To pursue a career in fire and rescue, you’ll need resilience, physical fitness, flexibility and the ability to cope in high stress situations; all skills that you already have from your time in the Armed Forces. A er joining your local fire brigade as a trainee firefighter, you’ll be able to progress to roles including a crew manager, watch manager and then more senior positions.
It is a dedicated pathway into a career in the NHS open to all service leavers, reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and their families. As a service leaver, your skills are compatible with a number of roles in the health service. You can register with the Step Into Health programme online
Fire and rescue
keepemergencytheserviceprogrammealsoavailable.personnhs.uk)(www.militarystepintohealth.andthenspeakdirectlytoaorteamabouttheopportunitiesThededicatedwebsitehasmoreinformationontheandcasestudiesfromrealleaverswhohaveusedit.Beforeyouknowit,you’llbeonroadtoacareerintheNHSorservices,continuingtoourcommunitiessafe.
FIND OUT MORE Learn more about the career opportunities for service leavers in the UK’s emergency services and NHS through the National Careers Service (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk)
A career in the fire and rescue service will involve dealing with emergencies in the community like putting out fires, rescuing people from accident sites, dealing with bomb alerts and floods, but it also includes working with schools and local groups to discuss the importance of fire safety.
In the NHS Alongside the different areas of the UK’s emergency services, there are a host of opportunities within the NHS that are suited to service leavers: there are more than 350 clinical and nonclinical roles with our health service, all suited to people with different backgrounds and experiences. The Step into Health programme supports the Armed Forces community to access career opportunities within the health service.Theprogramme is made up of NHS organisations that have pledged their support, allowing the Armed Forces community to connect with them, setting up training opportunities, clinical and general work placements, insight days and application support.
Emergency medical dispatchers answer urgent calls in a control centre, deciding on the right response with the support of a control officer. This role requires specific skills like problem solving, the ability to cope under pressure, and staying calm within difficult and sometimes upsetting situations. On the job, emergency care assistants drive ambulance vehicles and assist paramedics on the scene. In this role you’ll have to move patients safely, gather information from people at the scene of the emergency and monitor patients when necessary.
Across the UK ambulance services are recruiting for people with the right experience, qualifications and attitude to be part of the emergency services. Depending on your location you could be employed by the NHS ambulance trust or foundation trust in England (www.england.nhs.uk); the Scottish Ambulance Service in (www.scottishambulance.com);Scotland the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service in Northern Ireland (www.niamb. co.uk); or the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust in Wales (www. ambulance.wales.nhs.uk).Manydifferentrolesexist in the ambulance service, but the main ones are paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, and emergency care assistants. Paramedics are the senior healthcare professionals who attend an accident or emergency. To get into this career, you’ll need to complete an approved degree in paramedic science or an apprenticeship degree where you work and learn at the same time. It takes between two and four years to fully qualify, but you might already have a relevant qualification if you worked in a medical role in the Armed Forces.
Ambulance
Visit the ELC website and search by our ELC provider number: 1217 or by Learning Provider: Wiltshire College Our industry-specific accredited training courses include: • Computing • Leadership Managementand • Accountancy • Electrical Installation • Construction • Human ManagementResource • Engineering • Licensing land-basedandtraining Translate experienceknowledgeyourandinto a nationally Wenextyouqualificationrecognisedtohelpmoveontoyourcareer.OfferingELC-approvedcoursesrecognisethat the transition back into civilian life can be difficult for service personnel Training for a new career? wiltshire.ac.uk
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
FIND OUT MORE Companies including Connect Driver Solutions solutions.co.uk)(www.connectdriver and Backline Logistics logistics.co.uk)(www.backline , showcase different jobs in the driving industry and provide Driver CPC training.
www.advancemagazine.co.uk 21 WORK
“Anyone with a full car driving license operatecanup to a 3.5 tonne van”
SUITED Driving offers a wealth of opportunities for people who have been in the Armed Forces because you already have many of the skills required by employers in the industry. The stamina to work long hours; good concentration; the ability to work under pressure and to deadline; and the capability to be a team player as well as working alone are all key to a successful career in driving. Your skills could be the right match to a number of driving roles, but there are also major benefits to the job. Recent estimates from the Road Haulage Association predicted that the UK’s driver shortage could be as large as 100,000, so there’s a high demand for new entries into the sector. This also means that pay rates remain high in order to fill essential positions and you can choose an employer that you feel at home with. The majority of driving roles provide flexibility, o en giving you the chance to choose your own hours around other commitments, and are available in a range of locations. These roles aren’t only suited to people with a previous role in transport within the Forces: training is available if you haven’t worked in the area.
A
GETTING STARTED Across the UK and in the rest of Europe there’s a whole range of driving positions with roles to fill. Some of the most common job roles include HGV drivers, LGV drivers and 3.5 tonne drivers, but you could also work in the industry in roles like logistics manager, driver’s mate, distribution manager or fleet controller.Anyonewith a full car driving license can operate up to a 3.5 tonne van without undergoing any additional training, but depending on your post in the Armed Forces, you might have some of the qualifications required to drive larger vehicles. Along with having a full driving license, you’ll need to pass a routine medical exam, a theory test and practical training, all leading up to a skills test at an authorised facility. To drive above a 3.5 tonne van commercially, you’ll need to gain a Driver CPC qualification and will have to maintain this by undergoing 35 hours of training every five years. Companies like CPC Direct (www.cpcdirect.co.uk), HGV Training (www.hgvtraining.co.uk) and National Compliance co.uk)(www.nationalcompliancetraining.Trainingallprovidethis.
It’s time to get your career on track with a role in driving role in the driving industry could be the right fit for your new career, with plenty of positions suited to service leavers and veterans.
22 www.advancemagazine.co.uk WORK Ready to take control of your future thebusinessOwningcareer?yourowncouldbeperfectfit n the UK, small businesses account for more than 99 per cent of the total business population. Whether it is something you’ve always dreamed of or haven’t considered before, as a service leaver you have some of the key skills necessary to start your own business.Leadership, team work, problem solving, patience and resilience are all essential to success in the world of business. You could go completely solo, starting with a new idea from scratch, or become a franchisee and benefit from an existing reputation and customer base.
The Supporting Wounded Veterans mentor programme is centred around having a successful transition back to civvy street and into employment, including self-employment. Participants are matched with a trained mentor who is there to offer help and support every step of the way.
FRANCHISE If you want to be your own boss but have a pre-existing base to build on, franchising could be the right fit for you. Becoming a franchisee is a great way to use your entrepreneurial spirit while benefiting from an existing business model, set of practices and customer base. Having this foundation takes away some of the risks of starting your own businesses, but it is still a big investment and requires long-term commitment.Whenstarting a franchise, you will invest in a new branch of an existing company where you will use their products, rules and regulations. In return, you’ll pay royalties or fees to the company you are associated with. Franchises have a higher success rate than new businesses and there’s plenty of well-known brands in the market.
Learning experiencefrom If you’re ready to launch your own business, there’s plenty of veterans who have been successful and can offer advice or a helping hand. Heropreneurswww.heropreneurs.co.uk
yourLaunchingbusiness
FIND OUT MORE For further advice and support around starting your own business or becoming a franchisee, contact Franchise UK (www.franchise-uk. co.uk), Business Gateway if you live in Scotland (www.bgateway.com), or the UK Government’s Business Support Helpline on 0800 998 1098
I
INDIVIDUAL If you decide to start your own business you’ll have the chance to be in charge of every aspect of your company, quite literally making up the rules as you go. Even if you’re just starting out with your idea, it’s good to have a business plan to ensure you have a set structure with goals, costs and anything else that is essential to success. When you’re fully self-employed, you’ll be responsible for anything that goes wrong – but you’ll also be able to celebrate every small success knowing that you’ve made it happen. Organisations like The Prince’s Trust (www.princes-trust. org.uk) and Start Up Donut (www. startupdonut.co.uk) have helpful guides on forming a business plan to get you started.
The Heropreneurs Mentoring Programme is free and available to serving or former service personnel and their families. If your application is accepted, you’ll be matched with industry leaders with years of experience to help you gain commercial and industry insight. X-Forces www.x-forces.comEnterprise This organisation runs a range of training courses designed to support people in the military community considering self-employment or business ownership. From workshops to full programmes, there’s something to suit people at all stages of the transition back to civilian life. Supporting Wounded www.supportingwoundedveterans.comVeterans
become a member of london’s all ranks military club We are proud to offer: Membership open to serving and former serving personnel of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force of all ranks and their families. Modern Club located in London’s Marble Arch Competitive bedroom rates Stylish restaurant, Coffee Bar and Lounge Bar Delicious food and drink | Victory Ale £3 a pint Exclusive members events Membership free for serving personnel or starts at £45 for former www.vsc.co.ukserving. Join Now We are Community. The modern union for a changing world. Tel: 0800 389 6332 • Email: servicecentre@community-tu.org Wherever you served Wherever you work We can help We are Community. The modern union for a changing world. We are proud to be the first trade union to sign the armed forces covenant and we count many veterans and reservists among our active membership. This gives us a valuable insight into the experiences and challenges that veterans can face. It’s one of the reasons we are campaigning to end veteran Helphomelessness.isjustaphone call or email away. Visit community-tu.org/veterans to find out more. DCPUB_halfpage_adV2.indd 1 24/03/2020 15:18
There’s more inside than you might think...
With membership starting at just £50 for Young Officers, and excellent rates available for all Serving Officers, Retired Officers and for their partners, there has never been a better time to step inside London’s best located Club. Situated a short walk from Piccadilly and the MOD, the Club has bedrooms from just £75 a night which guests and family can benefit from, a sunny courtyard, gym facilities, a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, friendly bars, fine dining as well as a brasserie “The Goat”. 020 7827
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O
Finding
nce you have confirmed your leaving date, your first priority should be finding somewhere to live once you return to civilian life. If you want to stay with family or friends until you secure somewhere more permanent, ensure they know your plans and when you will be arriving home. Securing a place to live means you will have a postal address which is essential when setting up new bank accounts, getting paid from a new job, and registering with a GP and dental practice in your area. your new home
HOUSING www.advancemagazine.co.uk 25
Looking for a house while transitioning back to civilian life can feel overwhelming whether you’re planning to rent or buy, but there’s help at hand to support you in finding a place to call home
26 www.advancemagazine.co.uk
RENTING If you plan to rent your new home, there are different things to consider. Sometimes you’ll need a guarantor to secure your rental contract, this is someone you trust, usually a family member, who co-signs your lease with you. They don’t have to live in the property or contribute anything to bills, but they are signing on as a back-up if you are unable to pay your rent. If you don’t have someone you can ask, a letting agent or landlord might ask you to pay three or six months’ rent upfront instead. Most rental properties are let out on an assured shorthold tenancy – this is the contract agreement that gives both you and your new landlord rights while you rent and sets out how long you have the property for. Take time to read this contract before you sign it and ask any questions you have, especially if you aren’t familiar with the legal jargon included. Look out for clauses on rent increases and evictions, it can be valuable to know about these in the future.
SEEKING ADVICE Finding your new home can be a stressful and lengthy process, and you shouldn’t settle for something you don’t like or isn’t right for you. If you’ve never done this before, or even if you have, it can feel overwhelming and confusing at times, but there’s plenty of Forcesspecific organisations that can offer help and support. The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) was created by the MoD for service personnel and their dependents, helping to give them civilian housing information. This service is especially helpful during resettlement and offers support whether you need help finding or affording housing on civvy street. Find out more at www.gov.uk If you are struggling to find housing and could be at risk of homelessness once you have finished serving, organisations like Shelter (www.shelter.org. uk), the Salvation Army (www. salvationarmy.org.uk), and housing associations like Haig Housing (www.haighousing.org. uk), Hightown Housing (www. hightownha.org.uk) and Stoll (www.stoll.org.uk) are all on hand to help you. They will give support and advice based on your individual circumstances and help you find a solution. Cobseo, the confederation of service charities, has a directory of housing support charities that provide advice for veterans and service leaders. You can find this comprehensive list on the Cobseo website (www.cobseo.org.uk).
FIND OUT MORE Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) offer advice on housing, applying for funding and help if you are experiencing homelessness.
HOUSING
RESEARCH There’s a lot to think about when finding your new home, that’s why doing thorough research is key. Whether you’re planning to rent or want to buy, there are similar things to consider. What you can afford stretches further than just your rent or mortgage payments, you might need to consider other bills including: gas and electric; council tax; internet; tv license; home insurance and more. Creating a budget can help you understand what you can afford (find out more on page 30), and within this you should think about additional costs like food, transport and any subscriptions you have or plan to start.Once you know what you can spend, start to think about where you would like to live and in what type of property. This could be somewhere close to friends or family, your new job, or to support organisations that you have been connected with during the move back to civilian life. Your family life and preferences might determine how much space you need and whether you would prefer to live in a flat or a house, have outdoor space like a garden, or need space for a vehicle at your new home. If you’re about to retire, consider your interests and whether you can pursue these easily in a new area.
BUYING If you’re planning to buy your home, either outright or using a mortgage, the process is different to renting. You’ll need a solicitor to help you with the legal paperwork and sometimes it can be helpful to use a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker helps you find the best deal and confirms what you can afford to borrow from a bank, keep in mind that this sometimes comes with a fee. If you will be buying using a mortgage you’ll also need a deposit, this is normally 10% of the property value. Once you have your keys, you are responsible for everything in the property, unlike renting where if something breaks it is usually your landlord’s responsibility to fix it. Buying a home takes on average three to six months, but depends on both yours and the seller’s situation.
“There’s plenty of Forcesspecific organisations that can offer help and support”
forcespensionsociety.org/join-now/ Scan to join IT PAYS TO UNDERSTAND YOUR PENSION Resettlement can be a challenging time. You need to ensure that you leave with the best pension income you can achieve. Even the timing of your departure can have an impact on that. But now the process has become even more complicated.
A word to the wise if you’re leaving the Forces in the next couple of years; join us. Job done. Forces Pension Society 68, South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RL Tel: 020 7820 9988 E: memsec@forpen.co.uk www.forcespensionsociety.org
That’s because of the impact of the McCloud Ruling. It means that all those affected will have to make a choice between their legacy scheme entitlement from AFPS75 or 05, and AFPS15, for the remedy period. It will involve a complex calculation, with the option to be exercised, from October 2023 onwards.
Joining Forces Pension Society now, means you will be kept informed of developments throughout the period. And at the appropriate time, our Forces Pensions Consultants will be there to provide individual guidance to help you make the best decision for you and your family. Job done.
From volunteering to short breaks and the chance to meet other service leavers, there’s something to help you tackle isolation and fill your free time on civvy street Volunteering As you settle back in to your community, the skills you learned during your time in the Armed Forces are of high value to different organisations who need volunteers. Volunteering is for anyone regardless of your background, experiences or how much time you have to give, and there are always opportunities available whether they are virtual or in person. If you would like to volunteer with an organisation that helps people in the service community, contact SSAFA (www.ssafa.org. uk), the Royal British Legion (www. britishlegion.org.uk) or Help for Heroes (www.helpforheroes.org. uk) to find out about their current vacancies.National organisations like NCVO world.abroadiftheorg)VolunteerOrganisationsafieldyourselfvolunteeringstartfindallroyalvoluntaryservice.org.uk)thevolunteeringmatters.org.uk)Volunteering(www.ncvo.org.uk),Matters(www.andRoyalVoluntaryService(www.havesearchtoolstohelpyoutherightfit–youcouldevenoutwithavirtualorphonepositiontoeasein.Volunteeringcantakeyoufurtherthanyourlocalcommunity.likeInternationalHQ(www.volunteerhq.listpositionsavailablearoundworld.Thiscouldbeperfectyou’reusedtobeingstationedandwanttoseemoreofthe
28 www.advancemagazine.co.uk
Just because you’re back on civvy street, it doesn’t mean you have to stop protecting people in your community. The UK’s emergency services are always looking for volunteers to help with everything from admin work to emergency situations.Emergency response volunteers are one of these positions and work in a similar way to Army Reserve Soldiers: you are called upon when your community needs you urgently. In this position, you’ll support people working in the NHS doing anything from helping in your local hospital or visiting someone who’s recovering from illness, to supporting a local lunch club and joining the team in the hospital shop. Volunteers are given all of the training necessary and there are positions available throughout the UK. You could also volunteer with your local fire service, ambulance service as a community first responder, or with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (www. rnli.org). Mentoring Depending on your rank, you might have experience in leading a team and teaching others, but as a former service member, you know what it means to be a team player with determination. These skills could see you be the perfect mentor for a young person or someone else who is just starting their transition out of the Armed Forces.Putyour military experience to free time
Focusing your
Serving communityyour
www.advancemagazine.co.uk 29 WELLBEING FIND OUT MORE Connect with other veterans by finding a support group near you at www.veteransgateway.org.uk use and help lead a local Army Cadets group (www.armycadets. com). The voluntary youth organisation is sponsored by the Army and subscribes to their values and standards, following a similar rank coursesconsultancy,throughrepresentedhelpemployedwhichinitiativeReTrainwithinvolvedguidesukcoaching.org)clubcouldyoungsport,experiences.veteransthecanmentoringbuildforce.org.uk)com)supportingwoundedveterans.VeteransSupportingstructure.Wounded(www.andBuildForce(www.bothrunprogrammesthatyougetinvolvedwith,givingyouopportunitytocoachotherbydrawingonyourownIfyou’reskilledinaparticularoryoujustwanttohelppeopleinyourarea,youbecomeacoachatalocalorschool.UKCoaching(www.hasinformation,andtoolsforpeoplewhoareorwanttogetinvolvedlocalclubs.Theorganisation’stoReTainprogrammeisanfundedbySportEnglandisopentoallvolunteerandcoaches.Itprovidesforpeoplesupportingunder-groupsinsocietyspecialistmaterials,coachperks,onlineandmore. New hobbies No matter how much or how little free time you have, you can pick up a new hobby or revisit an old interest. If you’re interested in a particular area or you aren’t sure where to start, you could complete a short online course and gain a new skill or qualification while you fill your time. Providers like FutureLearn (www.futurelearn. com), OpenLearn (www.open. edu), Alison (www.alison.com) and Coursera (www.coursera.org) all have free courses that you can study in your own time and at your own pace. If you’re ready to embrace a new hobby, you could try something like gardening or running that helps release stress, or get social in your local community by joining a club or group. Regardless of your interests, there’s likely a local or online group that you can connect with.Meeting up with other service leavers and veterans is a great way to tackle isolation and find like-minded people who can give advice and support during your transition back to civilian life. Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs (www.afvbc.net) are a network of groups around the UK where people who have served can meet up for a chat and some food. Veteran-specific walking groups, like Randombager in Devon (www.randombadger.co.uk) and the UK Veterans Walking Group on Facebook (www.facebook.com) allow you to get into the outdoors with people who have also served.
If you have spent extended periods of time away from your family while serving, a short break could be the perfect way to ease back into civilian life. Some support organisations, including Cobseo (www.cobseo.org.uk), SSAFA (www. ssafa.org.uk) and Veterans andhaveThishelp(www.veteransgateway.org.uk)Gatewaycanprovidefundingfortimeaway.isoftengiventoveteranswhobeenwoundedduringserviceneedsomerespite.
Short breaks
FINANCE
From building a budget to claiming your pension, finances might be one of your biggest worries when leaving the Armed Forces, but information and support is available Budgeting Creating a budget that is unique to your circumstances will help you to better understand your money, what your financial situation is and your next steps. Having a budget is especially helpful when going through big life changes like leaving the Armed Forces, starting a new job or moving to a new home. A budget should consider all of the money you have coming in and everything that you are paying for, along with any money you owe an organisation or bank. It helps you to get in control of your finances and what you can afford to do after paying for all of your essential costs like housing, utility bills, food and transport. If you don’t know where to start then you’re not alone: that’s why Money Helper (www. moneyhelper.org.uk) have a free online Budget Planner. Pensions If you serve in the Armed Forces for at least two years then you are automatically enrolled in to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS), one of the most generous pensions available in the UK. To reflect your commitment to serve your country, the scheme is paid from the public purse and you won’t have made any contributions towards this during your time serving. The amount you receive will depend on when you joined the Armed Forces, your rank, length of service and how old you were when you signed up. If you serve until you are 60-years-old, your pension will become payable immediately after you leave the Armed Forces, but if you are younger it won’t be payable until you reach state pension age. The only exception to this is if you are unable to serve for your full career for reasons out with your control.It’seasy to estimate your pension online using the Armed Forces Pensions Calculator (www.gov.uk). For more advice and information about the AFPS, contact the Forces Pension Society forcespensionsociety.org).(www. Benefits If you are struggling to find work after leaving the Armed Forces, you could be eligible for certain benefits. This also applies if you have been discharged due to illness or injury, especially if you need extra support or adapted housing because of this. Service leavers could be eligible for the same benefits as the general public, but veteran-specific benefits are available too. The Armed CompensationForcesScheme consists of weekly payments and lump sum payments with the amount depending on how severely you have been hurt and your age. These payments compensate for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service on or after 6 AprilThe2005.Armed IndependenceForcesPayment is similar and is an additional allowance for service personnel and veterans who have been seriously injured as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005. It is paid at the same rate as the enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but is only available to exforces personnel and you can’t claim both at the same time. For more information on benefits visit the UK Government website and speak to Veterans UK (www.gov.uk). FIND OUT MORE For further advice and support with finances when you leave the Armed Forces, contact the Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk)
yourManagingmoney
30 www.advancemagazine.co.uk
SEARCH ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY TO FIND OUT MORE ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (SC039189) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609). DARREN ROYAL ENGINEERS WE LIVINGINDEPENDENTENABLE We’re the Army’s national charity. Every day we’re here for former soldiers like Darren, whose arthritis made it difficult to leave the house. We helped to adapt his garden so Darren could spend more time outdoors.
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