The Summer issue of Envoy is now available online

Included in this issue: From the other side of the Fence, RAF Fortitude, Tales from the Domestic Frontline, NEM Consultation launch, an 8-page pullout on the Armed Forces Covenant and much, much more… More information.

NEM CONSULTATION – The biggest change to the RAF in a generation

The Rt Hon Mark Francois MP, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, has launched a consultation exercise with Service personnel and their families on the modernisation of terms and conditions of service through a New Employment Model (NEM). The main points: The consultation will run until… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

David Cameron views the housing situation at RAF Brize Norton

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Mark Francois have visited RAF Brize Norton with a particular interest in welfare and housing on the Unit. Following a brief… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Mental health support app for Service personnel (free)

A new iPhone app has been launched to provide serving Armed Forces personnel with mental health support and information. The app, called Joining Forces, is available to personnel all… More information If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Live Parliamentary Session: Educating the children of service personnel

These oral sessions continue the series:The Armed Forces Covenant in Action. Parts 3 & 4 are entitled ‘Educating the Children of Service Personnel’ and can be viewed on the Parliament website. Part 3 The witnesses in this 3rd session are the… More information  If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Brand New Arctic Star and Bomber Command Clasp

The Defence Minister Mark Francois has announced that World War II war heroes who served on the Arctic Convoys and in Bomber Command will begin receiving brand new awards in recognition of their heroism and bravery within weeks. The new Arctic Star and Bomber Command clasp will be awarded a quarter of a million veterans, or their families, in recognition of the unique contribution they made in protecting Britain…More information »

From Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans

“…I am very conscious of the crucial role that the whole family – spouses, partners, parents, brothers, sisters and beyond – play in supporting our RAF Servicemen and women in doing their jobs…I am looking forward to doing everything I practically can to improve the lot of our service personnel and their families…I am firmly of the view that your Federation has a crucial role to play in representing the views of RAF families. It has a powerful voice that is genuinely listened to…Without your input, Bill Mahon and his team cannot be as effective…More information »

Brand new Discount Card for the Armed Forces

A new discount card, exclusively for members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans, will be rolled out next week in time for money off Christmas gifts and everyday items, Defence Minister Mark Francois confirmed. The Prime Minister said: “It is fitting that the cards are launched in the year that the military have done so much for our country, not just abroad but here in the UK, showing the very best of British…More information »

In with the Minister

Together with his counterparts at the Navy and Army Federations, the Director RAF Families Federation, Bill Mahon, met with Mr Mark Francois, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, to discuss current and potential future issues and concerns held by Service personnel and their families. Spoken about were: Housing; that RAF personnel and their families are still hurting from all the recent upheaval and uncertainty; The Armed Forces Covenant; the New Employment Model (NEM) and that the RAF Families Federation have been asked to take an advisory role in NEM from the outset…More information »

More ‘good ideas’ receive Covenant money from the MoD

More communities across the country are coming up with innovative ideas and initiatives to improve the lives of Service personnel and their families. Launching the next set of Community Covenant Grant projects, Mark Francois confirmed the MoD would give £1.3m to communities across the country – funding 36 new projects. This brings the total MoD spend on the Community Covenant Grant Scheme to £5m…More information »