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Factfile:
Personal development and education opportunities
What is personal development (PD)?
PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and
can be done for one or many of the following reasons:
to improve knowledge for personal interest . to be introduced to new ideas
or skills
to broaden horizons
to enhance in-Service career prospects
to gain qualifications
to prepare for a second career
PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s
available and decide what you want to do.
Click here to view the wiring diagram.
Distance learning (top of page)
Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where
you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires
discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help
and advice to their students. The Standard Learning Credit (SLC) can be
used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see Sources
of Finance).
The Forces Distance Learning Scheme (FDLS) Bulletin is produced annually
and lists a number of colleges, which offer additional discounts to Service
personnel. FDLS information is also published in DCIs. The current one
is DCI JS 60/01
Education officers only may wish to call
the Forces Distance Learning Scheme
01980 618729 or (military) 94 344 8729 for further information.
Many Service people study with the Open University each year. It has hundreds
of courses, not just degrees, and offers a modular/building block approach
to study. Special arrangements exist for Forces people with regards to
summer schools, credit transfer and those serving abroad.
For more information, visit the OU website
www.open.ac.uk or
0870 900 9585 for a brochure.
College courses (top of page)
You may prefer to attend a part-time class, or short course, at a local
college. Your education officer may have this information to hand and
most colleges publish a brochure. Some people prefer to study in this
more structured environment. You must gain authority from your unit to
attend and it is worth seeking unit guidance before making any financial
commitment. You may also be able to claim the SLC. In addition, many in-Service
education centres run classes specifically for Forces people and families,
especially overseas. Some are free and most are discounted for families.
Contact your education/training officer for details.
Defence business learning (top of page)
(dblearning) Defence Electronic Learning Centres (DELCs)
dblearning provides high quality, cost-effective, competence-based training
for MoD civilians and Service personnel to help them achieve their full
potential and to meet the needs of the MoD.
If you want to improve your skills, dblearning also run DELCs in many
Service establishments. The courses are free and you can work at your
own pace, by booking time at the centres and following computer-based
activities. dblearning DELCs not only provide IT training but also other
interactive courses from languages to management and efficiency training.
Some Service education centres also run their own, local DELCs.
General information and advice on all aspects of management, personnel,
finance and efficiency training can be obtained from dblearning
Corporate Services 020 7305 4195 or (military) 96305 extension 4195.
Also open to MoD Civilian Personnel
Sources of advice and finance (top of page)
Personal Development Record (PDR)
Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational
plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people
to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned and
where they are going in terms of career and personal development. Ask
your education/training officer where you can get your copy.
University short courses
A tri-Service scheme exists to enhance the general educational development
of Service personnel in relation to specific appointments. Short courses
on topics like economics, politics and social welfare are run free of
charge at universities and other training institutions. A 'Purple Poster'
is produced by HQ LAND, listing course details. Ask in your nearest education
centre for details or look in DCI JS104/02. Alternatively call 01722 433525
(Mornings only).
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses
at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no
longer need A-levels to go to university - vocational A-levels/NVQs and
access courses now qualify students as well.
If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline
on 01242 227788 or visit www.ucas.ac.uk.
(top of page)
Useful Websites
Further sources of information:
www.mod.uk
www.ukonline.gov.uk
www.dfee.gov.uk
www.ctp.org.uk
The Standard Learning Credit
The SLC allows Service people to obtain a grant through their unit to
support their own personal development. The individual is expected to
contribute 20% of the cost of the course themselves, with the Service
providing 80% up to a maximum of £175.
SLCs may not be used for branch/trade training, annual fees for professional
bodies/institutes, course books and materials. You must register your
intention to claim and show proof of completion before money will be released.
Details of the scheme can be obtained from your unit education/training
officer or administrative staff and DCI JS57/02.
The Enhanced Learning Credit
Payouts from the ELC scheme start in April 2004. It offers £1,000
a year for three years after four years' service or £2,000 a year
for three years after eight years' service; both periods reckoned from
1 April 2000.
Service people must pay at least 20 per cent of the cost of the learning
and can claim for up to 10 years after they leave. A wide range of learning
can be taken, and ELCs taken while serving will be tax-free.
People should join the scheme through their education advisor, and plan
their ELC-funded learning using their Personal Development Record
Individual Resettlement Training Cost
IRTC, currently worth £534, may be claimed for the costs of a resettlement
course. Individuals may also be able to claim accommodation and subsistence
allowances from single Service authorities. Ask your resettlement officer/clerk
for details.
Financial support for full-time higher education
Local Education Authority (LEA) grants and low interest student loans
are available for anyone entering full time education. They are means
tested in that what you receive depends on your income and that of your
family. If you are entering full time education you should apply for one,
even if you do not think you are eligible, otherwise you may not qualify
for other benefits. Contact your LEA for details.
(top of page)
Career Development Loans
These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills
by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £8,000
to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two
years, plus a further year's work experience if appropriate. Courses can
be full or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people
who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their
course fees covered.
The low interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks
and certain conditions and criteria apply.
Further details of Career Development Loans can be obtained by calling
Freephone 0800 585505 between 9am-9pm Monday to Friday.
Employment Service Direct
is a government helpline providing information on a range of local and
national job vacancies. The phone number is 0845 6060234, The Employment
Service Website provides information about employment, and JobCentres.
The Website is at www.employmentservice.gov.uk.
The government provides assistance through the Employment Service and
the Benefits Agency who work together closely in this area.
Your local JobCentre can provide a great deal of help in finding employment.
Someone who has recently left the Armed Forces can join many of the programmes
immediately. Further details have yet to be announced but there will be
no pay-outs before 1 April 2004.
Resettlement and employment (top of page)
First line resettlement provision consists of a nominated resettlement
officer and clerk in every unit who is the first point of contact for the
Service leaver. The resettlement officer gives an initial interview and
advice before completing any documentation and sending the Service leaver
to the next level of resettlement assistance.
Each Service also has a network of second line resettlement advisers -
Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIOs) (RN), Individual Education
& Resettlement Officers (IEROs) (Army) and Regional Resettlement Advisers
(RRAs) (RAF). These officers provide more detailed assistance on resettlement
and authorise Individual Resettlement Training Cost claims.
Served less than five years?
All Service leavers are entitled to:
resettlement advice from single-Service specialists
Financial Aspects of Resettlement and Housing briefings
non-CTP events like employment fairs
help from SLST
full range of support from local Jobcentre.
Those who have served between three and five years are also eligible for:
CTP Job Finding Service through the RFEA
travel warrant to visit RFEA consultant
spare places on CTP training courses (on payment).
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is a partnering arrangement between
the MoD and Right Management Consultants to provide support for people
leaving the Armed Forces. The Regular Forces Employment Association Ltd
(RFEA) are sub-contracted to lead on the provision of job opportunities
and to provide job-finding support. The full programme is available for
those people who have completed five years' service and those made redundant
or medically discharged; while those who have completed more than three
years but less than five are entitled to the job-finding element of the
programme. Contact the CTP on . 020 7766 8020 or visit its website at
www.ctp.org.uk.
Click here for Graduated Resettlement
Time
(top of page)
The RFEA is a member of the CTP, as described
above, and provides its job-finding support through a network of 37 Employment
Consultants in regional offices who have excellent contacts with local
employers and resettlement facilitators. The RFEA will:
assist any Service leaver who has a minimum of three years' adult service
provide employment information and job-finding assistance through to
national retirement age
provide other information and assistance about local circumstances
help to put anyone in need in touch with the appropriate authorities.
The RFEA helpline is on . 020 7321 2011 email: ghall@ctp.org.uk
Its website address is www.rfea.org.uk
Service Leaver Support Teams
SLSTs can be found at Army UK divisional and district HQs and at some
regional brigades. They provide Service leavers with information and help
on a wide variety of subjects including employment, housing, schooling,
finance and other resettlement issues. They work in close co-operation
with other agencies including the RFEA, single-Service specialists and
the CTP.
CTW and Options Workshops, counselling and other
CTP events usually take place at one of the ten Regional Resettlement
Centres (RRCs) in the UK and Germany. Skills training takes place at the
Resettlement Training Centre at Aldershot or as arranged with an external
training supplier. For more information, contact your nearest RRC), ring
the CTP helpline on . 020 7766 8020.
Further information can be obtained from any of the RRCs listed below:
Aldergrove 028 944 21639
Aldershot 01252 348682
Catterick 01748 872930
Cottesmore 01572 812241 (ext 7716)
Herford 0049 5221 880466
RTC Aldershot 01252 348520
Plymouth 01752 501609
Portsmouth 023 9272 4130
Rosyth 01383 425086
Tidworth 01980 602689
Uxbridge 01895 815443
The Officers’ Association (OA) is a registered
charity that also offers a job-finding service for officers:
it has offices in London and Edinburgh
any officer, whether or not they qualify for the full CTP programme
can use the OA for resettlement assistance as well as job finding
it provides grants to ex-officers and their dependants who are in financial
difficulties
it runs a home in South Devon for elderly ex-officers and an estate of
bungalows in Hertfordshire for disabled ex-officers and their families.
The OA helpline is . 020 7930 0125
Email: postmaster@oaed.org.uk.
Website: www.officersassociation.org.uk
Resettlement whilst overseas (top of page)
People serving away from the UK can still make a start on their resettlement
programme. They
should initially contact their Unit Resettlement/Education staff and register
using a MOD Form 1173. If no such contact can be made they
should contact the CTP directly either through the CTP website at www.ctp.org.uk
or the contact numbers or e-mails listed below:
Location RRC Contact details
Bosnia, Kosovo Plymouth . 0044 1752 501609
Military: 93705 4009
E-mail:awilliams@ctp.org.uk
Cyprus Catterick . 0044 1748 872930
Military: 94731 2930
E-mail: ccorbett@ctp.org.uk
Germany Herford . 0049 (0)5221 880466
Military: (82) 3388
E-mail: jdendrickse@ctp.org.uk
Gibraltar, Canada, Naples Uxbridge . 0044 1895 815338
Military: 95232 6443
E-mail: ctinnion@ctp.org.uk
embassies, all other areas
The List is a private networking initiative that produces
a directory of over 5,500 serving and retired Service people. Employers
can scan the
entries and contact potential employees. The List can be contacted on
.01483 200863. Its website address is www.thelistuk.com.
Resettlement activity glossary (top of page)
Below is a summary of activities, which may help in getting the most out
of your resettlement time. Every Service person eventually
returns to civilian life and should take full advantage of what's on offer
before leaving.
CTP Workshops and briefings. CTP courses range from career transition
and options workshops in addition to finance, business start-up,
interview techniques and housing briefings. They also provide information
and advice on other resettlement activities. See the CTP Annual
Events Guide published in Quest for full details on CTP short courses.
The Resettlement Training Centre, Aldershot. The RTC at Aldershot
provides a wide variety of resettlement training courses. These range
from mechanical, electrical, security and satellite courses to IT user
and maintenance courses. In addition they run management and finance
programmes and prison and police service selection training. Full details
can be found in Quest under RTC Aldershot Training Courses.
Civilian training attachments. These are training courses in
specific skills run by civilian providers. The length and cost of courses
differ
but many tailor their courses for Service leavers. Many of these are listed
in Quest.
Individual Resettlement Provision (IRP). You can use your GRT
on activities of your own choice, including CV preparation, job-hunting,
market research and moving house etc.
Civilian work attachments. You may wish to spend some resettlement
time working with a civilian company. Many firms are keen to have
your input and experience. Work attachments give you valuable work experience
and can add to your CV. In addition they are a means of
networking and an employer may consider you as a permanent employee.
Networking. 'It's not what you know but who you know' that
often offers a new opportunity, idea or change of direction. This happens
every day in Service life, both formally or informally. It does not only
happen 'by chance' but it may require exposure to new environments
not considered when serving. Networking is about developing a range of
contacts that will lead you to meet people who are directly in a
position to offer you employment.
Writing a CV. CTWs cover CV writing comprehensively but it is
good practice to maintain a CV at all stages of your career. Many
guidelines are available in books and via the Internet. The CV focuses
your achievements and intentions and forms a sound basis for
future development. It is good practice to have a variety of CVs (long
and short) to meet any requirements.
Agencies. There are a number of job-finding agencies and many are available
on the Internet. Some agencies are paid a fee by the jobseeker
to find a job (outplacement) and others are paid by companies to find
people with particular skills (executive search).
Direct approach. You may wish to approach potential employers
directly, following research, by sending a copy of your CV, even if you
haven't seen a position advertised. It should be accompanied by a covering
letter explaining the reason for writing and what you hope to
achieve. You may wish to request information or a chance to visit the
company. Covering letters should be brief, accurately written,
addressed to the decision maker and well presented to make a good impression.
Making the transition (top of page)
Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armed Forces, it is most
important to attend CTP Workshops. They cover assessing your options and
marketing yourself to a future employer. If you don’t go - you won’t
know.
The Options Approach is concerned with what
you should do to secure your future. Throughout our lives we are faced
with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you
are probably about to face one of your biggest ones yet.
You can never start early enough. In order to commence a successful self-marketing
campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is
you wish to achieve.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the
application of well-established marketing concepts to the task of getting
a new job. Marketing is about delivering products and services to meet
customers needs. In this case, you are the product, the customer is your
next employer. Your task is to persuade the customer that the range of
benefits, which you bring, match his or her needs.
Understand the world of work
identify changes since you joined the Services
opportunities arising from these changes
how to manage your own career
different patterns of work
understand individual wants and match them to organisational needs
agree wants and needs with an employer, leading to job offer
Define the product
list your successes
focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks
identify transferable skills
learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer)
remember, customers buy benefits
define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions
Identify your interests and skills
clearly state your interests
identify skills and experiences
analyse formal and informal learning
align skills and interests to establish future direction
Prepare self-marketing literature
Your CV should include:
a personal profile - your unique selling proposition
major achievements - the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs
a focus on your transferable skills
Your CV should avoid mentioning:
details of salary
references
any negative aspects of your career to date
clichés, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
Balance
personal needs, goals and aspirations with organisational objectives
and opportunities
be clear about what you want
see how and where organisation can offer it to you
synergy
both sides benefit from relationship
Research the market
decide on sectors, geographical areas etc
use directories, databases, internet etc
ask for information
use your personal network
use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc
attend jobfairs and conferences
Proactive networking
start early
central to self-marketing
foundation of mutually supportive relationships
critical at all stages of career development, not just job change
networks are useful information sources
successful people develop networks
use them to market themselves and their organisations
Implement a marketing campaign
Use a variety of approaches including:
responding to advertisements
direct approaches by phone and letter
networking
employment agencies
develop a system and keep records of all activities follow up approaches systematically
learn from your mistakes
Produce an action plan
for personal development and goal setting
refine thinking
identify specific action steps to further development and career
establish learning style manage the present to create your future
overcome obstacles and maintain momentum
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis
research the employer
prepare interview responses
dress appropriately
arrive early; impress everybody you meet
smile
avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting
maintain eye contact
answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive
manage the interview to match your benefits to the employer’s
needs
prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer
seek feedback and learn from mistakes
Learning (top of page)
Within the Services your first source of information is
your unit education officer or the nearest education centre. Your commander
will be able to advise you on whom to contact, or the administrative office
will have the details.
Learn Direct
is a free government helpline on which qualified advisers provide information
on all aspects of learning, including:
UK-wide learning opportunities
open and flexible learning
career guidance
sources of finance
childcare facilities
local guidance services
and other national and local organisations that can help.
The freephone number is 0800 100900 and it is open between
9am and 9pm on Monday to Friday and from 9am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
There are no restrictions on its use, and the helpline adviser can answer
questions on any aspect of learning.
The National Institute of Adult
Continuing Education (NIACE) represents all those concerned
with adult education and training, and promotes the interests of adult
learners. As part of its service, NIACE provides a wide range of information
on learning opportunities, including a directory. NIACE can be contacted
on 0116 204 4200 (England) or 01222 265002
(Wales).
If you enrol with an organisation that provides open learning facilities,
you should check that it will provide what you are looking for. In particular,
you should ask if it is recognised by the local Training and Enterprise
Council (TEC) or Local Enterprise Company (LEC) in Scotland, known by
your education adviser, a member of NIACE or any other recognised open
learning group such as the British Association for Open Learning,
which can be contacted on 01462 485588.
The Universities and Colleges
Admission Service (UCAS) deals with applications for first
degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges
in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university
— GNVQs and access courses — run by Local Education Authorities (LEAs)
— now qualify students as well.
If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline
on 01242 227788.
University Short Courses
A tri-Service scheme exists to enhance the general educational
development of Service personnel in relation to specific appointments.
Short courses on topics like economics, politics and social welfare are
run free of charge at universities and other training institutions. A
'Purple Poster' is produced by HQ Land, listing course details. Additionally,
Questonline is currently being developed to provide a searchable database
of thousands of UK-based short courses, broken down by location. .
Sources of Finance (top of page)
Individual Learning Accounts
closed on 25 October 2001.
Now new ILA's can be opened and the government is now rethinking
"how best to target funds in this area."
The Services Standard Learning Credits (SLCs) allow
Servicemen and women to obtain a grant (up to £175 per year) through
their unit to support their own personal development. The individual
is expected to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of the course themselves,
with the Service providing 80 per cent up to a maximum of £175. Criteria
that have to be met are as follows:
the course has substantial development value
the Service will benefit from the course
the course is the most cost-effective way for the qualification to be
obtained.
Details of the scheme can be obtained from your unit education
or administrative staff (DCI JS101/98), but the following courses and
qualifications are included:
external courses and training (part-time and open learning,
and individual tuition)
NVQs/SVQs (provided that there is original work involved)
Open University (OU) courses — also covered by Single Service regulations
distance learning courses (but be aware that most fall under the Forces’
Distance Learning Scheme)
resettlement preparation courses (some only)
external examinations
accreditation of prior learning (APL) and registration and accreditation
fees for professional bodies and institutes. SLCs may not be used for:
branch/trade training — this should be authorised/funded by
Service authorities
sports/recreational training
annual fees for professional bodies/institutes
course books and materials.
Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) started on 1 April
2000. Any Service person, who joins the scheme within specified periods
of time, will be able to open a savings account into which they will
have to pay a minimum amount of money each month (£20 a month for three
years). Once they have served for four years, this will entitle them
to claim up to £1,000 a year, for any three years during their service
or for ten years after they leave, towards the cost of a personal development
course.
If they carry on saving at the same rate for another three years and
have served for eight years, they will be able to claim up to £2,000
a year, for any three years during the rest of their service or for
ten years after they leave, towards the cost of a course.
The Service person will always have to pay at least 20 per cent of the
costs of any training, and the MoD will not provide more than the £1,000
or £2,000 maximum. It will be possible to ‘mix and match’ so that someone
can make, for example, one lower-rate and two higher-rate claims; always
provided that they have paid the necessary contributions and kept their
accounts above the minimum level required.
The money saved in an ELC account belongs to the Service person and
may attract interest. Since the scheme starts on 1 April 2000, there
will be no payouts until 1 April 2003 at the earliest.
Individual Resettlement Training Costs, currently worth
£534 may be claimed for the costs of a resettlement course. Individuals
may also be able to claim accommodation and subsistence allowances from
Single Service authorities.
Financial support for full-time higher education is means tested so
that what you can get depends on your income and that of your family.
The maximum amount that anyone will have to contribute towards tuition
fees for the current academic year is £1,000, and this is about a quarter
of their full cost. Some or all of these fees may be paid by a grant
from your LEA, and you should apply for one even if you do not think
that you are eligible for help because you may be liable for the full
fees (£4,000) if you do not.
Low-interest loans are also available through your LEA. You should apply
at the same time as you ask for support with tuition fees; the LEA will
work out your entitlement and ask you how much of it you need. Borrowing
is then arranged through the Students Loan Company. Repayment only starts
once your income is above the threshold (currently £10,000 pa), and
you only repay 9 per cent of your income above that figure until the
debt is written off. Students may also be entitled to further help if
they have dependants, are single parents or are disabled.
Career Development Loans are designed to help people
change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment
loan of between £300 and £8,000 to cover up to 80 per cent of tuition
fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s
work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full or part-time, or
involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work
for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. Loans
can also cover some living expenses if help is not available from other
sources. In any case, you must:
be aged 18 or over
live in the UK, intend to train in the UK and intend to work in the
European Economic Area, and
not have other funds that could be used for the course and not be covering
any of the costs from other sources.
The loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks
(Barclays, the Co-operative, Clydesdale and the Royal Bank of Scotland)
at low interest rates and with a repayment period to be agreed at the
time of the loan. The government pays the interest charges during the
period of the course and for a short time thereafter, and it is then
up to the individual to repay the capital and interest accruing during
the repayment period.
Details of Career Development Loans can be obtained from your local
TEC/LEC or JobCentre, or by calling freephone 0800 585505
between 9am and 9pm Monday to Friday.
Financial support for full-time hugher education
is available. Local Education Authority (LEA) grants are available for
anyone entering full time education. They are means tested in that what
you receive depends on your income and that of your family. If you are
enetering full time education you should apply for an LEA grant, even
if you do not think you are eligible, otherwise you may not qualify
for benefits. Contact your LEA for details.
The key to financial planning is to obtain the best possible impartial
advice. Independent advisers can recommend the products of any company,
but may be swayed by the amount of commission they will receive when they
sell a particular policy. ‘Tied’ agents can only deal in the products
of the company they represent but, in some cases, these may be very good.
There are two sources of truly impartial advice: Cox’s & King’s Services
Liaison and Holt’s Service Agency Ltd who act on the MoD’s behalf to advise
Service people free of charge. Their general approach is as follows:
Analyse capital and income requirements:
what income is required to live on and meet commitments
what will be required in the future.
Analyse income situation:
income from employment
pension income
investment income
compare income with requirements.
Needs and objectives:
use capital to reduce commitments or use it to produce income
would pension commutation be advisable
any income surplus for investment.
Investment policy:
for income or capital growth and over what term
ways to reduce tax liability
what degree of investment risk will you accept
should you invest in another pension.
Insurance:
position of dependants on your death
will partner receive their own or part of your pension
what state pension will partner receive
what life cover do you have
is your partner’s life insured.
Cox’s and King’s Services Liaison can be contacted on 0800 317053
and Holt’s Service Agency Ltd on 01252 521975.
Employment Service Direct is a Government helpline (charged at local call
rates) on which Employment Service advisers provide information on a range
of local and national job vacancies. The advisers hold a database of vacancies
and can direct callers to a particular employer or arrange an interview.
The phone number is 0845 6060234, and it is open between
9am and 6pm on Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. (People
with hearing difficulties can call 0845 6055255 and Welsh speakers can
call 0845 6067890.)
The Employment Service Website provides information about employment,
and about JobCentres and what they offer. It also has a number of job
vacancies listed, and these can be viewed by region or by type of employment.
The Website is at http://www.employmentservice.gov.uk
If an individual does not find a job through the CTP or any other agency
or method, the government provides assistance through the Employment Service
and the Benefits Agency who work together closely in this area.
Your local JobCentre can provide a great deal of help in finding employment.
Someone who has recently left the Armed Forces can join many of the programmes
immediately, so go to the JobCentre as soon as you can, identify yourself
as a Service leaver and sign a Jobseeker’s Agreement. The following forms
of support and help — tailored to an individual’s requirements — are available:
confidence building and motivation
skill assessment
help with job searches
financial incentives for starting work
financial incentives for employers
work experience training
Programme Centres are found in each district and provide a range of services
to jobseekers, by delivering modules tailored to an individual’s requirements.
They also include resource areas where jobseekers can apply for jobs and
other employment and training opportunities.
Specific help or incentives include the following:
Job Interview Guarantee (for those people who have been unemployed for
six months) and are selected by the JobCentre as having the skills and
experience sought by an employer*
Work Trials (for those people who have been unemployed for six months)
for up to three weeks with a potential employer looking to fill a vacancy
to enable the jobseeker to show that they can do the job and are suitable
for it. During the trial, the individual continues to receive the Jobseeker’s
Allowance as well as travel expenses and an allowance for meals*
Work Based Learning Training for Adults (only for those aged 25+) is a
programme run through the local Training and Enterprise Council (TEC)
or Local Enterprise Company (LEC) to provide training or work experience
directly related to the job you want to do. The individual agrees a training
plan that meets their needs, and this may include working for a vocational
qualification, specific training and periods of work experience**
Jobfinder Plus (for those aged 25+ and unemployed for 18 months) consists
of a series of interviews with an adviser to help with getting a job.
They cover looking for vacancies, CV writing, letter writing and application
form completion, interviewing and updating skills
The Jobfinder’s Grant is a single payment available to jobseekers aged
25 or over who have been unemployed for more than two years when they
start work
Travel to Interview pays some of the costs of going to job interviews.
* Service leavers are able to join both these schemes
immediately ** Service leavers may join
this scheme up to 56 days before leaving Help for disabled
people includes: the following:
Access to Work helps with the costs of support or equipment needed for
disabled people to enter or stay in employment
Employment Rehabilitation provides focused and tailored programmes to
help disabled people into work
Supported Employment provides jobs for severely disabled people by subsidising
wages and other job support.
New Deal is the key programme to help people find employment. It offers
individual programmes to help people into work by providing them with
the skills that local businesses need. It is available to people aged
18—24 who have been unemployed for six months, or to people aged 25 and
over who have been out of work for two years. Service leavers aged 24
and under can join the scheme immediately, but those aged 25 and over
get no priority. It provides you with a personal adviser who stays with
you throughout the programme and understands what you can offer and what
you are looking to do along with careers advice and help to find work.
New Deal for people aged 18—24 starts with a concentrated ‘Gateway’ period
of up to four months to prepare you for the workplace and identify a route
to employment which could be:
find you a job help to
start your own business
work experience with the voluntary sector
work experience with the Environment Task Force
full-time education and training.
The job will be a real one with an employer at the going rate of pay.
Some will be for six months only but most will be offered indefinitely,
providing employees prove their worth. The employer is paid a subsidy
for six months of £60 a week for a full-time job and £40 a week for a
part-time one. The individual will be trained or released for training
one day a week, and the employer will have to provide the training or
arrange it with another provider. A further £750 will be paid to whoever
performs the training.
Self-employment will usually start with information about the realities
of self-employment. Counselling and advice on how to set up a business
and prepare a business plan are provided. The individual then receives
an allowance equivalent to the Jobseeker’s Allowance plus a grant of £400
(paid weekly over six months).
Work Experience with the voluntary sector combines six months of work
with training to improve your skills and prospects. The work benefits
the community and equips you with useful skills. The individual will either
receive a wage or an allowance equivalent to the Jobseeker’s Allowance
plus a grant of £400 (paid weekly over six months). The organisation will
provide training of one day a week towards an approved qualification.
Work Experience with the Environmental Task Force combines six months
of work with training to improve your skills and prospects. The work improves
the community’s environment and could include energy conservation, ecology
management and conservation. The individual will either receive a wage
or an allowance equivalent to the Jobseeker’s Allowance plus a grant of
£400 (paid weekly over six months). The organisation will provide training
of one day a week towards an approved qualification.
Full-time education and training concentrates on basic skills needs, such
as reading or writing, and will normally lead to N/SVQ Level 2 or higher.
The individual will receive the equivalent of the Jobseeker’s Allowance
and all materials required for the course will be provided.
New Deal for people aged 25 plus offers:
individually tailored job-finding help
individuals a chance to show employers what they can do
training to refresh or gain skills.
The programme starts with a series of interviews with a personal adviser,
focusing on what the individual offers, what they are aiming for and how
to achieve it. This leads to an action plan which is developed further:
individual programme of help which is a menu of courses, help with job
applications, workshops, work trials and grants
subsidised job working for an employer who is paid £75 per week for six
months (£50 for a part-time job) — apart from the subsidy the job is the
same as any other and the individual is paid the going rate full-time
education and training for up to a year to retrain in skills while remaining
on benefits.
New Deal for Lone Parents is aimed at lone parents on Income Support with
children of school age, although people with younger children are eligible.
A personal adviser helps the individual in such areas as:
identifying skills
establishing what sort of work is wanted
identifying training opportunities
looking/applying for work
writing a CV
interview preparation
finding childcare
advice on, and help with, benefits.
All New Deal personal advisers provide ongoing support and help after
employment has been obtained, and individuals can always return to the
JobCentre for any advice or assistance they may need. Further details
on New Deal can be found on 0845 606 2626 or visit the Website at www.newdeal.gov.uk
JobCentres also offer:
information about jobs — local, national and
international
advice on the job search
advice on career direction
advice on training.
Ongoing help is available if still unemployed after:
3 months
an interview with an adviser to identify problem areas
employment on trial (trying a job for more than four weeks but leaving
before 12 weeks if it does not work out)
6 months.
Restart Interview providing more access to programmes and services which
may include:
job interview (through Job Interview Guarantee)
place on a Work-Based Learning programme
Work Trial
help with starting your own business
Your Children's Education ( top of page)
Service Children’s Education (SCE) is a Defence Agency
that provides schooling for Service children, and advice and support
for Service families being posted abroad or returning to the UK. As
well as information about Service schools, SCE can advise on:
boarding schools
problems in getting a child into a school of your choice
obtaining a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SENs)
advice to parents of children with SENs
appeals to an LEA if parents do not get the school of their choice.
The SCE (UK) Annual Schools’ Guide (published by Bulldog Publishing Ltd) is available free from the SCE and contains relevant information on how to choose a boarding school, boarding school allowance, case studies and a list of all MoD-admissible schools. SCE can be contacted at Upavon Military on 01980 618244.
The Independent Schools Information Service (ISIS) publishes an annual guide to over 1,300 fee-paying schools — both day and boarding. It provides an analysis of each school as well as information about how to choose a school for your child. ISIS can be contacted on 0207 630 8793/4.
Your LEA will provide you with information about state schools in your area. It has a responsibility to provide education from the age of 5 up to the statutory school-leaving age (16). The key principles governing admission are:
arrangements should meet parents’ preferences to the maximum extent possible
admission criteria should be clear, fair and objective, for the benefit of all children, including those with SENs
admission arrangements should underpin improving standards
admission authorities should consult each other and co-ordinate arrangements including the reintegration of children who have been excluded from schools
parents should have easy access to admission information.
Three terms’ free pre-school education is available to 4 year-olds, and
this scheme is currently being extended to 3 year-olds.
Importing a Duty Free Car
Importing a duty-free car from within
the European Union To compare new car prices across the EU, use the
EC's survey, published twice a year. It is available from:
The European Commission Representation in the UK, Jean Monnet House,
8 Storey's Gate, London SW1P 3AT Tel: 0207 973 1992
Fax: 0207 973 1900/1910
European Commission Representation in Scotland, 9 Alva Street, Edinburgh
EH2 4PH Tel: 0131 225 2058 Fax: 0131 226 4105
European Commission Representation in Wales, 4 Cathedral Road, Cardiff
CF1 9SG Tel: 01222 371631 Fax: 01222 395489
European Commission Representation in Northern Ireland, 9/15 Bedford
Street, Belfast BT2 7EG Tel: 01232 240708 Fax: 01232
248241
the Internet at http://europa.eu.int/en/comm/dg04/aid/en/car.htm.
Price differences vary from five to 50 per cent but average at about
20 per cent. Telephone UK manufacturers and importers for names and
phone numbers of EU dealers. At least get details of the makers' head
offices in EU countries. Check manufacturers Websites. Manufacturers'
information centres can be found on the Internet at http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/car_sector/car_hotlines_en.html.
Telephone some dealers in various countries to establish savings and
whether it is worth the trouble. Remember to add VAT (17.5 per cent)
to the tax-free price. Check specifications and any extras to bring
car to UK equivalence. Confirm that the price for a right-hand model
and associated documentation is reasonable. If it is excessive, report
the dealer to: Mr Dieter Schwartz, DGIV, European Commission, 200 Rue
de la Loi, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium. If the dealer is unhelpful, report
him and try another. The manufacturer is legally obliged to sell a right-hand
drive version within reasonable time and with no unreasonable surcharge.
To import a car into the UK, obtain the following free leaflets:
How to permanently import your vehicle into Great Britain (PI-3)
VAT Notice 728 from HM Customs & Excise, Tel: 0207 202 4227
Fax: 0207 202 4131.
You will need to arrange insurance from when you buy the car to when
you register it in the UK. The car will have temporary number plates
until it is registered in the UK. You must inform HM Customs & Excise
within seven days of importing the car and pay the VAT Ð calculated
in sterling on the exchange rate on the day of import. You should register
the car as soon as possible, having paid the VAT (proof will be needed)
by taking it to a Vehicle Registration Office (see under 'Transport
Department' in the phone book).
Alternatively you can ask an agent to import a car for you from anywhere
in the world. For a list of agents send a stamped, addressed envelope
to the British Independent Motor Trade Association, 9 Palmyra
Square, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1BT. Tel: 01925 244120
Fax: 01925 651079.
Importing Animals into the UK ( top of page)
Importing cats, dogs and other mammals to the
UK Quarantine regulations are still in force in the UK and it is
illegal to disobey them. Information can be obtained from The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) by calling 020 7270 8961
, but the procedure is as follows:
reserve an authorised carrying agent to
take the animal from the point of entry into the UK to the premises
check that the port/airport of entry
is approved by DEFRA
complete the application form and send
it to DEFRA l DEFRA sends an import licence to the carrying agent
DEFRA sends
a 'boarding document' to you or your agent confirming the licence
and acting as evidence that importing your pet has been approved
arrange for your pet to be transported, obeying the
regulations (different for sea and air) about crating, labelling
and so on.
You are strongly advised to research and visit the premises,
and book your pet in early because the best kennels/catteries are
very popular. You can talk to other pet owners and see which premises
they recommend, or talk to other experts like vets, dog wardens
and breeders. You should agree all costs in advance and make sure
that they cover all possible eventualities. The RSPCA can also provide
a list of quarantine kennels/catteries, phone 01403 223288.
Forces Discount Brochure
Your Unit Administrative Office
should have been provided with a copy of the latest Forces' Discount
Brochure for every person in the Unit. It contains a wide range
of discounts on services ranging from travel to computers and from
solicitors to holidays. Potential advertisers should contact 0207
218 3454 (RN), 0207 218 9373 (Army) or
01452 712612 ext 5692 (RAF).
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