Service life can be challenging at the best of times with frequent moves and times of separation, both from the serving spouse or partner and from family.
That challenge can be significantly greater when a family member unexpectedly needs care. The MOD has recognised this and has taken steps to help.
CARER’S LEAVE
Last year it was announced that serving personnel can apply for one week of paid carer’s leave if they meet the criteria laid out in JSP 760, Chapter 23, Carer’s Leave and Support for Carers.
CARER’S PASSPORT
In November the MOD launched the Carer’s Passport for serving personnel to help them balance their carer responsibilities with their work requirements. It’s designed to help create consistency for carers in the armed forces, provide continuity of support when a carer changes managers, and to encourage regular discussions so the carer’s responsibilities are recognised. See gov.uk/guidance/armed-forces-carers-passport
The Defence Instruction Notice (DIN) Armed Forces Carer’s Passport Guidance and Implementation also provides more information and guidance on eligibility and how to complete the Carer’s Passport.
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES
It is mandatory for service personnel to register an immediate family member’s additional and supportability need on Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) to ensure their assignments are appropriate and safe for them. It is therefore important that service personnel report any change in their family circumstances that may require additional support or care. The family member doesn’t require a formal diagnosis before the service person can register this support need.
This should be done by submitting an Annex M – Career Management Notification Proforma (CMNP). It now includes a Unit Supportability Action Plan to ensure the chain of command is aware of the support the service person and their family have and allows both to consider how family need and work commitments can be balanced. Annex M must be completed and reviewed by the line manager in consultation with the service person. If the service person has carer responsibilities, these must be recorded on JPA, selecting ‘extra information types’ and entering details into the ‘employee domestic and welfare considerations’ area. Service personnel will not be eligible to apply for carer’s leave unless they have recorded their caring responsibility details on JPA.
ADVOCATING FOR CARERS
Lt Col Brian (Edd) Gordon is the Army Carers Advocate. He’s been a carer for more than 20 years for his disabled son Harry.
Edd is responsible for raising awareness of issues within the army for those service personnel with caring responsibilities, advocating for respect, fair treatment and equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations in an inclusive workplace.
He can help change policy and promote initiatives to address perceived barriers and related issues. He can also advise external agencies so they can understand the realities of service life.
He will support casework with the chain of command where needed and also works with external agencies.
SUPPORT NETWORKS
CANDID is a network that supports serving personnel with chronic conditions and/or disability, and their carers. For more information contact AFNetworks-CANDID-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
The Army Carer’s Network was formed in March 2023 to support service personnel with their caring responsibilities. The private Facebook group can be found at facebook.com/groups/armycarersnet
NEW GUIDE PUBLISHED
The newly published Army Supportability, Additional Needs and Carers Guide offers the chain of command, service personnel and their families specific guidance on the support available from the Army, MOD and others. It includes information on career management, carer’s support, educational and medical supportability, as well as housing and welfare. There are also links to allowances, funding and disability benefits.
To contact AFF, email healthsupport@aff.org.uk