BELGIUM: LOA Rates Survey, open now. Closing date June 13th 2026

Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) is not a bonus for overseas service. It's a financial contribution to address the price differences in necessary day-to-day living and help cover additional costs when you're assigned or deployed overseas at public expense. It recognises the amount by which average essential daily expenditure in an overseas location differs from that in the UK.

 

A full review of LOA is currently underway so this is your chance to have your say about the value of this allowance and how it affects your overseas posting.

The survey is in support of the Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) and the results could have a direct impact on LOA rates, so it is in the interests of all SP serving abroad to complete; there is a section relevant to family members too.

Complete the Survey HERE

The deadline is 13 June 2026.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Germany: Weekend Roundup

Latest news from the Garrison:

• The Garrison Gym on Normandy Barracks is scheduled to reopen on Weds 13th May. Some addition sign off is required from Techno gym before all new machines are active. 
• ARAL Card Outage - Your card will  not work on the 17th May 0600 - 1300 hrs.
• Fathers day & Bridging day 14th - 15th Antwerp Gate will be closed on the 14th for a public holiday along with the Post Office, Brydon House and HQ NSTC(G). Many departments will be taking a Bridging day on the 15th also. 

Guide to the Weekend 

Schloss Neuhaus Bierfest 14th - 17th May at the Schloss. Enjoy over 100 different types of beer from across the world. Enjoy a massive range of street food from German classics to vegetarian & vegan options. Opening times are:

• Thusdav 11 a.m - 5 p.m 
• Friday 5 p.m - 11 p.m 
• Saturday 3 p.m - 11 p.m
• Sunday 11 a.m - 7 p.m 

Image copyright Schloss Auenpark

Motorfinity - May Update

Click posters to enlarge

Motorfinity May Update

Motorfinity supports frontline workers with exclusive discounts on brand-new cars, expert support, and a hassle-free buying experience. From reliable daily commutes to family-friendly upgrades and long road trips, Motorfinity helps those who support our communities save on their next car. Share with someone who could benefit.

Exclusive Savings for Frontline Workers

Motorfinity offers:

✔ Exclusive new car discounts
✔ Part exchange options
✔ Family discounts with participating manufacturers
✔ Friendly expert guidance

BFBS Selects Synamedia Following Global Competition to Deliver Landmark Digital Platform for UK Armed Forces

Image: For Illustrative Purposes Only
Credit: fxdigital

BFBS Selects Synamedia Following Global Competition to Deliver Landmark Digital Platform for UK Armed Forces

Strategic three-year partnership marks delivery phase of BFBS’ next-generation media vision

Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) today announces it has selected Synamedia as its strategic technology partner to deliver its next-generation global digital platform, following a highly competitive international tender process launched in February 2025, attracting leading technology and media organisations from across the industry.

NAPLES: Picnic in the Park, Starting Wednesday 3rd June at 1pm at BFS School

 

When: Starting Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Where: BFS School, Lago Patria

Time: 1pm - 3pm 

As the school terms start to finish early, let's break the week up and have a picnic.

Sponsored by SSAFA, in collaboration with FOBFS, we will provide the drinks and the activities.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: BFSWS - Safeguarding Course Date

Safeguarding course in May.

L2 on 14 May 2026

(L2 is designed for a person who has contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults in their working environment including voluntary work.)

BFSWS will be running a face to face safeguarding L2 this May 2026. If you or any member of your team needs to complete this course, kindly book through Rachana Poudel rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com.

This will be the last course in this academic year.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Yoga and Meditation with Pandit Ji - Thursday, 14th May 2026, 0915 - 1045 hrs @ CCCC Main Hall

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please click the link or scan the QR code above for the attendance.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: NAAFI Coffee Morning - Every 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 09:00 - 11:00 AM @ Patio Bar

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Swimathon - 24hrs Charity Event Friday, 26th - Saturday, 27th June 2026 @ Swimming Pool, Tuker Lines

BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI (BFB) SWIMATHON (24 HRS CHARITY) EVENT, 26 - 27 JUNE 2026

Swimathon is an annual charity event in which volunteers from across BFB participate in a continuous 24 hrs swimming challenge. The aim of this charity event is to raise funds for the Pusat Ehsan (Brunei Charity organisation for Special needs) and the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). Administrative Instruction and Risk Assessment will follow NLT end of May 26.

Further details of BFB 24 hrs Swimathon event are as follows:

What: BFB 24 hrs Swimathon 26

When: Start: 0700 hrs, Fri, 26 Jun 26. Finish: 0700 hrs, Sat, 27 Jun 26.

Where: Swimming Pool, Tuker Lines

Who: A, B, C, D, HQ Coy and GST SP (Participants must have MST pass competency recorded in JPA)

Why: Raise fund for Pusat Ehsan and ABF

How: 

a. A group of 12 volunteer swimmers from each Coy will relay.
b. Only one swimmer to swim at one time and can use any stroke.
c. Total distance covered within 24 hrs will be recorded for each team.
d. Attractive prize to the winning team (longest distance covered within 24 hrs).
e. Team entry fee of BND 120 ($10/pax) to be submitted to the Event Coord (cash preferred).
f. Entertainment provisions throughout the event – music, food and drink stalls (pay as you dine), bingo, raffle, etc.
g. First aid point with duty medic on standby.
h. 1x Lifeguard present throughout the event.
i. Provision of sleeping area for swimmers.
j. BFBS live broadcast of the event.
k. Advertisement via flyers, emails, HIVE and BFBS in due course.
l. JustGiving page will be set up for online donations which will be published via official and social media means. Also, there will be charity pots put around the venue for cash donations.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 168 DWP Work Coach EO roles in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber – closing date 21 May

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have 168 Executive Officer (EO) Work Coach vacancies throughout the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber. These may be of interest to Service leavers, veterans and Service community members looking at Civil Service roles.

Civil Service Jobs link with further information on the roles available, and application details:

Universal Credit Job Centre - EO Work Coach - Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber (Ref: 763) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The vacancies close on 21/05/2026.