First Defence Finance: How does the Bank of England Work?

How Does the Bank of England Work? 

Author: First Defence Finance

You've probably heard the phrase "the Bank of England has changed interest rates" countless times.

But what does that actually mean?

Who decides whether interest rates go up or down? Why does the Bank of England change them? And how could a decision that gets made in London affect your savings, mortgage or loan?

With the Bank of England's next interest rate decision coming up on 17th September 2026, here's everything you need to know, without the financial jargon.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) bulk recruitment: 151 Executive Officer roles across Scotland and NE England – closing date 07 Oct

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have a total of 151 Executive Officer (EO) roles across Scotland and North East England. The roles are EO Work Coach in Universal Credit and Job Centre service.

DWP welcome applications from veterans, reservists, their family members and currently serving personnel looking to transition into civilian life..

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

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Northeast England (Ref: 780) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - Northeast Scotland (Ref: 779) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - East and Central Scotland (Ref: 778) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Universal Credit Job Centre - Work Coach - South West Scotland (Ref: 777) - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

The closing date is 07 Oct.

Brunssum: Out and About Coffee Morning

The CLOs are hosting an Out and About Coffee Morning at Brasserie Schuttershuske on Thursday 1st October from 10:00am.

This is a chance to meet the Community Liaison Officers Thea and Annette, as well as other community members, in an informal setting outside of the base environment. All are welcome, including well-behaved dogs on a lead. 

The CLOs will be there from 10:00 until 12:00, and the Brasserie is in Schutterspark if you want to continue your day with a lovely walk!

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - BFB Local Handmade & Food Stall Bazaar Friday 25th September 2026, 1400 - 1700 hrs @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Please email BruneiGar-SpSvcs-AWS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for more information.

Ext: 3785

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Children's Library - Big Bazaar Sale Monday, 25th 2026, 1400 - 1700 PM @ CCCC

🧸📚 Come and grab a bargain! 🛍️
We’re excited to be part of the Community Big Bazaar Sale.

The BFB Children’s Library will have a stall featuring pre-loved toys in great condition at amazing prices. 🧸💕 Perfect for little ones looking for something new to play with while giving much-loved toys a new home.

📅 25 September 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Chit Chat Community Centre

💌 A little favour from our community — please share this with your Aama’s,and friends and invite them to come along🥰🛍️

Thank you
children’s library 🙏🏻

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFSWS ‘Togetherness’ A Parenting Course - Starting from Thursday, 01st October 2026. Every Tuesday & Thursday, 09:00 - 10:30 AM @ BFSWS Training Room, CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

BFSWS(O) is now offering another parenting course for year 2026, beginning the 1st of OCT 2026 for five weeks, twice a week.
Every Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The course will take place face to face at the BFSWS(O) training room .

A chance for parents to share their experiences and learn at the same time.

Certificate will be handed upon the completion of the course.

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 3224101 Ext. 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Children's Library - Dashain Creative Competition Submission by Friday, 16th October 2026

DASHAIN CREATIVE COMPETITION

Calling all our BFB Community Stars

We invite all our little stars to take part in this exciting competition, get creative, have fun and show us your amazing talents.

Exciting prizes for Top 5 winners, and every participant will receive a certificate.

Submission by Friday, 16th October 2026.

Winner will announced on Tuesday, 20th October 2026.

let’s make this Dashain extra special and fun together

Children’s Library

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Pre - Departure Clinic *Next Date* - Monday, 12th October 2026, 1000 - 1100 hrs @ Chit Chat HIVE Office

NOTICE
Please note the date has changed from 7 October 2026 to 12 October due to BFB Quarterly Spouse's Coffee Morning. 

COME ALONG! HIVE can offer support through your relocation

This session will cover the Good Conduct Certificate process, how to claim National Insurance Contribution credits, support whilst moving schools, plus much more - and a one stop checklist of things to add to your to do list before leaving British Forces Brunei!

This is a drop-in clinic, no appointment required.

For further information: www.internationalhive.blogspot.com

Simply search the labels: Brunei Unit Move or Relocation

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

Brunei: Dental Centre Update for Routine Clinics

Please be advised that the Dental Centre will be undergoing refurbishment (first phase) for approximately four weeks, commencing Friday, 25 September 2026.

During this period, our clinical capacity will be reduced by 50%. As a result, routine services will be limited, and there may be some unplanned disruption or changes to appointments.

We will continue to provide:

• Emergency dental appointments
• Priority appointments for Service personnel deploying on exercise, operations or training
• Currently booked in appointments are to go ahead as normal

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while these essential works are completed. 

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Quarterly Spouses Coffee Morning - Wednesday 7th October 2026, 0930 - 1200 hrs @ CCCC

Please scan QR and register your attendance by 5th Oct 26. A multi purpose BFB Coffee morning . Join the crowd and have a fun, gain knowledge & greet-meet with guest of the day (VIP)🙏

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.