Naval Service Redundancy Programme – Tranche 2 Notification

(12 June 2012)

As the changes announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) are implemented, the Naval Service is reducing in size by approximately 5,000 people in order to reach a figure of around 30,000 regular Service personnel by April 2015. The first tranche of redundancy completes in September this year and the Naval Service announced the second tranche of its contribution to the Armed Forces’ Redundancy Programme on 17 January 2012, inviting eligible personnel to apply to be considered for compulsory redundancy. You will note that this round of redundancy calls for significantly lower numbers than anticipated. The reason for this is simply that the Service’s normal manning levers have been successful in reducing the population of the Naval Service sufficiently. This is a good news story for Defence in reducing the cost of the Redundancy Programme, but most importantly in limiting its effect on Naval Service personnel. Nevertheless, some redundancy is still necessary in order to meet the manpower ceiling set during SDSR.

Individuals were selected following a rigorous Boarding and Selection process using published criteria including performance, potential, professional competencies and whether or not an individual was an applicant. Today, the Naval Service will notify those of our people who have been selected for redundancy in Tranche 2 of the Armed Forces’ Redundancy Programme. Notifications will be made by Commanding Officers or a delegated Notifying Officer, either face-to-face in their Ship or establishment or, where this is not possible, by telephone. Approximately 170 people will be notified that they are to be made redundant of who around 120 are Applicants and 50 Non-applicants.

As is the case throughout the year, a large number of Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel are today engaged in operations across the globe, at sea, on land and in the air. Detailed arrangements have been made to notify those selected for redundancy as swiftly as possible, wherever they are serving. Those engaged in certain operations, in Afghanistan for example, within a specified timeframe, qualify for exemption from selection for redundancy unless they are Applicants. However, with so many people routinely deploying overseas, it is not possible for the Navy to reduce in size without including many individuals who have regularly contributed to operations throughout their careers.

Of those selected for redundancy, Applicants will leave the Service by 11 December 2012, unless they are preparing for, deployed on or recovering from land based operations that qualify for Operational Allowance, in which case they will commence 6 months notice on completion of Post Operational Leave. Non-applicants selected for redundancy will leave by 11 June 2013.

Applicants who are selected for redundancy will normally remain deployed for the majority of their notice period but will, wherever the interests of the Service allow, return to the UK to allow them to undertake resettlement training and Terminal Leave. Non-applicants who are selected for redundancy will be returned to the UK, wherever the interests of the Service allow, in sufficient time for them to serve at least their last 6 months service in the UK. Precise dates will be discussed between the parent Unit and the relevant Career Manager however, it is the Service’s aim to relocate applicants to the UK by 12 September 2012 and non-applicants by 12 March 2013.  All those selected for redundancy will be supported through the Divisional and Regimental System and will be provided with a comprehensive resettlement package to assist with their preparations for civilian life.

Tranche 2 is the last full round of redundancy for the Naval Service. A very small number of further redundancies may be required but will be limited to senior officers (Captains/Colonels and Commodores/Brigadiers) and senior medical officers as Defence Transformation (the higher level reorganisation of the MOD and HQs) is implemented. Other than these, all other personnel will not be involved in the remainder of this redundancy programme which will end for the Naval Service in April 2015. 

The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, has this morning issued a statement to everyone serving in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines regarding the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme second tranche notifications, in which he expresses his appreciation and thanks to those who have been selected for redundancy.  In this statement he said:

‘To those of you who have been selected for redundancy, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have contributed to the Service and to the nation’s security.  Do not underestimate what you have achieved while in the Naval Service or the value that others will place on your experience gained in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.  However long you have served, I am indebted to you for the commitment, professionalism and dedication to duty you have shown.’

Redundancy queries should be directed to the Fleet Redundancy Cell: Tel: +44 (0) 2392 628987/Mil: 93832 8987. If families have any queries or questions that they are not getting answers to please get in touch with us. We will do our best to help.

Naval Service Redundancy Programme – Tranche 2

(17 January 2012)

The Royal Navy has announced details of its second round of redundancies. Just under 300 redundancies are required. Personnel who fall within the redundancy fields will be invited to apply to be considered for compulsory redundancy. Click here for full details.

Redundancy Handbooks

(10 November 2011)

The Money Advice Service has produced a Redundancy Handbook. It provides in-depth advice for those going through redundancy and aims to help you understand your rights, stay in control of your finances and move forward. You can access an online version on the Money Advice Service website, or contact your local HIVE for a hard copy.

Coping with Redundancy

(13 October 2011)

Being made redundant is a stressful event. Click here to read an article from Caroline Nairn; a naval wife who works as a psychotherapist and counsellor. Caroline suggests when someone is made redundant they feel a variety of emotions and likens it to the grieving process. The article discusses these emotions; shock, denial, anger, feeling down, acceptance, and hope, and provides little lifestyle tips to help you get through redundancy.

Voluntary Transfer of Naval Service Personnel Selected for Compulsory Redundancy in Tranche 1

(12 October 2011)

Click here to read about the transfer opportunities that may be open to those individuals who have been selected for redundancy as part of the Naval Service redundancy programme. Personnel are eligible to apply for an ‘intra-Service’ transfer into a defined list of Branch Specialisations that are experiencing manning shortfalls, or an ‘inter-Service’ transfer to pinch points within the Army or Royal Air Force, although there is no guarantee of transfer success. The document explains the transfer process and how, if they are successful in transferring, personnel will be de-selected for redundancy and no longer be eligible for the redundancy package.

Applications for transfer must be submitted before 30 November 2011. The Fleet Redundancy Cell will hold all up-to-date information on transfer opportunities and can be contacted on 93832 8987 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Redundancy Announcements: A Comment from First Sea Lord

(30 September 2011)

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, has today, 30 September, issued a statement to everyone serving in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines regarding the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme first tranche notifications. The full text of his statement can be found here.

Redundancy Announcements: A Comment from NFF Chair

(30 September 2011)

Today (30 September) a number of Naval service personnel and their families will find out whether or not they have been selected for redundancy. For those who have volunteered and are successful with their application it is good news and we wish you well for the future.  But, for those who applied but didn’t get it or didn’t apply but got it, it may well be a very different story.

The NFF has worked closely with Navy Command in the build up to this first announcement.  A lot of work has gone into getting the process right.  We have been impressed with the engagement and determination to ensure serving personnel and families are equipped with the maximum information and support.

The Naval Service is unique.  You really have to try it to get it.  It isn’t just a job; it is a way of life.  For some moving on to, or back into civvy street, may be a daunting prospect, for others it is an exciting opportunity.  How people react and how much support and help they will require is personal to that serving person and their family.  No one size will fit all.

As a family, leaving service provided accommodation, looking for a new home, moving to a new area, children changing schools, hunting for jobs, finding a GP and dentist may have to be on your radar over the next 12 months. It may seem daunting.  There are lots of organisations out there who offer help and guidance.

If you have been made redundant and have any problems, worries and concerns, there are a few places you can go for help and advice.  Check out our web pages on Redundancy by clicking here for further detail.

If you are a family member of someone who has been made redundant and are struggling to find answers to your questions, please contact the NFF.

Redundancy Announcements: NFF in The News, Portsmouth

(30 September 2011)

Click to read an article in Portsmouth’s local newspaper, The News, which talks to the NFF Chair about the redundancies, with a focus on the parents of younger people who have been made redundant.

Naval Service Redundancy Programme - Update

(26 August 2011)
Article from Homeport Autumn 2011

Includes key dates to be aware of, details on the resettlement process, and a helpful Q&A section.

Click here to read the article.

Publication of the Processes for Redundancy

(July 2011)

The Navy have released information regarding the processes for the redundancy programme. The document explains how the Selection Boards operate, and looks at the notification procedures and the management of personnel selected for redundancy. The redundancy announcements will be made on 30 September 2011. Click for more details.

Royal Navy Redundancy Programme - Tranche 1

(April 2011)

Click here for all the information on this round of redundancies that you will need.

The appendix to the above information is available here.

NFF on British Forces Radio - Click here to listen to a clip of NFF Chair, Kim Richardson, talking to BFBS Radio on the redundancy announcements.

Further information on redundancies can be found by logging on to Royal Navy website or the Defence Intranet. If you are not a member of the Royal Navy website follow the onscreen instructions to register for an account. The site is a protected online environment available for Royal Naval and Royal Marines personnel and their families. Registration requires a Service Number or permission to use your family member’s number.

For enquiries regarding the DIN or the process for redundancy you are asked to contact your Divisional Officer or the Fleet Redundancy Cell.  A reminder that The Armed Forces Redundancy Calculator can be found on: www.mod-rc.co.uk.

We are conscious that this announcement contributes to the sense of uncertainty for families.  If you have questions, as a family, and would like help with finding some answers, please get in touch with us.

Comment from Former First Sea Lord Jonathon Band

Click here to watch a video interview with the former First Sea Lord, Jonathon Band, on the redundancy announcements. You will need to scroll down the BBC News page to see the video clip.

Extracts from Article 'Royal Navy and Army Release Redundancy Scheme Details' on the MOD website:

“The specific trades and branches… affected by the first tranche of their redundancy programmes, along with the numbers being sought from each area, have also been announced.”

“Each Service will run a number of redundancy tranches over the next four years with reductions planned to be fully achieved by April 2015. Although this is a compulsory programme, volunteers will be sought. “

“The first tranche of redundancies for the Royal Navy will result in a total of around 1,600 redundancies from across a variety of the Naval Service's specialisations and branches, and will include ratings and officers up to the rank of captain. Those selected will be officers from the engineering, medical, warfare and logistics branches as well as junior ratings and senior ratings from a variety of branches.”

"All non-volunteers for redundancy will have the opportunity to apply for a transfer to an area of any Service that has shortages. These shortage categories will be published ahead of the redundancy announcements in September."

“No-one who is preparing for combat operations, deployed on operations or on post-operational tour leave on the day redundancy notices are issued will be made redundant unless they have volunteered.“

Click here to read the full article.

Pensions on Redundancy

The pension scheme you are on will affect your redundancy package. Click here for more information from the Forces Pensions Society.

Redundancy Compensation

Visit the Defence Intranet to read a Defence Instruction and Notification (2011DIN01-056)  from the MOD concerning redundancy compensation. The notice summarises the two redundancy schemes: the Armed Forces Redundancy Scheme 2010 and the Armed Forces Redundancy Scheme 2006, explaining to whom each scheme applies. The notice includes a calculator of compensation and indicates who might be eligible for a Resettlement Grant. PLEASE NOTE: This notice highlights two changes to terms in the Armed Forces Redundancy Scheme 2010 since published in 2010DIN01-188. This DIN replaces earlier notifications: 2010DIN01-188 and 2006DIN02-216. Detailed information on the revised redundancy terms are published in JSP 764, Part 5, Amendment 4. Please see the most up-to-date version on the Defence Intranet (available to Serving personnel only).

SDSR Compulsory Redundancy Programme

Following the outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) a compulsory redundancy programme is necessary to achieve the required reduced Armed Forces manning levels. Click here for further information, including a helpful Q&A document, taken from the MOD’s Defence Internal Brief. PLEASE NOTE: This notice makes reference to 2010DIN01-188 - which has now been replaced by 2011DIN01-056 (shown above).

Redundancy of Service Personnel following the SDSR

The MOD has released a document to outline the broad principles that will be used to deliver the reduced manpower required by the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Although some of reduction will achieved through natural wastage, a programme of redundancy is also necessary.  The document (2010DIN01 - 187: Regular Armed Forces Redundancy Programme) also details some generic timelines for the process and is available to Service Personnel on the Defence Intranet.