Nautilus members working for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) can now opt into a new inclusivity group, Herald, which will work to champion change across the service.
Herald is a non-political, representative body made up of 18 committee members. It is chaired by chief officer (deck) Emma-Louise Elgar. Vice-chair is second officer (communications) Emma Walters.
The Herald committee will build a community of RFA seafarers to support colleagues in need, and contribute to discussions and research projects.
It will provide a confidential inbox 'safe space' where seafarers can raise concerns and be supported through the appropriate processes. The chair and co-chair will monitor a direct telephone line for immediate assistance.
All serving or retired RFA personnel, regardless of gender, can opt in.
Those in Herald membership will be updated at least quarterly on progress and will be invited to attend meetings and workshops.
A general meeting will be held once every two years.
Workstreams under consideration include:
- maternity/shared parental leave guidance document
- regular briefings on bullying and harassment statistics
- charities guidance booklet – how charities can support you and your family
- family welfare guidance and support
- wraparound childcare for RFA personnel
- professional development guidance
- mentoring and buddy schemes
- long-term sickness support and integration back into the workforce
- onboard living and issues directly associated with life onboard a ship
For more information, or to opt into Herald, contact: navypeople-rfaherald@mod.gov.uk
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