The Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Charles Montgomery and the National President of the Royal Naval Association Vice Admiral John McAnally signed the new Partnering Agreement between the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Association in the great cabin in HMS VICTORY on the 26 July 2012.
The Agreement replaces the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2008, in which free membership of the Association is granted to all serving members of the Naval Service.
The Partnering Agreement reflects a much closer relationship between the RNA and the RN over the last 2 or 3 years, in particular two recent initiatives:
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the National Chairman Mr Chris Dovey; National Vice Chair Mr Keith Crawford, Warrant Officers Tim Casey and Tim Bowers; AB xxxxxx and the RNA General Secretary Captain Paul Quinn
Please see full agreement below;
PARTNERING ARRANGEMENT
Between
THE CHIEF OF NAVAL PERSONNEL AND TRAINING
AND SECOND SEA LORD
Representing
THE ROYAL NAVY
And
THE PRESIDENT
THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION
(The Parties to the Partnering Arrangement)
CONCERNING
The relationship between the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Association including reciprocal undertakings in furtherance of the Partnering Arrangement (“Arrangement”)
1. Introduction
1.1 The Participants have a common interest in fostering comradeship and “esprit de corps” among those who have served or are serving in the Naval Service with the intention of promoting the efficiency and well being of the Service, preserving its traditions, encouraging recruiting and assisting with resettlement. The Royal Naval Association (RNA) by this Arrangement is recognised as a valuable partner of the Royal Navy (RN) in providing support to Service and Veterans’ communities and that, as a consequence, defines the Royal Naval Association as delivering a benefit to defence.
1.2 This Arrangement sets out the respective intentions of the Participants with regard to the provision of support to ensure effective co-operation and use of resources. This Arrangement records the background for any agreement the Participants may enter into to deal with matters that may include collaboration, provision of representatives, access to new entry courses and those undertaking resettlement training, representation at National events and any other matter.
1.3 The RN provides support, access to military estate and input consistent with Government policy and that provided to other MOD aligned Associations as most recently governed by an Agreement signed between the RN and the RNA in July 2008.
1.4 RN policy, in line with MOD policy, is to support veterans organisations with which it has an affinity so as to educate the community at large and promulgate the Core Naval Service Message as to the need and role of the Armed Forces and the RN in particular thus promoting the relevance of the RN to a British public and media absorbed by other topics and aware of little in defence outside of current campaigns. The RN endorses the RNA’s aims. This MOD policy accords with wider Government policy to support bone fide veterans movements whenever it is sensible, practicable and affordable to do so.
1.5 The RN expects that the operating standards maintained within the RNA will be sufficiently high to present the customs, traditions, culture, uniforms and name of the Royal Navy in the best possible light and contribute significantly to its high standing and reputation in the eyes of the general public.
2. Aim and Objective
The aim of the Partnering Arrangement is to define the relationship between the Parties to the Arrangement and to record the nature and extent of the benefits and commitments for the Parties, as defined in the undertakings, in respect of the Arrangement.
3. The Royal Naval Association
3.1 The RNA was established as a body ‘Corporate and Politic’ by Royal Charter on 15 July 1954 with a Supplementary Royal Charter granted on 26 May 1990, and is a Registered Charity, Registered Charity Number 266982, having its registered office at Room 209, Semaphore Tower (PP70), HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 3LT. It is a membership organisation managed by the elected and appointed members of the Board of Trustees known as the National Council (“the National Council”).
3.2 The governance of the RNA is in accordance with a “Rule Book” which contains a number of different types of “rules” controlling the running of the Association. These are:
3.3 The objects of the RNA, as set out in the governing instruments of the Association are inter alia to:
3.4 The RNA meets its charitable objects by providing administration support, marketing, training resources, field management, financial management, insurance, supervision and health and safety guidance to the Membership through its network of Association Branches and Areas formed on the authority of the National Council. There is a six month minimum period of service in the Naval Service of Her Majesty in British or Commonwealth Naval forces for Full Members, but no service requirements for Associate members; there are no restrictions on age or gender. Beneficiaries are British or Commonwealth people who have served in Naval Forces and their dependents; with the criteria for help being strictly based on need, hardship or distress.
3.5 It is the role of the National Council of the RNA to ensure that the operating standards within the Branches and Clubs are sufficiently high to present the customs, traditions, culture and uniforms of the Royal Navy in the best possible light and contribute significantly to its high standing in the eyes of the public. It also aims to use the wide network of Areas, Branches and Clubs to promote the resettlement opportunities for Serving Naval Service personnel who find themselves at the end of their careers in the Royal Navy for whatever reason; and also to provide mentoring for those embarking on their Naval careers, so that they can understand the rich culture and history of the Royal Navy.
4. The Membership
4.1 Full Membership of the RNA may be from past and present members of the Naval Forces, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service, the Royal Navy Auxiliary Service and any person who served in the Naval Forces of a nation which was formerly a member of the British Commonwealth during the time when that nation was a member of the British Commonwealth.
4.2 Serving Members of the RNA who comprise every person serving in the Naval Forces of the Crown ie Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Queen Alexandria’s Royal Naval Nursing Service and thus are members by occupation rather than by positive choice. Serving Membership is extended to all Service Leavers for 1 calendar year from the date of release.
4.2.1 Serving Members will be entitled to entry to any Royal Naval Association Branch (without invitation) based on the production of his or her Royal Naval Association Membership Card which in the case of Serving Members would be the appropriate Service Identity Card.
4.2.2 Serving Members will not be members of any particular RNA branch unless they join in their own right. They will therefore have no voting powers of their own. But they will have a voice in the form of a representative on the RNA National Council.
4.2.3 Serving Members will pay no subscription. (under review)
4.3 There are 3 other categories of RNA Membership namely; Full Life Membership in recognition of long and honourable service as a Full
Member; Honorary Membership for professionals who serve the Association but who are otherwise ineligible for Full Membership and, Associate Membership, for those over the age of 18 who express sympathy with the objects of the Association.
5. Joint Responsibilities
A positive outcome of the initial Agreement signed in July 2008 was that it opened up increased dialogue between the RNA and the RN leading to a better understanding of their respective positions and aims. Both participants in the partnership are keen to play their part in developing closer relationships where much is to be gained for the enhancement of Conditions of Service and the betterment of Service Personnel, the RNA Membership and their dependents. In accordance with the understandings reached in this Arrangement the Participants intend to be jointly involved with the resettlement of all Service Leavers through the extension of the Shipmates Campaign providing direct support from the RNA to all RN Service Leavers regardless of their resettlement entitlement.
6. RN Role
6.1 In accordance with the understanding reached between the Participants the RN will be responsible for those undertakings as set out in Schedule 1 of this Arrangement.
6.2 In addition the RN will:
6.2.1 Grant such approvals and permissions to the RNA as are necessary to allow it to function effectively;
6.2.2 Provide such other assistance to the RNA as is agreed by the Participants.
6.3 Military Personnel The RN intends to make available to the RNA military personnel who have volunteered to fulfil designated roles on the RNA’s National Council to represent the Serving Members with full voting rights. In addition, a Navy Command Liaison Officer will be appointed to the National Council but with no voting rights. The terms of reference for those MOD personnel acting in these capacities are set out in the Annex to Schedule 1. The RNA may from time to time make minor changes to the content of these terms, but none which shall be outside of the spirit of the role or its title. A copy of any such changes will be provided to the RN for information.
6.4 Personal Information Any information held by the RNA about military personnel is to be held and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
6.5 Other Assistance Where possible and in accordance with any applicable regulations and procedures MOD intends to arrange for the RNA to order appropriate goods and services under MOD enabling agreements. The RNA will pay for any such goods and services in accordance with any applicable financial instruction or by any such method as is agreed by the Participants.
7. RNA Role
In accordance with the understanding reached between the Participants the RNA will be responsible for those undertakings as set out in Schedule 2 of this Arrangement.
8. Review
Representatives of the Participants aim to meet on an annual basis at a date to be mutually decided to review the effectiveness of this Arrangement.
9. Term
This Arrangement will come into effect on signature and will remain in effect for a period of 5 years or until earlier termination by either Participant.
10. Termination
The conditions of this Arrangement will remain in effect for five years from the date of signature unless either party requests termination or amendment before that date. The agreement may be terminated by either party following 12 months notice, unless both parties agree to a shorter time scale.
11. Disputes
Any dispute regarding the interpretation or application of this Arrangement will be resolved by consultation between the Participants.
12. Amendment
This Arrangement may be amended at any time by the mutual written consent of the Participants.
13. Signature
The Participants do not intend by entering into this Arrangement to create legal relations and nothing in this Arrangement shall be construed as legally binding.
This Memorandum of Understanding is made the ……day of……………….2012
Signed on behalf of the RN Executed on behalf of the RNA by the affixing of the seal of the RNA in the presence of:
| Name: Vice Admiral C M Montgomery CBE ADC The Chief of Naval Personnel and Training and Second Sea Lord | Name: Vice Admiral J H S McAnally CB LVO President Royal Navy Association |
|
Signature……………….. |
Signature………………………….. |
SCHEDULE 1
RN UNDERTAKINGS - FRAMEWORK
1. This Framework sets out an arrangement between the Participants on the conditions governing the undertakings in support of the RNA that will be provided by the RN.
2. This Framework shall be reviewed jointly by the RN and the RNA on an annual basis or earlier if necessary. Amendments may be proposed for mutual consideration whenever either Participant considers this necessary.
3. Under the Partnering Arrangement, the Royal Navy undertakes that:
3.1 It will provide the opportunity for Serving Naval Service personnel to volunteer and be nominated and selected for up to a maximum of 3 positions on the National Council as permanent members, in accordance with clause 6.3 of the Arrangement.
3.2 It will continue in its Full Recognition of the RNA approved in 1985/6. It will provide staff input and support from the Navy Command HQ as resources allow.
3.3 It will provide a NCHQ Liaison Officer to coordinate the RN/RNA interface, who may attend but will not have voting rights on the National Council. He may attend the National Conference as an Observer.
3.4 Recognising the value to the Royal Navy of the charitable and association activities of the RNA, the provision at marginal cost of office accommodation (the Premises) for use by the RNA in pursuance of and for the duration of this Arrangement provided the Premises remain surplus to RN requirements and available for use. The Premises currently specified for this use are located in Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth. The Royal Navy will endeavour to ensure continuity of the allocated Premises and associated facilities but it may not, for reasons of an exigent and unavoidable nature, be possible. In this case the Royal Navy will endeavour to provide alternative Premises to enable continuation of the charitable and association activities of the RNA in a convenient location.
3.5 Subject to funding and material availability it will provide support to RNA HQ Open Days.
3.6 Each Ship or Unit will appoint a point of contact to liaise with RNA branch committees and RNA head office as appropriate. All ships, establishments and units may send a delegate as their unit representative to the National Conference with full voting rights.
3.7 The RNRMC, the Naval Families Federation and the RN websites will on an occasional basis provide web space to advertise linkage information between the RN and the RNA. Information will also be displayed on other RN websites as the opportunity arises.
3.8 It will provide briefing opportunities for the RNA for specific professional career enhancement courses such as the COs Desig and the EWOs Desig courses to underline the importance of the RNA’s role.
3.9 It will provide on the payment of appropriate charges, service accommodation, if available, for National and Regional events.
3.10 It will consider RNA requests for Senior Officer presence at official National and Regional events.
3.11 It will continue to provide the Navy News pages in accordance with the extant 1957 agreement between the RN and the RNA.
3.12 The RNA may continue to use the image and have use of the White Ensign and continue to use the term Royal Navy, as Licensed by the RNRMC with MOD on behalf of the RNA and others.
3.13 In the context of ‘Regional Coherence’ it will reinforce the links with the RNA and Regional Commanders. This liaison at Regional Naval Commander level will assist with the provision of adequate notice in advance of Ship visits programmes. A procedure will be put in place to enable appropriate RNA overseas branches to be aware of foreign visits.
3.14 Local assistance to the RNA will be provided on an informal and occasional basis.
3.15 The RN and The RNA recognise and value the cooperation and amity which has traditionally existed between them and the RN undertakes to encourage its personnel to remain members of the RNA following their year’s extension of membership as Service Members following retirement.
3.16 It will provide such other assistance to the RNA as is agreed by the Participants.
ANNEX to Schedule 1
TERMS OF REFERENCE
FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL FULFILLING DESIGNATED ROLES ON THE RNA’s NATIONAL COUNCIL
1. The RN will provide the opportunity for Serving Naval Service personnel to volunteer for selection by an RNA Nominations Committee as permanent members of the National Council in accordance with clause 6.3 of the Arrangement. From such volunteers, the RNA may from time to time appoint a maximum of 3 Serving Members of the National Council from a list of candidates submitted for the purpose of the National Council.
1.1 The office of Serving Member shall be vacated and new nominations sought, if a Serving Member ceases to be a serving member of the Naval Service or for any other reason as may be decided by the National Council.
1.2 Serving Members’ Delegates, selected in accordance with Schedule 1 clause 3.6 will representing ships, establishments and Units at the National Conference.
2. All those appointed in accordance with clause 1 of these Terms of Reference shall have full voting rights as per elected delegate members of the RNA National Conference.
3. These terms of reference equally apply to the NCHQ Liaison Officer appointed to coordinate the RN/RNA interface, in accordance with Schedule 1 Clause 3.3 excepting that he/she will not have voting rights on the National Council or the National Conference.
4. Travelling Expenses of Serving Members’ Delegates to National Conference will normally be met from Unit Travel Budget allocations and will not be included in the RNA Pool Fares Scheme which apportions Conference delegates travel expenses across all RNA Branches.
Conflict of Interest
5. Where representation on the National Council of the RNA could give rise to a conflict of interests, the Military Personnel will bring this to the attention of the Chair of the meeting and withdraw from the meeting in progress and any discussion relating to it. The RNA in the event of the Military Personnel reporting a conflict of interest shall allow the Military Personnel to withdraw from the discussion in question until that discussion has completed. The RNA accepts that the Military Personnel will report any potential or actual conflict of interests to the Navy Command HQ.
SCHEDULE 2
RNA UNDERTAKINGS - FRAMEWORK
1. This Framework sets out an arrangement between the Participants on the conditions governing the undertakings in support of the RN that will be provided by the RNA.
2. This Framework shall be reviewed jointly by the RNA and the RN on an annual basis or earlier if necessary. Amendments may be proposed for mutual consideration whenever either Participant considers this necessary.
3. Under the Partnering Arrangement, where resources allow the Royal Naval Association undertakes that it will provide:
3.4 Mentoring to support Phase 2 Trainees at MWS Victory Squadron.
3.5 Mentoring to support Phase 2 Trainees at HMS SULTAN.
3.6 Annual Prizes for Phase 2 Trainees.
3.7 Under the “Shipmates Campaign” direct individual support to all Naval Service leavers regardless of their entitlement. This scheme involves direct encouragement of the RNA’s 20,000 subscribing members to provide local networking support to those leaving the Service with help with the transition to civilian life and includes:
3.7.1 Local community involvement, networking and advice through the nearest RNA Branch or nearby HQ roll members.
3.7.2 Family support including a partner in support.
3.7.3 Support with adjustment into civilian life, for example in accessing NHS dentists, contacts with local schools, local services, local companies and tradesmen.
3.7.4. Help with basic civilian living, such as renting, help to find accommodation, Council Tax, etc.
3.7.5 Local networking and advice, which may help with finding a job or other opportunities noting that other agencies such as the RFEA and CTP are the main players with this specific assistance.
3.10.1 This may have the advantage especially for the smaller organisations of improving efficiency by the reduction of costs and enabling those organisations to have available greater resources for policy guidance and advice across a wide framework of legal, employment and other issues.
3.10.2 Importantly it will provide a focus for opinion on veterans’ issues that may be available for, and used by, 2SL and the Navy Board.
