The below information was sent, via email to all volunteers and staff across SSAFA on 17 July 2025.
To: all volunteers, employees, trustees
Dear Colleagues,
Focus: NDP roll out and how we communicate with you
We are already halfway through 2025, and 2026 is fast approaching!
Regardless of when you are due to move into NDP, we want you to feel prepared and to understand when you will receive further information and how you can feed into upcoming plans. During the roll out of NDP we are committed to keeping you informed about what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects your role at SSAFA.
Roll out update
We’re pleased to confirm that the first branch to transition into the NDP model of working, for 2025, has successfully completed the process. This marks an exciting milestone in our journey to modernise and streamline Welfare Operations.
The roll out will continue with one - two branches from the East of England, the South East, London and the West Midlands transitioning each week through to the end of the year.
Over the coming months, the Project team will collaborate closely with regional employees, regional chairs, and branch chairs to shape the 2026 branch migration plan. We will confirm and share the roll out dates for 2026 in autumn 2025. The full roll out of NDP is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2026
How we communicate about NDP and gather your feedback
To ensure all our colleagues (volunteers and employees) stay in the loop we use a variety of channels, they also enable us to gather your feedback and look to make continuous improvements:
- NDP Town Halls: All colleagues are invited to join our Town Halls live. Recordings and PDF slide packs are also made available on Volunteer Knowledgebase and SSAFAnet.
- Bi-weekly email updates: Sent every two weeks, covering project updates and key topics. All past updates are archived on the Volunteer Knowledgebase.
- FAQs: Regularly updated based on your feedback, this FAQ document answers common questions and is linked in every NDP communication.
- SSAFAnet and Volunteer Knowledgebase: Both SSAFAnet and Volunteer Knowledgebase host up-to-date and historical NDP information.
- Face-to-face and virtual briefings: Held regionally to provide tailored updates, answer questions and collect local feedback. PDF slide packs are shared afterward.
- DWO News and CEO Updates: NDP progress is regularly featured.
- Bespoke messaging: We’re always exploring new ways to share your stories to bring the NDP journey to life. Recently we shared recordings of feedback from NDP caseworkers.
NDP preparation discussions
The transition process is designed to be gradual and well-supported giving all colleagues time to ask questions and provide their views and experiences. Here’s a summary of the key preparation activities:
What happens? |
Who does this? |
When? |
Discussions with regional manager and regional employees |
NDP Project team |
Around four months before transition |
Engagement with regional chairs and branch chairs |
Director of Welfare Operations and NDP Project team |
Three-four months before transition |
Operational preparation by branch/divisional executives and regional teams |
Regional employees, IT, Finance, branch chairs, branch/divisional secretaries and treasurers |
At least two months before transition |
Volunteer briefings (virtual or in-person) |
Director of Welfare Operations & NDP Project team |
At least two months before transition |
GoAssemble (GA) training (new Volunteer Management System) |
Learning & Development |
Two weeks before transition (can be done earlier) |
Detailed transition communications
A key part of our communications plan relates to keeping you informed of what transition means for you and how to prepare. As your branch gets ready to move to the NDP model and GoAssemble (GA), you will receive a series of emails (to both personal and SSAFA addresses) guiding you through the process:
Here’s what to expect:
- Four weeks before: Key dates and actions to prepare.
- Two weeks before: A reminder with updated info.
- One day before migration: What to expect and next steps.
- Post-migration: GA welcome email, with login details and guidance.
- Office (O)365 account closures: A separate two-week notice for those affected.
Each email includes:
- Key information on GA, O365, and Mosaic.
- Your branch’s transition timeline.
- Helpful links and resources.
You can review a generic version of each communication here. If you don’t receive these emails as expected, please contact [email protected] so we can check and update your contact details in our system.
Further questions and feedback?
If you have further questions or wish to provide feedback, please contact the NDP Project team [email protected] and we will respond within two working days, but it is generally much sooner than that.
Many thanks,
The Network Delivery Project team