The below information was sent, via email to all volunteers and staff across SSAFA, on 31 July 2025.
To: all volunteers, employees, trustees
Dear colleagues,
Focus: Myth busting with our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With a change project as significant as the NDP, and in an organisation as large and wide-reaching as SSAFA, it’s natural for myths and rumours to surface. We understand that not everyone can attend every meeting or read every update – which is why our FAQs document is such a valuable resource. It’s regularly updated (at least monthly, and more often when needed) and designed to help you quickly find the information that matters most. If you spot something missing, we’d love to hear from you so we can keep the FAQs as relevant and helpful as possible.
Here are just a few examples of the questions we’ve received, you can find more details on these questions, and many more, in the FAQs or by reviewing the links provided.
GoAssemble
Why do I need to provide my personal email address? It’s needed to set up your GoAssemble account securely and to ensure the integrity and functionality of the new system. SSAFA email addresses can’t be used for this purpose. Don’t worry, you can adjust your notification settings, and your data won’t be shared and will be managed in line with our Privacy Notice and the GoAssemble Privacy Notice.
Can GoAssemble send and receive emails? Yes. You will be given a GoAssemble email address: [email protected] (there may be some variation if your name combination already exists in the system). This email address will be your primary method of communication, both internally and externally.
Your GA email has all the usual email features helping you communicate without sharing personal addresses. The message centre works in the same way as regular email, you can send attachments, mark messages as ‘Important’ and set an out of office.
Casework
How can Regional Office teams support Caseworkers? All RO employees are casework qualified and have experience taking on cases. Their role is to support with all elements of casework and the caseworker themselves. Strong relationships have been built over the last year, and you can hear feedback from current NDP casework volunteers around Regional Office support here.
In addition, all caseworkers will maintain close links to their local branch and will be invited to branch events and activities, allowing them to gain support, build friendships and truly belong to their branch and local community.
Are caseworkers just form fillers under NDP? Absolutely not. The aim has been to make the caseworker role more manageable, whilst maintaining the beneficiary-focused element. Caseworkers remain the key contact for the beneficiary throughout the case and will work closely with Regional Office employees to provide the best service possible to our beneficiaries.
You can read more about casework processes and casework role overview using the links.
Branches
How can I continue my current role if it doesn’t exist under NDP? The Community Engagement Volunteer (CEV) role is a broad new role that encompasses all current non-exec branch roles. On initial transition into NDP branch volunteers will be CEVs – this does not mean you are expected to undertake every element of the CEV role description. It is designed to be flexible, allowing you to continue doing what you enjoy just under a new role name.
With your help we will soon be looking to identify the specific roles that branches will require for the future - ensuring clarity for current volunteers, aid in attracting new volunteers and enabling successful community engagement.
Will branches lose autonomy? No, branches will still manage their own activities. Branches will be encouraged to work with their support teams (CEMs, RMMs and RMs) to develop a community engagement plan that suits their community and meets local and organisational needs.
The Community Engagement Strategy, currently being developed, will provide a guiding base for branches to build from and will allow them to cultivate their own program of activities that best suits their community, volunteers and beneficiaries. It will promote a unified culture of sharing ideas and best practice, creating a consistent and strong SSAFA message and providing adaptable support for all Branches.
We are currently looking for feedback on the draft strategy, for more information see here.
Where can I get more information?
The NDP Frequently Asked Questions document covers a range of topics addressing questions raised during and since the trials.
The Volunteer Knowledgebase is accessible to all volunteers and employees and contains detailed information on processes and procedures for all volunteer activities.
NDP Information Hub on SSAFAnet and the NDP Information Hub on the Volunteer Knowledgebase both provide a variety of information on NDP – including caseworker feedback videos, Town Hall presentations, transition guidance and copies of past updates.
If you have further questions, please contact the NDP Project team [email protected].
Many thanks,
The Network Delivery Project team