The below information was sent, via email to all volunteers and staff across SSAFA, on 4 December 2025.
To: all volunteers, employees and trustees
Dear colleagues,
Focus: Reflecting on 2025 - Progress, insights, and thanks
As we approach the end of the year, we would like to take a moment to thank all colleagues, volunteers and employees alike, for your dedication and contributions throughout 2025. It has been a year of transition, learning, and steady progress. Here are some key moments of the Network Delivery Project (NDP) from the year:
NDP progress
We have successfully migrated 27 branches into the NDP model of working and onto GoAssemble since July 2025. This means the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, London and Wales are all embracing the new way of working. Preparations for 2026 are well underway, with the South West due to start transitioning at the beginning of February. The NDP rollout will be complete, across the network, by the end of June 2026.
Collaborative working during rollout
Branches and regional teams have strengthened their collaboration, working more closely than ever, continually improving support for casework and community engagement. Our central support teams have continuously provided essential back-end support.
Lessons put into practice
Regional offices (ROs) and branches, that have transitioned into NDP, have provided valuable feedback, helping us refine processes, improve support, and strengthen SSAFA’s resilience. Colleagues have worked together to share experience and practical tips; face-to-face, in online briefings and through videos and events, such as the Volunteer Conference.
A clearer direction for community engagement
The vision for Community Engagement in branches, shaped by feedback from across the network, provides a solid foundation for how branches connect with their local communities. It gives a clear sense of direction while allowing each branch to respond to local needs.
Better resources at your fingertips
We have put in place a range of resources to support your work, including Meet Your Regional Team packs (for branches and caseworkers) and a Welfare Operations Services Overview pack, plus GoAssemble User Guides, transition preparation guidance and regularly updated project FAQs.
In addition, our virtual casework team provides flexible, national support wherever it’s needed most, ensuring beneficiaries receive timely help.
Keeping everyone informed
We know not everyone can attend every briefing session, so we make a point of sharing information in multiple ways – post briefing information sent via email, online recordings stored on the Volunteer Knowledgebase and fast response to queries from the NDP mailbox. By emphasising key project messages and utilising different channels, we aim to keep all colleagues informed and supported in their role.
Save the Date: NDP Virtual Town Hall in January
Julie McCarthy, our Director of Welfare Operations, together with other members of the project team, would like to invite all volunteers and employees to the first virtual NDP Town Hall of 2026. This is a chance to receive updates on the project and ask any questions.
Choose the session that suits you:
- Monday, 19 January - 1800 to 1915
- Wednesday, 21 January - 1100 to 1215
Register here for your preferred session. If you’re unable to commit now, you are still very welcome to join on the day. Meeting links will be shared at least one working day before each session and recordings available afterwards.
Thank you!
None of this progress would have been possible without your openness, patience and willingness to engage. We are truly grateful for the difference you continue to make every day, united by the shared goal of supporting our beneficiaries together.
This is our final Continuing the Conversation bi-weekly update for 2025 before we pause for the festive period and resume on 8 January 2026. In the meantime, we wish you all a joyful festive season.
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 and community engagement 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,
Kett McAfee, Welfare Operations Project Manager