The below information was sent, via email to all volunteers and employees across SSAFA, on 11 June 2026.
To: all volunteers, employees and trustees
Dear colleagues,
Focus: One SSAFA, adapted to local needs
As the Network Delivery Project (NDP) rollout across the network nears completion, we would like to share an update on what this means for our branches in Northern Ireland (NI), the Republic of Ireland (ROI), and Overseas – Cyprus, France, Germany, and Thailand, as they move into the NDP model this week.
We recognise that these branches operate in different legal, geographical and operational environments. While the principles of NDP remain consistent across the organisation, how they are applied needs to reflect local circumstances.
How have decisions been made?
In recent months, the NDP team and regional manager have been working closely with colleagues in the branch offices of Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), the Overseas Regional Office, and volunteers in these branches led by the branch chairs. Our focus has been to review how the NDP model can be adapted to best support the volunteers in each location to carry on delivering an excellent service to their beneficiaries.
Rather than applying a standard approach, we have looked at each branch individually, giving careful consideration to differing legislative requirements, security concerns and geographical factors.
These discussions have helped identify where NDP adds value locally, and where current arrangements remain the most effective approach. As a result, we have developed a model that is flexible, combining the strengths of NDP with local delivery, while maintaining shared systems, tools and ways of working that help us operate as One SSAFA. All volunteers will continue to benefit from the shared resources and support through your Regional team, the branch network, and the Volunteer Experience team. Ultimately this balance is designed to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible support to the Armed Forces community.
If you wish to learn more about it, you could refer to the NDP information on the Volunteer Knowledgebase for volunteers in Northern Ireland (NI), the Republic of Ireland (ROI), and Overseas.
Working together across teams
One of the strongest themes to emerge has been the willingness of colleagues to work together, share experiences and shape solutions that reflect the realities of local delivery. The approach outlined here is a direct outcome of those conversations and the collaborative spirit that continues to underpin the project.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise and commitment in this process.
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.
We have also developed the SSAFA Regional Roles: Responsibilities and Collaboration Overview guide, an infographic providing a clear overview of how regional employees work together within the unified model to support volunteers and branches.
The Vision for Community Engagement in Branches document was developed following feedback from across the network and outlines the approach for increasing our reach, promoting understanding of our work, and building resilience. The Branch Handbook has been launched since then to serve as a practical and evolving resource and to bring together a wide range of information and guidance relevant to branch volunteering across SSAFA.
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 in 2026 and in 2025.
If you have further questions, please contact the NDP team: [email protected].
Many thanks,
Kett McAfee, Welfare Operations Project Manager