Returning to UK

Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC)

You may be required by a new employer to provide a police check to cover your time spent overseas. A Certificate of Good Conduct is designed to provide this information for your employer. The certificate is issued by the Service Police Crime Bureau – it is a simple process but can take up to 40 days.

To request a certificate, email SpecOpsRMP-SPCB-Vetting0Grp@mod.gov.uk with the following details:

  • Full name (including any previous names)
  • Date and place of birth
  • Address that will appear on the Police Certificate (please provide a 5-year address history)
  • Country and dates spent in that country
  • Valid Proof of ID (either the photo page of passport or photo driving licence – this can be scanned or a photo taken of the document and attached to email)
  • You should state what information you are seeking (e.g. a specific period, your entire criminal record etc). If the purpose is solely for employment vetting, the employer is only entitled to ask for the period of time spent abroad (this can then be clearly stated on your certificate) - include the details of your employer and start dates.

A CGC is in addition to any DBS check requirements. If you need to do a DBS check for your employer, consider registering for the DBS Update Service (gov.uk) to make it easier to keep your DBS certificates up to date.

 

National Insurance Credits

Spouses and partners accompanying their Service person overseas can apply for National Insurance credits towards their state pension for the period, when they return to the UK.

You will need to complete the paperwork and obtain a signature before leaving your overseas location. You can apply up to 4 months before your return.

You can find further information and how to claim on gov.uk

 

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance when you return from your overseas posting.

 

NHS Professional Registration

If you are a healthcare professional, the NHS Step into Health team have created a FAQ guide about revalidating your health care professional status upon your return to the UK:

https://www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk/professional-registration-posted-abroad-spouse/