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 Posting / Relocation


PHF High Wycombe Personnel


Role of PHF High Wycombe

Role of Royal Air Force Personnel Holding Flight
The RAF PHF took up its current form on 1 Apr 75 when the Transit Sqn, Overseas Sqn and No 1 Personnel Holding Unit, all based at RAF Innsworth, were amalgamated with D Unit from Debden. Currently under the command of the RAF High Wycombe Personnel Management Sqn, RAF PHF is a lodger unit that conducts a great deal of its work under the Air Secretary's budget.

The RAF PHF provides the full command, parenting and personnel function for those individuals posted to RAF PHF's non-effective strength. PHF is required to maintain regular contact or review each case every 30 days. However, the Flight will always try and keep in contact with personnel on at least a fortnightly basis. Any pay or allowances queries are discussed and resolutions sought to problems. Further advice and assistance is offered on outstanding claims and general admin paperwork, as well as assisting with travel and accommodation arrangements for education courses, resettlement training, travel to hospital appointments, welfare support and, if requested, organising of a temporary return to work. PHF also liaises with doctors, hospitals, specialist rehabilitation or psychiatric units and medical centres to obtain medical reports to support casework when required. Where the individual has need of advice on queries relating to housing, finances, the services offered by the RAF Benevolent Fund, social services benefits and welfare resources, the RAF PHF will refer personnel to an appropriate agency.

PHF monitors changes of location, changes of personal details or circumstances and can take recovery action where appropriate. PHF does not generally maintain contact with personnel once they are posted following a recovery to an employable MES or are discharged from the Service. In exceptional circumstances contact may be maintained infrequently after discharge for up to 6 months.

The role of RAF PHF also includes the provision of administrative support to personnel who are:
  • Between consecutive overseas tours.
  • On special unpaid leave.
  • Airmen - returning to UK from an overseas unit for discharge.
  • Trainees undergoing trade reselection.
  • Deserters.
  • Imprisoned at MCTC for a period exceeding 6 months.
In addition to the activities above, OC RAF PHF and WO RAF PHF are also double-hatted as the Senior and Junior members respectively of the RAF Standing Committee of Adjustment (RAFSCA). OC PMS, RAF Innsworth acts as the President. The RAFSCA is formed in accordance with QR1299 and is appointed as laid down in the regulations under the Regimental Debts Act, 1893 (see MAFL, Vol II, Part IV, Pages 21N - 35). Close contact is maintained with bereaved families whilst the processing and repatriation of the personal effects of deceased personnel is completed. The RAF PHF also maintains registers of deaths, missing and insane personnel dating back to Sep 44.

Perhaps less well known is the additional role that RAF PHF is required to undertake in times of crisis by operating the Emergency Reinforcement Scheme Assembly Area. This role involves PHF personnel briefing individuals selected to form part of a draft that is to be moved to an overseas theatre. PHF staff ensures that all personnel have the correct documentation, all of the clothing and equipment necessary for the operation, current weapon training certificates and fully up to date vaccination records. This processing role can also be activated should significant mobilisation of the reserves be necessary and the Reserves Mobilisation Training Centre is activated.


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