RAF JPA Rollout
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Originally Posted by donald stott
I was due to move up a level in pay last month; however, my pay statement has remained the same. Anyone experienced this? Would ring JPA, but as you are all probably aware, they will take details of query and ring me back in 3 weeks or so.
donald stott
I really would not get your hopes up, I have been waiting to move up to the higher pay band Ground trades since my Qualification for it on the 17 Feb 06, still nothing. JPA what a load of
,S
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This is on the JPA homesite:
Stn Cdrs
Copy to:
AFBSC
MA/DCDS(Pers)
All RAF 2* Officers
All RAF 1* Officers
RAF JPA ROLL-OUT UPDATE
1. I fully recognise that the introduction of JPA to the RAF has had many more problems than were envisaged. I truly believe that the RAF did everything possible to prepare itself for the delivery of JPA and I know that significant numbers of personnel have worked tirelessly to overcome the difficulties that we face. However, the fact remains that it is an immature product and much work remains to be done. That said, when I consider what has been achieved already, I am in no doubt that JPA will provide the level of service we require for the future. This note provides background to current JPA issues and explains what is being done to resolve them. I have provided a similar text for publication in the next issue of RAF News.
2. JPAC Enquiry Centre. The Enquiry Centre is the ‘decisive point’ which could unlock many of the current difficulties. Arguably, any new IT system of this size will have its problems. However, these have been compounded by the inability of the JPAC Enquiry Centre to provide the level of service required. With over 5,000 requests outstanding, much work remains to resolve the problems (although we know that some of these 5,000 enquiries have been submitted 4 or 5 times in an attempt to get a reply). Only when this backlog has been removed, which should be by Sep 06, can AFPAA’s customer charter standards of timely response be achieved. It is worth noting that the Enquiry Centre began with a staff of 35, it now has 55 and will increase to 90 in the Autumn when the Royal Navy plan to come on-line. We expect a ‘steady state’ hit rate of some 60 RAF enquiries per day compared with nearly 190 at the moment. RAF staff are already supplementing the JPAC back office and will be there until at least the end of Aug; in recognising how important it is to fix this, a further 6 RAF personnel will be detached to assist for this period. These SACs and Cpls are doing an excellent job in helping with the clearance of outstanding queries and providing a level of Service knowledge previously lacking in the Enquiry Centre.
3. Training. The training provided to RAF self service users and HR professionals has not been good enough. A complete overhaul of the e-learning training is being undertaken to provide a revised package in October 2006. In addition, RAF HR staffs are working with JPA staffs to produce simplified “how do I” guides for self-service and professional users. Further HR specialist training is being carried out at regional seminars, the first of which was held at RAF Benson on 20 Jul 06. Others will follow at RAFC Cranwell and RAF Leuchars in the next 2-3 weeks. A matrix has been distributed to units describing the division of responsibilities between unit staff and the JPAC EC. This work includes links to documents describing how to carry out specific actions. The 2nd edition of this document will be published this week and should clarify the JPAC/Unit HR areas of responsibility. Additionally, AFPAA are forming a roving training team which will be in place by mid-Sep 06.
4. Posting Preferences. To date, some 6,000 RAF personnel have yet to log on to JPA for the first time. Moreover, only 16,000 individuals have logged their choices of future assignment and location. Step by step instructions on exactly how to enter these choices are available on the JPA ‘Self Service Guide’. This basic action needs to be taken as soon as possible.
5. There is a raft of other work underway, including:
a. Flight Sub-Imprest Administration. A paper has been submitted to the Joint Requirements Steering group proposing improvements in Flight Sub-Imprest administration and proposing a maximum rate rather than actuals for incidental expenses.
b. Pay Statements. Units have reported that Pay statements have been addressed wrongly. The pay statement address is taken from RAF establishment data. It is the Unit responsibility to ensure that this data is accurate. I understand that there is a backlog of establishment updates to be input into JPA by the RAF. This will be resolved by Oct 06. Pay errors continue to receive most urgent attention in recognition of our responsibility to pay people accurately and on time. With the Jul pay now going into bank accounts, I will compare the error rate with the 650 in Jun. This compares with an average of 150-200 a month before JPA was implemented. I make this latter point because there have always been pay problems and we should not pretend that they will be eradicated totally. What I expect in the future is a far more responsive system than we have ever had before.
c. Subsistence Rates. Units and individuals have registered discontent about the capped actual subsistence system. The new systems will pay for the food and drink consumed, up to a rate exactly equivalent to the allowance under the previous system. It will not allow a claim for cash in lieu of food, as was previously the case.
d. Other Allowances. Other allowances have been rebalanced and retargeted within the same overall budget. This has allowed payment of Disturbance Allowance to single personnel for the first time and for higher levels of LSA to compensate those who spend the most time away from home.
e. RN Go-Live. Planning for the RN roll-out is well under way. The RAF will not have access to JPA from 14 - 22 Oct 06. This window will allow RN data to be migrated onto the system. Other ideas such as having a dedicated RN helpline number at go live, are being considered to prevent RN roll out impacting adversely on the RAF. The JPA system is being bolstered with extra hardware in advance of RN launch.
6. Feedback. Senior RAF Administrators attending this week’s Personnel Conference have been briefed by my Focal Point Team Leader and AFPAA’s D Change. This session addressed the issues submitted by units and gave direction on how they would be addressed (Annex A refers). I hope that this two-way dialogue has enabled stn staff to represent local concerns and take back the hard facts. On the same basis, Chf Clks are invited to visit the JPAC and AFPAA Model Office at Centurion Building in Gosport. Please ensure that your Chf Clk takes advantage of this opportunity [points of contact are: Mrs Doreen Allen (93844 ext 2126) or WO1 Hill (93844 ext 2567)].
7. I recognise that the speed of JPA improvements has not been at the pace that any of us would have wished. If I look back over the past 4 months, we have made huge steps forward, from system functionality through to data accuracy. Perhaps most importantly is that we understand JPA better. Whilst progress has been slow, we have broken the back of this issue and once the problems in the JPAC Enquiry Centre have been addressed, we will be well on the path to success. Rest assured, I will continue to drive for an improved service.
AMP
Annex:
A. Major JPA Issues Raised by Units.
Brace yourselves, RN. Inbound!
Stn Cdrs
Copy to:
AFBSC
MA/DCDS(Pers)
All RAF 2* Officers
All RAF 1* Officers
RAF JPA ROLL-OUT UPDATE
1. I fully recognise that the introduction of JPA to the RAF has had many more problems than were envisaged. I truly believe that the RAF did everything possible to prepare itself for the delivery of JPA and I know that significant numbers of personnel have worked tirelessly to overcome the difficulties that we face. However, the fact remains that it is an immature product and much work remains to be done. That said, when I consider what has been achieved already, I am in no doubt that JPA will provide the level of service we require for the future. This note provides background to current JPA issues and explains what is being done to resolve them. I have provided a similar text for publication in the next issue of RAF News.
2. JPAC Enquiry Centre. The Enquiry Centre is the ‘decisive point’ which could unlock many of the current difficulties. Arguably, any new IT system of this size will have its problems. However, these have been compounded by the inability of the JPAC Enquiry Centre to provide the level of service required. With over 5,000 requests outstanding, much work remains to resolve the problems (although we know that some of these 5,000 enquiries have been submitted 4 or 5 times in an attempt to get a reply). Only when this backlog has been removed, which should be by Sep 06, can AFPAA’s customer charter standards of timely response be achieved. It is worth noting that the Enquiry Centre began with a staff of 35, it now has 55 and will increase to 90 in the Autumn when the Royal Navy plan to come on-line. We expect a ‘steady state’ hit rate of some 60 RAF enquiries per day compared with nearly 190 at the moment. RAF staff are already supplementing the JPAC back office and will be there until at least the end of Aug; in recognising how important it is to fix this, a further 6 RAF personnel will be detached to assist for this period. These SACs and Cpls are doing an excellent job in helping with the clearance of outstanding queries and providing a level of Service knowledge previously lacking in the Enquiry Centre.
3. Training. The training provided to RAF self service users and HR professionals has not been good enough. A complete overhaul of the e-learning training is being undertaken to provide a revised package in October 2006. In addition, RAF HR staffs are working with JPA staffs to produce simplified “how do I” guides for self-service and professional users. Further HR specialist training is being carried out at regional seminars, the first of which was held at RAF Benson on 20 Jul 06. Others will follow at RAFC Cranwell and RAF Leuchars in the next 2-3 weeks. A matrix has been distributed to units describing the division of responsibilities between unit staff and the JPAC EC. This work includes links to documents describing how to carry out specific actions. The 2nd edition of this document will be published this week and should clarify the JPAC/Unit HR areas of responsibility. Additionally, AFPAA are forming a roving training team which will be in place by mid-Sep 06.
4. Posting Preferences. To date, some 6,000 RAF personnel have yet to log on to JPA for the first time. Moreover, only 16,000 individuals have logged their choices of future assignment and location. Step by step instructions on exactly how to enter these choices are available on the JPA ‘Self Service Guide’. This basic action needs to be taken as soon as possible.
5. There is a raft of other work underway, including:
a. Flight Sub-Imprest Administration. A paper has been submitted to the Joint Requirements Steering group proposing improvements in Flight Sub-Imprest administration and proposing a maximum rate rather than actuals for incidental expenses.
b. Pay Statements. Units have reported that Pay statements have been addressed wrongly. The pay statement address is taken from RAF establishment data. It is the Unit responsibility to ensure that this data is accurate. I understand that there is a backlog of establishment updates to be input into JPA by the RAF. This will be resolved by Oct 06. Pay errors continue to receive most urgent attention in recognition of our responsibility to pay people accurately and on time. With the Jul pay now going into bank accounts, I will compare the error rate with the 650 in Jun. This compares with an average of 150-200 a month before JPA was implemented. I make this latter point because there have always been pay problems and we should not pretend that they will be eradicated totally. What I expect in the future is a far more responsive system than we have ever had before.
c. Subsistence Rates. Units and individuals have registered discontent about the capped actual subsistence system. The new systems will pay for the food and drink consumed, up to a rate exactly equivalent to the allowance under the previous system. It will not allow a claim for cash in lieu of food, as was previously the case.
d. Other Allowances. Other allowances have been rebalanced and retargeted within the same overall budget. This has allowed payment of Disturbance Allowance to single personnel for the first time and for higher levels of LSA to compensate those who spend the most time away from home.
e. RN Go-Live. Planning for the RN roll-out is well under way. The RAF will not have access to JPA from 14 - 22 Oct 06. This window will allow RN data to be migrated onto the system. Other ideas such as having a dedicated RN helpline number at go live, are being considered to prevent RN roll out impacting adversely on the RAF. The JPA system is being bolstered with extra hardware in advance of RN launch.
6. Feedback. Senior RAF Administrators attending this week’s Personnel Conference have been briefed by my Focal Point Team Leader and AFPAA’s D Change. This session addressed the issues submitted by units and gave direction on how they would be addressed (Annex A refers). I hope that this two-way dialogue has enabled stn staff to represent local concerns and take back the hard facts. On the same basis, Chf Clks are invited to visit the JPAC and AFPAA Model Office at Centurion Building in Gosport. Please ensure that your Chf Clk takes advantage of this opportunity [points of contact are: Mrs Doreen Allen (93844 ext 2126) or WO1 Hill (93844 ext 2567)].
7. I recognise that the speed of JPA improvements has not been at the pace that any of us would have wished. If I look back over the past 4 months, we have made huge steps forward, from system functionality through to data accuracy. Perhaps most importantly is that we understand JPA better. Whilst progress has been slow, we have broken the back of this issue and once the problems in the JPAC Enquiry Centre have been addressed, we will be well on the path to success. Rest assured, I will continue to drive for an improved service.
AMP
Annex:
A. Major JPA Issues Raised by Units.
Brace yourselves, RN. Inbound!
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Good luck to the RN! Nice of them to turn access off for a week in Oct. Is that in case it gets overloaded again?
Anyway... Whilst applying for next term's CEA/BSA have found that my kids' school has been re-evaluated and no longer enjoys a higher rate for my eldest in year 7! Something to do with not much difference in school fees between years 6 and 7.
Absolute f g b s
I am quietely hopeful that Headmaster will raise the school fees a sufficient amount to get into the senior rate for next year!
Edited for biff spelling
Anyway... Whilst applying for next term's CEA/BSA have found that my kids' school has been re-evaluated and no longer enjoys a higher rate for my eldest in year 7! Something to do with not much difference in school fees between years 6 and 7.
Absolute f
g b sI am quietely hopeful that Headmaster will raise the school fees a sufficient amount to get into the senior rate for next year!
Edited for biff spelling
"Subsistence Rates. Units and individuals have registered discontent about the capped actual subsistence system. The new systems will pay for the food and drink consumed, up to a rate exactly equivalent to the allowance under the previous system. It will not allow a claim for cash in lieu of food, as was previously the case."
Well, that hardly "explains what is being done to resolve" the "...discontent about the capped actual subsistence system" which has been "registered" by "units and individuals".....
Well, that hardly "explains what is being done to resolve" the "...discontent about the capped actual subsistence system" which has been "registered" by "units and individuals".....
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I like the way he chose to use june's 650 pay errors as an example in his "there have always been pay problems" pish. I wonder what he makes of July where I believe we had 11,000 errors and, of course, most overseas airmen/women not getting payed at all.....
Then there's no mention of the lack of SSL security......I wonder if they even care.
Then there's no mention of the lack of SSL security......I wonder if they even care.
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Cea Rates
HPT Yes they are.
I went in this afternoon as I never seem to get time during the week without someone interrupting. I have 3 to claim for, so thought i would allow some time for it.
Anyway, I was faced with the usual JPA crap - statements that I am not entitled as I don't meet the mobility or accompanied status requirements (both of which I had to request to be considered for a waiver on the grounds that the info in the system was bolleaux) and another statement that No 1 son is too old for the school he is attending - to which I suggested I would be happy to get the Senior Rate, even though he is still officially classified as attending a Junior/middle school.
Anyway, back to the rates - the Chief Clerk told everyone at my unit to wait until after 1 Aug 06 before applying for CEA, so as to ensure we received the new rates. Sorry, I only know the 2 I qualify for as follows:
My understanding was that these rates were based on the average cost of the top 10(?) most popular schools to which those in receipt of CEA send their kids, but everyone I know says that the school fees are increasing by around 10% each year, whereas this year's CEA has risen by about 6% and 7% (last year's was considerably less if memory serves).
I still don't understand the logic behind the school children's visits travel claim rules.
I hope this was helpful.
STH
I went in this afternoon as I never seem to get time during the week without someone interrupting. I have 3 to claim for, so thought i would allow some time for it.
Anyway, I was faced with the usual JPA crap - statements that I am not entitled as I don't meet the mobility or accompanied status requirements (both of which I had to request to be considered for a waiver on the grounds that the info in the system was bolleaux) and another statement that No 1 son is too old for the school he is attending - to which I suggested I would be happy to get the Senior Rate, even though he is still officially classified as attending a Junior/middle school.
Anyway, back to the rates - the Chief Clerk told everyone at my unit to wait until after 1 Aug 06 before applying for CEA, so as to ensure we received the new rates. Sorry, I only know the 2 I qualify for as follows:
Junior Boarding Was - £3496 - Is now £3695 per child per term
Senior Boarding Was - £4557 - Is now £4872 per child per term
At the point that you put the details in, it tells you what the ceiling rate is.My understanding was that these rates were based on the average cost of the top 10(?) most popular schools to which those in receipt of CEA send their kids, but everyone I know says that the school fees are increasing by around 10% each year, whereas this year's CEA has risen by about 6% and 7% (last year's was considerably less if memory serves).
I still don't understand the logic behind the school children's visits travel claim rules.
I hope this was helpful.
STH
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HPT - The rates are out and on www.rafcom.co.uk under pay and allowances.
STH - I am going to submit an FOI request asking how the rates are derived and what schools are used, along with the rates for them. I suspect the smell of bullsh1t
SDF
STH - I am going to submit an FOI request asking how the rates are derived and what schools are used, along with the rates for them. I suspect the smell of bullsh1t
SDF
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TMG,
I'm one of those who hasn't received July's pay as well as allowances stretching back to JPA's 'Rollout'. I'm owed thousands.
I'm not going to go into details as yet, as I've several options to explore, but suffice to say I will not work for a company that cannot pay me on time.
I'm one of those who hasn't received July's pay as well as allowances stretching back to JPA's 'Rollout'. I'm owed thousands.
I'm not going to go into details as yet, as I've several options to explore, but suffice to say I will not work for a company that cannot pay me on time.
Hear hear...Join Date: Feb 2006
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Quote 'It is worth noting that the Enquiry Centre began with a staff of 35, it now has 55 and will increase to 90 in the Autumn when the Royal Navy plan to come on-line.'
Unbelievable to think that the original concept was that 35 people could deal with all (45 000 ?) RAF personnel admin issues - I'm sure most Stns have a PSF at least half that size! Having seen the problems we've had, is 90 even enough for the RN/RAF combined?
Nice to see servicemen stepping in again to dig another poorly conceived and introduced project out of the poo!
And no - I'm not an Adminer!
WPH
Unbelievable to think that the original concept was that 35 people could deal with all (45 000 ?) RAF personnel admin issues - I'm sure most Stns have a PSF at least half that size! Having seen the problems we've had, is 90 even enough for the RN/RAF combined?
Nice to see servicemen stepping in again to dig another poorly conceived and introduced project out of the poo!
And no - I'm not an Adminer!
WPH
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I was informed today by the CEA clerk at the Secret Oxon Airbase that JPAC are experiencing a backlog in CEA claims and payments.
Total number of CEA payments made to unit personnel?
1 (lucky him!)
If payment is not forthcoming by the time school term starts, payments will be made at unit level.
Has JPA done anything right yet?
Oh sorry, naughty me. I keep getting told that JPA works and is wonderful. It must be true.
Total number of CEA payments made to unit personnel?
1 (lucky him!)
If payment is not forthcoming by the time school term starts, payments will be made at unit level.
Has JPA done anything right yet?
Oh sorry, naughty me. I keep getting told that JPA works and is wonderful. It must be true.
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Private Eye
Idling over a coffee and a copy of the latest 'Eye' I note that the JPA saga and the rumblings on a certain website have caught the eye of the 'esteemed organ'. See page 3 of the latest Eye 9the one with John reid on the front).
Stargazing
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Er.... possibly not for everyone. Have a look at the thread 'Refund of Legal Expenses' and if you think that's bad wait to see what JPA can do to people leaving on redundancy. Has the PVR function been fixed yet????
Fat Albert
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Its not sorted!!!
£69 short in July due to NPD problem. £69 credit for August sorted?
NO
GPD Debit of £257 for August thats 1.5 times my net HTD. T rs
The system is CR@P
NO
GPD Debit of £257 for August thats 1.5 times my net HTD. T
rsThe system is CR@P
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I'm not in for a week or so...I take it the pay chits are online...I was £240 down on last month and was kind of hoping it would have been sorted for August.
Anyone else still got the NDP and NCA FP issues occurring this month?...If so I'm going to break my 20.5 year (so far) golden rule and go in during my leave and listen to 'Radio JPAC' for what its worth...
Anyone else still got the NDP and NCA FP issues occurring this month?...If so I'm going to break my 20.5 year (so far) golden rule and go in during my leave and listen to 'Radio JPAC' for what its worth...
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OK, sorry guys - clearly not sorted for everyone. I've posted here a few times detailing the many issues I've had since JPA's rollout and been flamed a time or two for whinging...I was just glad that after four months of trying they fixed the GPD Taxable that they've overpaid once and taken back three times....
My pay statement's still not correct BTW - there is a spurious payment and debit of over £1500 (cancel each other out so I suppose it's OK) and lots of entries for £0.00.
Best of luck fellas
SBG
My pay statement's still not correct BTW - there is a spurious payment and debit of over £1500 (cancel each other out so I suppose it's OK) and lots of entries for £0.00.
Best of luck fellas
SBG
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It just gets better and better......
And here's JPAC's latest wheeze for dealing with 'expenses' queries. I kid you not - it's from the JPA website:
A large number of incidents have been logged with the JPAC Enquiry Centre as “technical faults” relating to the JPA I-Expenses process. For a large proportion of these calls the issue has arisen from lack of understanding of the process or intermittent issues which have now been resolved.
To enable AFPAA technical support teams to focus resource on valid system issues a number of outstanding vantive incidents will be closed with reference to this operational bulletin. Personnel will not be individually contacted regarding these closures.
I take it the 'valid system issues' they're talking about are how the hell they'll cope with the RN when they join the happy throng of JPA users. For those of you still waiting for a response, don't hold your breath. It's anyone's guess as to how you'll know whether you're being written off as system numpty or not, because they're not going to tell you. Last time I read anything this surreal was Alice in Wonderland........
A large number of incidents have been logged with the JPAC Enquiry Centre as “technical faults” relating to the JPA I-Expenses process. For a large proportion of these calls the issue has arisen from lack of understanding of the process or intermittent issues which have now been resolved.
To enable AFPAA technical support teams to focus resource on valid system issues a number of outstanding vantive incidents will be closed with reference to this operational bulletin. Personnel will not be individually contacted regarding these closures.
I take it the 'valid system issues' they're talking about are how the hell they'll cope with the RN when they join the happy throng of JPA users. For those of you still waiting for a response, don't hold your breath. It's anyone's guess as to how you'll know whether you're being written off as system numpty or not, because they're not going to tell you. Last time I read anything this surreal was Alice in Wonderland........