I've got a few weeks before my new role commences and I'm wondering what is the process in geneva for signing-off RAV/Chomage?

And do I need to keep up my search, surely not?

My husband told me that yes it is required to look for employment right up until you start your job, at least he had too. I don't know exactly why though, sorry.

I was told by my RAV adviser that I did not have to look or prove that I was looking for a job in the month before I was due to start a new one. However it could be depending on your adviser. So if you are not sure then I would continue to look for work or e-mail your adviser to clarify the situation.

As said before: it depends. If you want to be very strict, the law says you should, in case you find something temporary and that starts earlier than the job you have found out. But, You adviser might let you off the hook. Also, you are entitled to you vacations, so it could well be that you are send on RAV vacations for that period.

In any case, before stopping the applications, have a chat with your counselour.

In my experience the RAV stipulates that you need to continue looking for work until you have a signed contract for a new job (plus they need a copy).

When I was unemployed I had 4 weeks before my job started and my advisor told me I could just stop my job search from that point. 4 weeks jolly before the job started - yay!

Don't informal things like meeting ex-colleagues for coffee & beer count? I know what I would do...

No they don't, however in additional to job applications it's ok.