Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has awarded £174,737 to Shared Intelligence and NatCen, to research how organisations, excluding Local Authorities and Government departments, are delivering pledges under the Armed Forces Covenant…

The decision to commission this research came about from the impact of FiMT’s Our Community-Our Covenant report and the desire to understand delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant more widely. Shared Intelligence, in partnership with NatCen, were appointed to deliver this research following a competitive tender process.

The research will explore two main areas:

  • Employment opportunities for the Armed Forces Community and any relevant policies or practices employers have in place, and
  • The provision of services to the Community, covering a broad range of sectors such as commercial contract variations or support offered by social groups

Organisations who have not signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and their reasons for this, will also be explored as part of this project.

Evidence from the research will provide ideas on how the delivery of the Covenant could be improved, and offer recommendations for local and national levels in support of this.

Ray Lock, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust said: “Forces in Mind Trust was created to ensure that all ex-Service personnel and their families have a successful and sustainable transition to civilian life. The delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant has a significant impact on the transition pathway.

“This timely research will identify how improvements to the delivery of the Covenant could be made.  It will be essential reading for all organisations, including service providers and policy makers, who share in the nation’s commitment to the UK Armed Forces Covenant.”

Phil Swann, Executive Chair of Shared Intelligence said: “We are committed to ensuring that this research helps to increase the use of the Covenant to reflect the contribution of the Armed Forces Community.”