Tag: Survey

The Veterans’ Survey 2022 – Results

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published the first results from the Veterans’ Survey 2022, the first survey of its kind and a collaboration between the ONS, The Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Devolved Administrations.

The Veterans’ Survey 2022 aims to understand the experiences of veterans and their families. It was UK wide, covering UK armed forces veterans aged 18 years and over that lived in the UK and there was a smaller family survey incorporated for immediate family members of veterans aged 18 years and over.

The analysis shows the profile of respondents from England and Wales was generally representative of veterans by religion, country of birth, housing situation and sexual orientation. We have assumed this applies to respondents across the UK.

ONS weighted the England and Wales survey data to be closer to Census 2021 data by age, because the profile of veteran respondents from England and Wales was not representative of what we know about veterans from Census 2021.

Comparing England and Wales respondents with veterans in Census 2021 indicated that disabled veterans were more likely to respond to the survey than non-disabled. This bias is important to bear in mind when interpreting findings from the survey (across the UK 48.5 % of respondents, said they were disabled veterans).

Across the UK, the majority (93.8%) of veterans said they lived in an owner occupied or shared ownership house, privately rented or socially rented house or flat. A small proportion (2.3%) said they lived long-term with family or friends and 1 in 400 veterans said they were homeless, rough sleeping or living in a refuge for domestic abuse.

Across the UK, just under half (46.8%) of veterans said they were employed or self-employed and 46.1% said they were retired. One in 40 veterans (2.5%) said they were not economically active because they were long-term sick or disabled, and 1.4% said they were unemployed and seeking work.

Across the UK, nearly a third (31.3%) of veterans said they felt lonely always, often, or some of the time, which is higher than general population estimates for Great Britain. This may reflect the older age profile of veterans and could also be linked to an overrepresentation of disabled veterans in the sample.

Commenting on the first release of data, National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said: “From introducing an armed forces veterans’ question on Census 2021 to the results that followed, right through to the first of its kind government funded survey on veterans which launched last year, we are committed to producing high quality statistics that properly help us understand who our veterans are and their needs.

“Today’s initial findings from the Veterans’ Survey are the latest step to helping us better understand the experiences, needs and wellbeing of our veteran community. Ultimately this will help better target support and public services for our veterans.”

19th December 2023
AFF Highlights Excellence In Education

To gather and share evidence of best practice in schools, the Army Families Federation wants to hear stories of schools that go the extra mile for service children…

Do you know of a school that runs a great after-school club especially for service children? Or a school that provides service pupils with settling-in packs? Or has a dedicated teaching assistant for service children?

Schools are being encouraged to nominate themselves via www.aff.org.uk and the best success stories will be shared on the Army Families Federation social media channels and in Army&You magazine.

To find out more about the Army Families Federation, visit www.aff.org.uk

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of army families: regular or reserve, wherever they are based, whatever the make-up of their family. Throughout the UK and overseas, AFF works hard to achieve policy change and progress in favour of army families; AFF offers advice and guidance on all aspects of army life, confidentially and in an easy-to-digest way.

AFF works with other agencies such as MOD, government, charities and other key players to strengthen its cause and fight for a fair deal for families everywhere. Its family-focussed website contains information about all aspects of army family life, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages offer families other easy ways to contact AFF, or simply follow the work it is doing.

28th February 2020
Wanted: Army Families’ Views On Childcare

In its latest survey, the Army Families Federation wants to find out what challenges families are facing with accessing childcare and what extra support they would like…

The MOD is currently considering how service families can be better supported with their childcare – whether for under-fives, before and after-school care for primary aged children or holiday clubs for older children.

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is encouraging families to have their say about the unique childcare issues they face – do they have difficulty finding a nursery place due to frequent postings? How do they cope if they are posted far away from their family?

AFF Chief Executive Sara Baade said: “Access to high-quality and affordable childcare can be an issue for many families, but army families can face unique challenges due to service life. Our survey will gather evidence on these issues so that AFF can highlight how army families can be better supported.”

Known for their work in pushing for positive changes that affect army families’ lives, AFF is committed to ensuring families’ feedback is heard by decision makers at all levels – and acted upon. And this latest survey will be no exception.

Families are strongly encouraged to have their say before the survey closes on 21st February. They can take part here.

Image Credit: Paisley Scotland Licence: Creative Commons 2.0

10th February 2020
Research: Veterans Facing Negative Stereotypes
Veterans face negative stereotypes when applying for jobs, according to a survey released by the Forces in Mind Trust which reveals nearly one fifth of senior decision makers are unlikely to consider hiring veterans, mostly due to negative perceptions of their time spent in the Armed Forces…

Of the negative perceptions held by potential employers, the most common is that veterans do not have the relevant skills or experience (44%). This is followed by a belief that they may not fit the culture of the workplace (19%); skills from active duty may not translate into a business environment (18%); or they may have different levels of education from those expected of civilian workers (11%).

Over a quarter of the organisations polled in the research have never hired a veteran and 10% of organisations don’t believe taking advantage of the skillsets of veterans would bring value to their organisation. However, nearly two thirds of employers polled in the survey believe hiring veterans helps contribute to the diversity of their organization.

The smaller organizations polled in the survey ranked as the least likely to consider hiring a veteran (65%) whilst the larger organizations ranked as most likely (87%).

The Veteran Employment research was commissioned by FiMT, whose mission is to enable ex-Service personnel and their families to make a successful and sustainable transition to civilian life. Over 1,000 senior decision makers were polled in the research, including private, public and third sector organizations of all sizes.

The research is part of FiMT’s core Employment Programme which aims to ensure that no ex-Service person, or their spouse or partner, is disadvantaged in achieving a successful employment outcome. The FiMT Employment Programme is focused on bringing about change in two areas:
- Ex-Service personnel having the right skills and understanding, receiving the right support and preparing appropriately
- Employers understanding the skills and potential of Service leavers, and being able to access and harness the veteran workforce
Ray Lock, Chief Executive at FiMT says: “The fact that many organizations would not consider hiring veterans due to negative perceptions of their time spent serving in the Armed Forces, highlights the misunderstanding that veterans are unskilled or unfit for business environments. Such misunderstandings are unfounded and damaging to veterans’ employment opportunities.

“Employers must ensure these unhelpful perceptions are addressed in their recruitment processes, so that they benefit from the skills that veterans can bring to their organization. Veterans gain strong leadership, communications, management and STEM skills from their time spent serving in the Armed Forces so employers would do well to tap into veterans’ talent.

“Our research demonstrates that Government must strengthen its strategy for translating and accrediting skills, experience and qualifications gained in the Armed Forces for the civilian world. We need to increase awareness and understanding among civilian employers of how Service leavers’ skills fit their recruitment needs.”
17th October 2019
Veterans And The Welfare Benefits System

There are over 95,000 serving personnel and working age veterans with a Service-related injury in receipt of compensation – some of them claim welfare benefits and The Royal British Legion wants to find out more about the impact of the current welfare benefits system on our Veterans…

If you are in receipt of Armed Forces compensations, and have applied for and/or receive welfare benefits, the Legion want to hear from you.

Since 2012, benefits and welfare delivery has undergone significant change. New benefits, additional requirements and assessment procedures have been introduced. However, there is little research on the impact of the post-2012 benefit system on injured Veterans on service compensation schemes whose design predates the new system.

The Legion wants to find out more about the issues that affect veterans who require support from the welfare system. The Legion have created a survey to better understand your experiences of the welfare system to help inform the report.

The survey is anonymous, however if you would like to discuss more your experiences in more detail, you can contact the team on publicaffairs@britishlegion.org.uk.

Complete the Veterans’ Compensation and Welfare Benefits survey here.

3rd September 2019
Veterans’ Health And Gambling Study Launched

The newly launched UK Armed Forces Veterans’ Health and Gambling Study is the first UK-wide survey of gambling participation among ex-service personnel…

The survey explores gambling attitudes and behaviour, healthcare use, and physical and mental health in Veterans and non-Veterans.

It takes no longer than 40 minutes to complete and you will receive a £20 shopping voucher as a thank you for taking part. If you are an Armed Forces veteran or non-veteran (i.e. civilian), over 18 years old, and currently live in the UK, then we’d love to hear from you!

To take part, or for more information, please visit the website.

23rd July 2019
Research Highlights Public Perceptions Of Ex-Service Personnel

The general public holds veterans in high regard, and yet is concerned about the institutionalising nature of service and the difficulties of transition to civilian life, according to new research published by Forces in Mind Trust and the Ministry of Defence…

The research, carried out by YouGov and launched to coincide with the new Veterans Strategy, finds wide recognition of the benefits and skills related to serving, yet also a strong public belief that government should do more to support men and women after they leave the Armed Forces.

Those questioned as part of the study commonly associated terms such as ‘brave’, ‘disciplined’, ‘loyal’ and ‘strong’ with those who have served, and the majority thought ex-Service men and women can make a valuable contribution to society. But some believe service comes at a cost, linking it to mental ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock, Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust, said: “This research highlights the public’s expectation that government should do as much as it can to support the men and women who have served in our Forces, and the high regard they hold them in for doing so.

“The Veterans Strategy, launched today, is a powerful demonstration of the commitment to do just that, and we particularly welcome the inclusion of new census questions from 2021 and a focus on generating reliable data to further our understanding of ex-Service personnel – good policy, after all, starts with good evidence.

“The public view of military service is often broadly held to be one of difficulty and damage. This new research suggests a much more balanced and realistic view among the general population.

“There is a recognition of the benefits, the transferable skills and the positive character traits the Armed Forces offers, yet this sits alongside a similarly strong recognition that some of those who have served may need help, and that government is responsible for providing that help.

“It falls now to all who work to support members of the Armed Forces community, whether government, business or charity, to ensure that the value of the Service leaver is recognised and utilised, and that where help is needed, it is swiftly and adequately provided.

“The Veterans Strategy is a significant step in the right direction on this, and we look forward to working with the MOD and governments across the United Kingdom to translate this vision into a better reality.”

You can read the YouGov public perceptions report here.

15th November 2018
Views, Vouchers And Vital Participation!

The Army Families Federation has launched its annual Big Survey, which this year focuses on the future contract for military housing allocation and maintenance…

Families have been vocal about the failings and issues with the current contract – now AFF is asking for suggestions and ideas on what the new contract should include to help make their lives easier. With the contract (currently held by Amey) due for renewal soon, the charity says that now more than ever, families have a real chance to shape future policy.

AFF Chief Executive Sara Baade said: “Families tell us the many issues they face with their military housing – we want them to know that their voice is key in ensuring the changes they want to see actually happen, whether that be better appointment times, more first-time repair success, or more time to check their new quarter at move-in.”

The charity assures those not currently living in military housing, and those currently posted overseas, that their views are just as vital, given that the next contract is likely to be in place for at least the next seven years.

Known for their work in pushing for positive changes that affect Army families’ lives, AFF is committed to ensuring families’ feedback is heard by decision makers at all levels – and acted upon. And this latest survey will be no exception.

As a thank you for taking part, the military charity is also offering families the chance to win one of three Amazon vouchers for taking part (main prize £100).

Families are strongly encouraged to have their say before the survey closes on 30th November. Take part here.

6th November 2018
Understanding The Experiences Of Veterans In Finding Employment

Forces in Mind Trust are currently carrying out a survey on behalf of Veterans Work, a consortium of organisations including Deloitte, the Forces in Mind Trust and the Officers’ Association, to understand the experiences of veterans in finding employment after leaving the military…

The survey is aimed specifically at veterans leaving the armed forces in the last 10 years (since 2008). The findings from the research will be used to understand whether any further support would be useful. Should you wish to be emailed a hyperlink to the published report there is space at the end of the survey for you to give us your email address.

The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete depending on your answers. Please note that you will need to complete the survey in one sitting. Your answers will not be saved if you exit then re-enter the survey. Please be assured all your answers will remain completely anonymous and your responses will only be used for research purposes.

This survey is being conducted by Watermelon Research, an independent research agency, according to the Market Research Society Code of Conduct.

To start the survey please click here.

12th October 2018
HALO Survey Now Live

If you are a close friend or a family member of a service or ex-service person and worried about their psychological wellbeing, the Helping Armed Forces Loved Ones (HALO) survey is now open online…

The HALO Survey is part of a bigger HALO Study designed to increase access to mental health services among armed forces people who are in need. The HALO approach is a new way of doing this, working with the concerned friends and family members.

This survey is a first step to better understand what can be done to provide appropriate services that meet the needs of armed forces families. It is being run by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research at King’s College London and Help for Heroes.

The team is comparing two different programmes for the friends and family of service personnel and veterans who are struggling with their mental health. Family members or friends will learn how to better understand their loved one’s challenges, how to communicate more effectively and ways to encourage them to seek treatment.

All of your information will be kept strictly confidential. The UK Data Protection Act 2018 will apply to all of the information gathered as part of this research. Data will be stored securely and will only be accessible by the research team at the King’s Centre for Military Health Research.

You can take the survey here.

Questions can be addressed to halo@kcl.ac.uk

22nd September 2018