report of raf famcas 2014 - raf families federation

34
HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team ARMED FORCES CONTINUOUS ATTITUDE SURVEY Report of RAF FamCAS 2014 August 2014

Upload: lordwentworth

Post on 10-Dec-2015

230 views

Category:

Documents


4 download

DESCRIPTION

Report of RAF FamCAS 2014 - RAF Families Federation

TRANSCRIPT

HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team

ARMED FORCES CONTINUOUS ATTITUDE SURVEY

Report of RAF FamCAS 2014 August 2014

i

Report of RAF Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2014 HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team

Summary Report Published: 07 August 2014 Issued by: HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team, RAF High Wycombe HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team: The HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team informs decisions to influence change by applying professional skills and knowledge to deliver outputs relevant to stakeholders in order that they can make evidence based policy decisions. The team has 3 main functions to: Inform, Advise & Challenge. Further information: Carley Brown SO2 Psych 1 Air-COSPers-Pol Psych1 SO2

Overview This summary report provides results from the RAF Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2014. A tri-Service report is published separately by Defence Statistics. The RAF report provides a summary of the key RAF findings highlighting differences between Officers and Airmen, presenting comparisons over time and with the other single Services where appropriate. The report is accompanied by data tables which present all of the 2014 survey data. The aim of FamCAS is to assess and monitor the views of spouses and civil partners of RAF personnel in key welfare areas, including family life in general, childcare, deployment, education, employment, healthcare, and housing. The data are used to aid the development and tracking of military personnel policies, informing Defence personnel programmes such as the New Employment Model and the Armed Forces Covenant. Key Points and Trends Compared to FamCAS 2013, responses to most questions are largely unchanged.

Most respondents are satisfied with their quality of life as a spouse of a serving person; however felt that their partner’s Service impacted negatively on family life. The ability to make long-term plans was problematic, as was the ability of the serving person to take annual leave at a time that suited the family.

Some respondents continue to experience difficulties accessing/maintaining their children’s education following a Service move to a new location. Satisfaction with access, quality, cost, and hours of care of local childcare facilities has significantly improved.

RAF spouses continue to experience difficulties relating to employment and training, most often due to moving location for Service reasons. The number of respondents who area self-employed or in full-time employment has significantly increased. Furthermore RAF spouses are more likely to be in full-time employment than their counterparts in the other single Services. The majority of respondents owned a home and many of those who did not indicated they would like to. Non-home owners reported being unable to afford properties, or being unwilling to purchase a home in their current location. Satisfaction with the availability and allocation process for SFA/SSFA has significantly increased. Furthermore dissatisfaction or negativity relating to many areas of housing has decreased. Satisfaction levels with the support offered pre, during, and post operational deployment have been maintained and there has been a significant decrease in respondents reporting that they feel disadvantaged by deployments in comparison to the general public; an area of discontent in 2013.

ii

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS – CONTENTS

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS - LARGEST CHANGES SINCE 2013

1

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS – RANK DIFFERENCES

2

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS - KEY FINDINGS Summary Report structure Key findings per section Section A – Biographical Information Section B – Service Life Section C – Healthcare Section D – Children’s Education Section E – Housing Section F – Training and Employment Section G – Deployment Section H – Other Section J – Armed Forces Covenant

3 4

5

6-7 8-10

11-14 15-16 17-20 21-24 25-26 27-28

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS - BACKGROUND INFORMATION

29

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS – METHODOLOGY

31

ANNEX A – Copy of RAF FamCAS 2014 questionnaire (separate document)

A-1

ANNEX B – Tri-Service FamCAS 2014 reference tables (separate document)

B-1

ANNEX C – RAF Only FamCAS items 2014 reference tables (separate document)

C-1

1

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS - LARGEST CHANGES SINCE 2013

What’s going up?

What’s going down?

Negative direction Amount of spouses registered to vote as an

ordinary/residential voter (77%, 3% point decrease)

Positive direction Respondents who were unaware of support available to buy a

home (20%, 7% point decrease) Dissatisfaction with allocation of SFA/SSFA (32%, 10% point

decrease) Dissatisfaction with the availability of SFA/SSFA (23%, 10%

point decrease) Feeling negative about housing (25%, 4% point decrease), or

prospects for buying or renting own home (23%, 3% point decrease)

Feeling disadvantaged compared to the general public in Housing (22%, 4% point decrease)

Feeling disadvantaged compared to the general public by Deployment (44%, 5% point decrease)

Disagreement with the statement ‘As a member of the wider Armed Forces community I feel respected by society at large’ (26%, 7% decrease)

Positive direction Amount of spouses in full-time employment (47%, 5% point

increase) or who are self-employed (7%, 3% point increase) More spouses would use courses to assist them in finding

employment, if the MOD offered such courses (55%, 6% point increase)

Amount of spouses who said they did not experience difficulties accessing further or higher education as a result of having to move for Service reasons (30%, 7% point increase)

Amount of spouses who said they did not experience difficulty continuing courses that they had started in a previous location after moving for Service reasons (23%, 6% point increase)

Satisfaction with the allocation process for SFA/SSFA (47%,

9% point increase) Satisfaction with the availability of SFA/SSFA (56%, 8% point

increase) Access to local childcare facilities meeting family needs (53%,

6% point increase) Quality of local childcare facilities meeting family needs (52%,

6% point increase) Cost of local childcare facilities meeting family needs (43%,

6% point increase) Hours of care at local childcare facilities meeting family needs

(44%, 5% point increase) Feeling positive about Financial Benefits/Allowances (41%,

6% point increase)

2

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS – RANK DIFFERENCES

Partners of Officers Areas of positivity

More likely to feel part of the RAF community More likely to report having many friends amongst other RAF families More likely to use Mess facilities and rate them positively More likely to know where to go for support from the RAF should they need it

Areas of dissatisfaction

The serving person’s Service having a negative impact on family life More likely to agree that their life is more difficult than that of friends whose partners are not in the RAF More likely to live further away from the serving person’s duty station More likely to have left a civilian job due to the serving person’s assignment More likely to report that their own career prospects would be better if the serving person left the RAF More likely to rate the length of accompanied assignments as too short More likely to be dissatisfied with the amount of notice they received for their spouse/civil partner’s current assignment

Partners of Airmen Areas of positivity

More satisfied with the Home Purchase Incentive Forces Help to Buy Scheme More likely to have used the HIVE and rate this service positively More likely to have received a Hive Deployment Support Pack prior to their partner’s last operational tour

Areas of dissatisfaction

More likely to experience difficulty claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance due to being married to/in a civil partnership with a serving person More likely to need to work for financial reasons More likely to report that their family income would be worse if the serving person left the RAF

3

FamCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS - KEY FINDINGS Summary 1. The following are the key findings from the RAF version of the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) 2014. Background information on the survey and a description of the methodology can be found at the end of the findings. The results highlight the 2014 figures, statistically significant differences between 2013 and 2014, differences between Officers and Airmen, and differences between the Services. 2. Impact of RAF lifestyle on family. Many spouses were satisfied with their quality of life being married to a member of the RAF, but felt that their partner’s Service had a negative impact on family life. The ability to make long-term plans was problematic, as was the ability of the serving person to take annual leave at a time that suited the family. Partners of Officers were more positive regarding feeling part of the RAF community, and having friends amongst other RAF families. Despite this, a high proportion of respondents continued to report feeling lonely/isolated as a result of being a Service spouse. 3. Children’s Education. A large number of respondents with children did not experience any difficulties obtaining places at the childcare, or school of their choice; however, a number of respondents continue to experience difficulties accessing/maintaining their children’s education following a Service move to a new location. The 2014 survey findings demonstrate significant increases in satisfaction with access, quality, cost, and hours of care of local childcare facilities. 4. Spousal employment and training. RAF spouses continue to experience difficulties with employment, including having to leave civilian jobs due to the serving person being assigned. Many found it difficult to find civilian employment after moving to a new duty station, and half of respondents felt unable to pursue a career whilst the serving person is in the RAF. Despite these issues, significant increases are observable in RAF spouses who are self-employed, or in full-time employment. Furthermore RAF spouses are significantly more likely to be in full-time employment than their counterparts in the other single Services. The 2014 survey findings also demonstrate a decrease in the amount of respondents experiencing difficulty accessing or continuing higher education in a new location for Service reasons. 5. Accommodation. The majority of RAF respondents owned a home and approximately one third of respondents who did not own their own home would like to; indicating appetite to purchase properties. Those who did not own a home most often reported being unable to afford one at present. In comparison to the other Services, RAF spouses were more likely to highlight that they did not want to purchase a home in their current location. Just over half of respondents were currently living in SFA/SSFA. Most were satisfied with the condition of and charges for SFA/SSFA. In 2013, respondents were dissatisfied with aspects of SFA/SSFA including the allocation process and availability of accommodation. Positively, satisfaction with both of these areas saw a significant increase in 2014. 6. Deployment. Approximately one third of RAF spouses reported that their partner had been deployed on an operational tour within the last 12 months; a figure which is significantly higher than that of the other Services. Satisfaction with support offered pre, during, and post operational deployment improved between 2012-2013. Positively, levels of satisfaction in these areas have been maintained in 2014. Furthermore, there has been a significant decrease in respondents reporting that they feel disadvantaged by deployments in comparison to the general public; an area of discontent in 2013. Report structure 7. This is the full RAF report for the 2014 FamCAS. This report includes the 2014 RAF results as well as comparisons with results from the 2013 survey, and where appropriate comparisons with other Services. In an effort to be more ‘user-friendly’ the report contains less narrative than in

4

previous years, instead providing the data in tabular format. Companion reports on ‘hot topics’ as well as interpretative summaries will be produced as supplements. 8. The report consists of:

A summary – outlining the main findings and contextual information. Key RAF FamCAS 2014 findings – outlining the summary findings of the survey. Background information – outlining the context and background to the survey. Methodology – a detailed explanation of the methodology used in the survey.

9. Annex A (supplied separately) is a copy of the 2014 RAF Families Survey. All data tables with responses for each question are provided in Annex B (tri-Service report including item tables) and C (RAF only item tables). Please note that all table codes beginning with ‘F’ can be found in Annex B.

5

Key findings by section

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) The majority of respondents were living in England at the time of completing the survey (83%)

RAF only item C1.1

82% indicated that they were living with the serving person during the working week

RAF only item C1.9

Most respondents were female (90%). 10% were male

RAF only item C1.4

72% were partners of Airmen (AP) and 28% Officer’s partners (OP)

RAF only item C1.3

The majority of respondents were aged between 20-49 (91%) with the largest proportion aged 30-39 (40%)

RAF only item C1.7

61% had been married between 0-10 years

RAF only item C1.8

The majority of respondents were not married to/in a civil partnership with the serving person before the SP joined the RAF (91%)

RAF only item C1.5

Section A – Biographical Information Section A asks individuals to provide biographical information such as location, age, gender, and how long they have been married to the serving person. As per previous iterations of the RAF Families Survey, the majority of respondents were female, and most respondents were living in England. A large proportion of respondents were not married to the serving person before the SP joined the RAF. In keeping with previous years, partners of Airmen (AP) responded more often to the survey than partners of Officer’s (AP).

70% of respondents had never served in the Armed Forces

RAF only item C1.6

6

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Marriage/Civil partnership

65% were satisfied with their quality of life as a spouse of a serving person

RAF only item C2.1

The majority of respondents did not feel that the Service was a cause of problems in their marriage (66%)

RAF only item C2.11

Home/family life

34% reported the Service had a positive impact on their home/family life

RAF only item The majority of respondents reported a negative impact. OP significantly more likely to report a negative impact than AP

C2.2

66% said their life was more difficult than that of friends whose partners are not in the RAF

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to agree than AP

C2.4

34% reported that Service life did not cause problems for the serving person when taking annual leave at a time that suited the family

RAF only item The majority of respondents reported this was a major or minor problem

C2.9

82% indicated that the ability to make long-term plans was a major or minor problem

RAF only item C2.10

32% felt that Service life did not cause a problem with seeing their friends or family

RAF only item The majority of respondents reported this as being a major or minor problem

C2.8

RAF Community 28% agree that they feel part of the RAF community

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to agree than AP

C2.3

Section B – Service Life Section B asks questions relating to quality of life as a spouse/civil partner of a serving person, including the impact of Service on family/home life. Most respondents reported being satisfied with their quality of life as a partner of a serving person, and stated that this did not cause problems in their marriage. Despite this, the majority of respondents reported their partner’s Service had a negative impact on their home/family life. The majority reported experiencing problems relating to the Service person taking annual leave at a time which suited the family, and the ability to make long term plans. A large proportion of respondents felt that they had many friends amongst other RAF families but did not feel part of the RAF community. Whilst 27% reported feeling well supported by the RAF, a majority of spouses felt unsupported and reported feeling lonely/isolated at times as a result of being married to a serving person. (Continued on next page)

42% feel that they have many friends amongst other RAF families

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to agree than AP

C2.5

7

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 27% felt that spouses/civil partners of serving personnel are well supported by the RAF

RAF only item The majority of respondents disagreed with this statement

C2.6 Section B – Service Life (Continued)

41% reported feeling lonely/isolated as a result of being married to/in a civil partnership with a Service person

RAF only item C2.7

8

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Dental treatment 82% of Service families required dental treatment in the last 12 months

Unchanged F.2.1

70% required dental treatment and were able to access it

Unchanged F.2.1

12% required treatment but were unable to access it

Unchanged RAF rate significantly higher than other Services (i.e. fewer RAF families who needed dental treatment were able to access it)

F.2.1

The most accessed service was paid treatment with an NHS dentist

Unchanged F.2.2

Of those who had moved in the last 12 months while undergoing dental treatment, 78% did not need to continue treatment in their new location

Unchanged F.2.3

Of the 82% of Service families who required dental treatment in the last 12 months, the majority (71%) did not indicate any problems

Unchanged RAF respondents significantly more likely to have experienced problems related to dental services than Army or RN respondents

F.2.4

For those that required dental treatment, lack of available places for NHS or private dentists was the highest ranked problem (14%)

Unchanged Significantly more RAF respondents experienced problems in this area than Army or RN respondents

F.2.4

Distance to the nearest dental services was the second ranked problem (10%)

Unchanged F.2.4

GP services

Section C - Healthcare Section C contains tri-Service items relating to experiences and/or problems faced by Service families in accessing healthcare facilities including dental treatment, GP services, mental health support and/or operations/consultant’s appointments. Most respondents reported having sufficient access to dental treatment, most commonly accessing paid treatment with an NHS dentist. Of those who experienced problems accessing services, lack of available places was the most reported reason. The majority of respondents reported being able to access GP services when required. Respondents reported fewer problems accessing GP services when compared to dental treatment, with distance to the nearest service or long waiting lists being the most commonly experienced problems. (Continued on next page)

89% of Service families required access to GP services in the last 12 months

Unchanged F.2.5

9

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 84% required GP services and were able to access them

Unchanged F.2.5

5% required GP services but were unable to access them

Unchanged F.2.5

Of those who had moved in the last 12 months while undergoing treatment with a GP, 66% did not need to continue treatment in their new location

Unchanged F.2.6

Of the 89% of Service families who required GP services in the last 12 months 88% did not indicate any problems

Unchanged F.2.7

Distance to the nearest service and long waiting lists were the highest ranked problems (3% each)

Unchanged RAF reporting of long waiting lists significantly lower than other Services

F.2.7

Mental health support

20% of Service families required access to mental health support in the last 12 months

Unchanged F.2.8

11% required mental health support and were able to access it

Unchanged F.2.8

9% required mental health support but were unable to access it

Unchanged Army significantly higher than RAF, which in turn is higher than the RN

F.2.8

Of those who had moved in the last 12 months while receiving mental health support, 93% did not need to continue treatment in their new location

Unchanged F.2.9

Section C - Healthcare (Continued) A smaller percentage of Service families required mental health support in the last 12 months than dental or GP services. The majority of those who required such services were able to access them. Long waiting lists was the most reported problem in accessing mental health support. (Continued on next page)

10

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Of the 20% of Service families who required mental health support in the last 12 months, the majority (85%) did not indicate any problems

Unchanged F.2.10

For those requiring mental health support, long waiting lists was the highest ranked problem (7%)

Unchanged F.2.10

Operation/consultant services 26% of Service spouses/families were on the waiting list for an operation/ consultant’s appointment in the last 12 months

Unchanged F.2.11

Section C - Healthcare (Continued)

Of the 8% of Service families who had been on a waiting list for an operation/ consultants appointment AND had moved in the last 12 months, 34% said their waiting time had increased as a result of moving

Unchanged F.2.12

11

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 75% of respondents had children RAF only item C3.1

For the first child, 57% of those aged 0-2 years were in pre-school

RAF only item C3.5

Unsurprisingly, the majority of children above the age of 5 were in some form of full time education. The largest proportion of 5-11 and 12-18 year olds were at a UK state school (82%, 62% respectively)

RAF only item C3.5

Of the 75% of respondents who had children:

15% experienced difficulties obtaining a place at the childcare facilities of their choice

Unchanged Significant increase in amount of respondents who did not experience difficulty in this area (41%, 7% point increase)

F.3.1

11% experienced difficulties obtaining adequate information about childcare facilities prior to a change in assignment/ posting

Unchanged 32% stated no; 57% stated N/A

F.3.2

9% experienced difficulties obtaining a place at a school of their choice

Unchanged 37% stated no; 54% stated N/A F.3.3

10% experienced difficulties obtaining adequate information about schools prior to a change in assignment/posting

Unchanged 27% stated no; 63% stated N/A

F.3.4

5% experienced difficulties continuing their child’s education without a gap when changing schools

Unchanged 26% stated no; 63% stated N/A

F.3.5

Section D – Children’s Education Section D asks respondents with children questions relating to their age, education status, and their experience of difficulties relating to access and content of children’s education. It also asks respondents how satisfied they are with out-of-school provision and/or childcare facilities. A number of respondents reported experiencing difficulties in obtaining places at schools or childcare of their choice, as well as receiving adequate information about these services prior to a change in assignment/posting. A small number of respondents also reported experiencing difficulties with a difference in educational syllabus following a change of school, or continuing their child’s education without a gap. (Continued on next page

11% experienced difficulties with a difference in syllabus content when changing schools

Unchanged 19% stated no. Army rates this as significantly higher than RAF which in turn was higher than the RN

F.3.6

12

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Education and Mobility

Of the 23% of respondents with children and who have moved in the last 12 months:

6% experienced difficulties with the amount of notice for assignment to a new unit when their children changed schools

Unchanged 31% stated no; 63% stated N/A; the high proportion of N/A responses reflects those who have children and have moved in the last 12 months but did not need to change schools

F.3.9

10% experienced difficulties with the notice for allocation of Service accommodation when their children changed schools

Unchanged

24% stated no; 65% stated N/A

F.3.10

Of the 3% of respondents with children, who have moved in the last 12 months and experienced difficulties with obtaining a school place:

Top three problems encountered when placing children at the school of choice following a move in the last 12 months:

51% stated: Insufficient places at school of choice

Unchanged F.3.11

39% stated: Insufficient places at school(s) in catchment area

Unchanged F.3.11

30% stated: Insufficient places at local school

Unchanged F.3.11

Of those who experienced difficulties, 54% said these were resolved

Unchanged F.3.12

Section D – Children’s Education (Continued) Of those who had moved in the last 12 months, a number of families reported that the amount of notice given for an assignment, or the allocation of Service accommodation caused difficulties with their children changing schools. A small minority of respondents reported experiencing difficulties obtaining a place at the school of their choice following a move in the last 12 months. This was most commonly due to insufficient places at the school of their choice, or schools in their catchment area. The majority of families were satisfied with the access and quality of local out-of-school provision. Furthermore, a large proportion of families were satisfied that the access, quality, cost, and hours of care of local childcare facilities met their needs. These four areas have significantly improved since 2013. (Continued on next page)

Of the respondents with children who experienced difficulties with obtaining a place at the school of their choice:

13

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 22% stated that they had appealed RAF only item C3.6

21% stated that CEAS helped with their appeal

RAF only item C3.7

10% said a qualified Community Development Officer helped with their appeal

RAF only item C3.8

Of those who experienced difficulties obtaining a place at the school of their choice, and who used a service/facility to help them:

32% found the HIVE useful in finding a school within their location

RAF only item The majority felt this service was not useful (38%)

C3.9

16% found the RAF Community website useful in finding a school within their location

RAF only item The majority felt this facility was not useful (39%)

C3.10

68% found other internet sites to be useful

RAF only item C3.11

53% found their Local Authority helpful

RAF only item C3.13

Special Education Needs Of those with children, 5% have a child(ren) with Special Education Needs (SEN)

Unchanged RAF figure is significantly lower than the other Services

F.3.13

Of those with a child(ren) deemed to have a SEN, 56% have registered them with the CEAS

Unchanged F.3.14

Out-of-school facilities

Section D – Children’s Education (Continued) (Continued on next page)

50% of families with school age children find access to local out-of-school/youth provision very good or quite good.

Unchanged F.3.16

14

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 55% of families with school age children find the quality of local out-of-school/youth provision very good or quite good.

Unchanged F.3.17

Childcare 53% of families with children indicated that access to local childcare facilities met their needs sufficiently or to some extent

6% point increase F.3.20

52% of families with children indicated that the quality of local childcare facilities met their needs sufficiently or to some extent

6% point increase F.3.21

43% of families with children indicated that the cost of local childcare facilities met their needs sufficiently or to some extent

6% point increase F.3.22

44% of families with children indicated that the hours of care at local childcare facilities met their needs sufficiently or to some extent

5% point increase F.3.23

Service children 76% of families with children had registered their children as Service children at their schools

Unchanged F.3.18

36% of families with children are aware of the link between registering them as Service children at their schools and accessing the pupil premium

Unchanged RN figure is significantly higher than the RAF which in turn is higher than the Army

F.3.19

Section D – Children’s Education (Continued)

84% of those with a child attending a Service school overseas are satisfied with the education they receive

RAF only item C3.15

15

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 34% of spouses/civil partners have moved in the last 12 months

Unchanged Army rate is significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the RN

F.1.1

26% have moved due to Service reasons in the last 12 months

Unchanged Army rate is significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the RN

F.1.2

65% of RAF families own their own home Unchanged RN rate is significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the Army

F.1.3

Top Four reasons for not currently owning a home:

54% of non-home owners reported being unable to afford to buy a home at present

Unchanged F.1.5

47% of non-home owners said living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is better suited to their family needs at present

Unchanged F.1.5

39% of non-home owners stated that they wanted to be able to move with their spouse when he/she is posted

Unchanged F.1.5

38% of non-home owners stated that they did not want to buy a home where they are currently located

Unchanged RAF figure significantly higher than the other Services

F.1.5

Accommodation type/preferences 55% of respondents live in SFA Unchanged Army rate is significantly higher

than RAF which in turn is higher than the RN

F.1.6

37% live in their privately-owned home Unchanged F.1.6 68% have the preference of living in privately owned accommodation

Unchanged RN rate is significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the Army

F.1.7

63% are currently living in their preferred type of accommodation

Unchanged RAF rate significantly lower than other Services

F.1.8

Section E – Housing Section E asks families questions relating to accommodation and home ownership. It seeks to measure difficulties experienced by Service families in buying a home, as well as satisfaction with Service provided accommodation and associated services. The majority of Service families owned their own home, and a large portion were living in their privately-owned home. Those who did not own a home most often reported being unable to afford one at present. A large majority of respondents did not know about the Forces Help to Buy Scheme; of those who did know about it, partners of Airmen were more satisfied with the scheme than Officer’s partners. The majority of respondents were living in their preferred type of accommodation, although less RAF families are currently living in their preferred accommodation than the other Services. Continued on next page

33% are not currently living in a privately owned home but would prefer to be

Unchanged RAF rate significantly higher than other Services

F.1.8

16

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 14% were satisfied with the Home Purchase Incentive Forces Help to Buy Scheme

RAF only item The majority of respondents select ‘don’t know/not applicable’ (69%). AP were significantly more satisfied with the scheme than OP

C4.11

Station facilities

The majority of spouses/civil partners reported living over 20 miles away from the serving person’s current station (32%)

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to live further away from the SP’s station than AP

C4.1

23% rated the on-base convenience shop as good

RAF only item C4.2

32% rated the HIVE as good, and a further 13% rated the service as adequate

RAF only item AP rated this service significantly higher than OP. OP used this service less than AP

C4.3

28% rated the Messes as good, and a further 15% rated them as adequate

RAF only item OP rated this facility significantly higher than AP. OP used this service more than AP

C4.5

14% rated the standard of station families’ clubs as good. 8% rated station youth clubs positively, and a further 20% rated play areas as good.

RAF only item The majority of respondents reported that they did not use Families clubs (64%), Youth clubs (83%), or Play areas (60%)

C4.4 C4.6 C4.7

Service accommodation 56% of those in SFA or Substitute or Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) were satisfied with its condition

Unchanged F.1.9

72% of those in SFA/SSFA were satisfied with the charges

Unchanged F.1.11

56% are satisfied with the availability of SFA/SSFA

8% point increase F.1.12

47% of those in SFA/SSFA are satisfied with the allocation process

9% point increase F.1.13

Section E – Housing (Continued) Most Service families were living over 20 miles away from the serving person’s current station; Officer’s partners were more likely to live further away than partners of Airmen. A number of respondents rated station facilities such as the HIVE and Messes good, but the majority of respondents stated that they did not use station facilities. The majority of those living in SFA/SSFA were satisfied with its condition, its charges, and that the accommodation represented value for money. In 2013, respondents were less positive about aspects of SFA/SSFA including the allocation process and availability of accommodation. Positively, satisfaction with both of these areas saw a marked increase in 2014. The majority of respondents living in SFA/SSFA had used the Modern Housing Solutions service in the last 12 months and most were satisfied with the service provided.

51% have used the Modern Housing Solutions service in the last 12 months, of which 50% were satisfied

Unchanged F.1.20 F.1.21

17

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Education 20% of respondents highest qualification achieved was a Bachelor Degree

RAF only item OP 29%, AP 17% C5.1

Most respondents highest qualification achieved ranged from GCSE to Higher Education Diploma (51%)

RAF only item C5.1

7% experienced difficulty accessing further education as a result of having to move location due to Service reasons

Unchanged 30% stated no problems experienced; 63% stated N/A

F.5.1

7% experienced difficulty continuing courses that they/their family started in a previous location, as a result of having to move location due to Service reasons

Unchanged Army rate is significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the RN

F.5.3

Employment status

47% of spouses/civil partners are in full-time employment

5% point increase Significantly more RAF spouses are in full-time employment than the other Services

F.4.1

7% of spouses/civil partners are self-employed

3% point increase F.4.1

24% of spouses/civil partners are in part-time employment

Unchanged RN rate is higher than RAF rate, which in turn is higher than the Army rate

F.4.1

5% of spouses/civil partners are not employed but are seeking employment

Unchanged F.4.1

73% had not heard of the Job Centre Plus Armed Forces Champion

Unchanged F.4.2

Finding employment

15% have experienced difficulty finding a job because their spouse is often away

Unchanged RAF rate is lower than Army and RN

F.4.3

13% have experienced difficulty finding a job because their spouse is in the Armed Forces

Unchanged F.4.3

Section F – Training and Employment Section F measures the impact of Service life on the training and education of RAF spouses. It asks questions relating to qualifications, and experiences of finding and maintaining employment. Most respondents had achieved qualifications ranging from GCSE to Bachelor Degrees. This year there was an increase in RAF spouses who were self-employed, or in full-time employment compared to 2013. Furthermore, RAF spouses were significantly more likely to be in full-time employment than those from the other Services. A number of spouses experienced difficulties finding employment due to factors associated with Service life, such as the serving person being away often, or moving jobs frequently due to new assignments. The majority of spouses would use MOD provided courses to assist them in finding suitable employment if such courses were available. The most favoured services included access to a jobs database, career consultation services or a CV writing course. Continued on next page

18

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C)

11% have experienced difficulty finding employment due to their employment history (i.e. moving jobs frequently)

Unchanged F.4.3

55% of spouses/civil partners would use courses to assist them in finding employment (or moving to an employment of their choice), if the MOD offered such courses

6% point increase F.4.4

34% would use Access to a Jobs Database to help find employment

Unchanged F.4.5

30% would use a Career Consultation Service

Unchanged F.4.5

29% would use a CV Writing Course Unchanged F.4.5 24% would use a Small Business Start-up Course

5% point increase F.4.5

Difficulties with employment/training 69% have had to leave a civilian job because the serving person has been assigned

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to have left a civilian job due to the serving person’s assignment than AP

C5.2

30% said they did not experience difficulties accessing further or higher education as a result of having to move for Service reasons

7% point increase F.5.1

23% said they did not experience difficulty continuing courses that they had started in a previous location after moving for Service reasons

6% point increase F.5.3

57% of spouses/civil partners found it difficult to find civilian employment after moving to a new duty station following an assignment

RAF only item C5.3

Section F – Training and Employment (Continued) The majority of spouses reported having to leave civilian jobs due to the serving person being assigned. Many found it difficult to find civilian employment after moving to a new duty station. The majority of spouses reported needing to work for financial reasons as well as their own fulfilment; however 50% of spouses felt unable to pursue a career whilst the serving person is in the RAF.

71% used the internet in their most recent search for employment

RAF only item C5.4

Continued on next page

7% used the HIVE in their most recent search for employment

RAF only item C5.4

19

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 64% reported experiencing some difficulty or a lot of difficulty claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance due to being married to/in a civil partnership with a serving person

RAF only item AP significantly more likely to experience difficulty than OP

C5.5

35% felt able to pursue a career whilst the serving person is in the RAF

RAF only item 50% felt unable to do so C5.6

72% stated that they needed to work for financial reasons

RAF only item AP significantly more likely to report needing to work for financial reasons than OP

C5.7

83% reported needing to work for their own fulfilment

RAF only item C5.8

76% of spouses/civil partners stated that the serving person earns more than them

RAF only item C5.9

Qualifications and employment

6% of those in full-time employment, and 22% of those who were self-employed would like to work longer hours at their current basic rate of pay

N/A New item for 2014 F.5.10

33% of those in part-time employment would like to work longer hours at their current basic rate of pay

N/A New item for 2014. RAF figure is significantly lower than other Services

F.5.10

27% of those in full-time employment, 37% of those in part-time employment, and 28% of those who were self-employed felt over-qualified for their work

N/A New item for 2014 F.5.12

Section F – Training and Employment (Continued) In 2014, new items were added to the Families Survey to assess how qualified spouses felt for the work they were undertaking. A number of respondents indicated a preference to work longer hours than they currently do. Interestingly, RAF spouses in part-time employment were less likely to seek additional working hours than Army or RN spouses. A large proportion of respondents felt they were over-qualified for the work they do; however the majority felt their job matched their skills and experience. Continued on next page

85% of those in full-time employment, 75% of those in part-time employment, and 77% of those who were self-employed felt that their job has matched their skills and experience to a large or moderate extent

N/A New item for 2014 F.5.13

20

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Overseas Employment

11% of spouses/civil partners had accompanied the serving person on overseas assignments in the last 12 months

Unchanged Army rate is significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the RN

F.5.5

Of those who had accompanied their spouse on overseas assignments in the last 12 months:

47% had obtained paid employment overseas

Unchanged F.5.6

41% had accessed Service-provided information before going overseas

Unchanged F.5.7

32% were able to maintain a National Insurance contribution record

Unchanged F.5.8

Section F – Training and Employment (Continued) A small minority of RAF spouses had accompanied the serving person overseas on assignments in the last 12 months. Of those, the majority were able to maintain a National Insurance record, obtain Service-provided information before going abroad, and find paid employment overseas.

20% applied for National Insurance credits Unchanged F.5.9

21

Section G - Deployment

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Assignments 73% rated the length of accompanied assignments as about right

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to rate these as ‘too short’ than AP

C6.1

52% rated unaccompanied assignments as too long

RAF only item C6.2

58% were satisfied with the amount of notice they received for their spouse/civil partner’s current assignment

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to be dissatisfied with notice received than AP

C6.3

Information on serving person’s current assignment

47% were satisfied with the information received on housing

RAF only item C6.4

35% were satisfied with information received relating to children’s education/childcare

RAF only item C6.5

56% were dissatisfied with information received relating to employment opportunities for spouses

RAF only item C6.7

Operational tours

4% of respondents spouses/civil partners were on operational tour at the time of completing the survey

3% point decrease F.6.1

31% of respondents spouses/civil partners were on an operational tour in the last 12 months

Unchanged RAF figure significantly higher than the other Services

F.6.1

43% of spouses thought the length of the serving person’s most recent operational tour was too long

RAF only item 56% said it was about right C6.9

Section G seeks to measure satisfaction with assignments, as well as RAF families’ experiences of the serving person being deployed. Most respondents were satisfied with the length of accompanied tours, but considered unaccompanied tours to be too long in length. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the information they received prior to the serving person’s current assignment; by exception respondents were dissatisfied with the information received regarding employment opportunities for accompanying spouses. More than half of respondents reported that their partner had been on an operational tour in the last two years. Significantly more RAF spouses reported that their partner had deployed within the last 12 months than Army or Navy spouses. A large number of spouses thought that operational tours were too long in length, and many were dissatisfied with their separation from the serving person during pre-deployment training. Families were positive regarding the serving person’s ability to spend time with them during post-operational deployment leave. Continued on next page

36% were dissatisfied with their separation from the serving person during pre-deployment training

RAF only item 22% satisfied; 43% neutral C6.10

22

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C)

56% were satisfied with the ability of the serving person to spend time with their family during post-operational deployment leave

RAF only item C6.11

77% of spouses/civil partners felt that the prospect of the serving person doing an operational tour was a major or minor problem

RAF only item C6.12

75% of respondents said that coping while the serving person was on an operational tour was a major or minor problem

RAF only item C6.13

78% of spouses/civil partners considered the effects on the behaviour of their children while the serving was on an operational tour to be a major or minor problem

RAF only item C6.14

82% considered the relationship between the children and the serving person being disrupted while the SP is on operational tour to be a major or minor problem

RAF only item C6.15

Welfare support 66% of RAF spouses knew where to get welfare support/information during operational tours

Unchanged F.6.2

Of those who accessed welfare support during the SP’s last operational tour:

Unchanged

38% used the HIVE RAF only item C6.16 23% used the Community Support Website

RAF only item C6.16

21% spoke to the relevant Chain of Command

RAF only item C6.16

Information received prior to operational tour

Section G – Deployment (Continued) The majority of respondents indicated concerns regarding the serving person completing an operation tour, specifically their ability to cope whilst the serving person is away, the impact of deployment on their children’s behaviour, and the relationship between the serving person and the child(ren) being disrupted. The majority of respondents knew where to access welfare support/information whilst the serving person was deployed. Many accessed Service-provided welfare support services such as the HIVE. Most respondents received pre-deployment information such as a Hive Deployment Support Pack; however the majority were not made aware of the RAF Community Website. Furthermore, a vast majority of respondents were unable to access pre-deployment family briefings. Continued on next page 53% received a Hive Deployment Support

Pack RAF only item AP significantly more likely to

have received this than OP C6.17

23

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 81% received a Compassionate Travel From Overseas card

RAF only item C6.18

49% were made aware of the RAF Community website

RAF only item The majority (51%) were not made aware of this facility

C6.19

75% were made aware of the Point of Contact scheme

RAF only item C6.20

27% were able to access pre-deployment family briefings, either face-to-face or remotely

RAF only item The majority (73%) were not able to access family briefings

C6.21

Of the 56% of RAF families whose spouse/partner was deployed within the last 2 years:

Satisfaction levels with support before the most recent tour:

33% were satisfied with the welfare support used

Unchanged 26% dissatisfied F.6.3

34% satisfied with support from the serving person’s Chain of Command

Unchanged 37% dissatisfied F.6.4

25% were satisfied with facilities and events to meet with other spouses and families

Unchanged 46% dissatisfied F.6.5

Satisfaction levels with support during the most recent tour:

39% were satisfied with the welfare support used

Unchanged 27% dissatisfied Army rate is higher than RAF rate, which in turn is higher than RN rate

F.6.6

Section G – Deployment (Continued) Satisfaction levels with support received prior to, during, and after the serving person’s operational deployment remain largely unchanged since 2013. The majority of spouses were dissatisfied with support received from the serving person’s Chain of Command, and the facilities and events to meet other spouses and families throughout the deployment process. Continued on next page

34% were satisfied with support from the serving person’s Chain of Command

Unchanged 40% dissatisfied F.6.7

24

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 27% were satisfied with facilities and events to meet with other spouses and families

Unchanged 45% dissatisfied F.6.8

61% were satisfied with the lines of communication with the Service person

Unchanged 22% dissatisfied F.6.9

37% were satisfied with the level of support offered by the Point of Contact scheme in the event of a problem

RAF only item 29% dissatisfied C6.26

Satisfaction levels with support after the most recent tour:

24% were satisfied with the welfare support used

Unchanged 29% dissatisfied RAF satisfaction significantly higher than in 2012

F.6.10

22% were satisfied with support from the serving person’s Chain of Command

Unchanged 39% dissatisfied F.6.11

17% were satisfied with facilities and events to meet with other spouses and families

Unchanged 41% dissatisfied F.6.12

37% of spouses/civil partners felt that the serving person’s behaviour had changed as a result of their experiences on an operational tour

RAF only item Figure increased since 2013 (2013: 31%)

C6.22

Of the 37% of spouses that said the serving person’s behaviour had changed:

74% perceived the change to have had a negative impact on themselves or the family

RAF only item Figure increased since 2013 (2013: 68%)

C6.23

27% reported the behavioural change lasting a few weeks, 39% a few months, and 34% longer

RAF only item C6.24

Section G – Deployment (Continued)

72% said they did not seek professional help for this

RAF only item C6.25

25

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Leaving the RAF 41% of spouses indicated they would be happy if the serving person left the RAF

RAF only item C7.8

41% of spouses indicated that the serving person’s career prospects would be better if they were to leave the RAF

RAF only item C7.4

57% reported that their own career prospects would be better if the serving person left the RAF

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to report their own career prospects would be better than AP

C7.3

48% indicated that their family income would be worse if the serving person left the RAF

RAF only item AP significantly more likely to report their family income being worse than OP

C7.5

Communication

78% of spouses were happy for the RAF to communicate with them

RAF only item C7.10

78% were happy to be contacted by email, 47% through the serving person, and 34% in person

RAF only item C7.11

The vast majority of respondents had access to the internet and were familiar with using it (98%)

RAF only item C7.12

The majority of respondents have never used the RAF Community website (47%) or have never heard of it (32%)

RAF only item C7.13

Section H – Other Section H seeks to measure spouse’s perceptions of their family life if the serving person were to leave the RAF. It also asks a number of questions regarding communication preferences, and their experiences of using Service-provided support services. A large proportion of respondents would be happy if the serving person left the RAF, indicating that career prospects would be better from both themselves and the serving person. The majority of respondents recognised that their family income may be worse if the serving person were to leave the RAF. The majority of spouses had never heard of the RAF Community website, nor Airspace, and had not used such facilities. Continued on next page

60% of respondents had never heard of ‘Airspace’ or did not have access to it (25%)

RAF only item C7.14

26

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) 76% did not declare their status as a member of the Armed Forces Community when accessing public and commercial services

RAF only item C7.15

General support and welfare

58% of spouses knew where to go for support from the RAF should they need it

RAF only item OP significantly more likely to know where to go for support then AP

C7.9

81% had heard of the SSAFA-FH and 14% had used this service. Of those that had used SSAFA-FH, 65% were satisfied

RAF only item C7.16

86% had heard of the HIVE and 40% had used this service. Of those that had used the HIVE, 76% were satisfied

RAF only item C7.16

Section H – Other (Continued) The majority of respondents knew where to access RAF support should they need it. A large number of respondents had heard of support services such as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association– Forces Help (SSAFA-FH), HIVE, and the RAF Community Support website. Most respondents that had used such services were satisfied with them.

40% had heard of RAF Community Support and 10% had used this service. Of those that had used the service, 54% were satisfied

RAF only item C7.16

27

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Section J – Armed Forces Covenant

77% of respondents are registered to vote as an ordinary/residential voter

3% point decrease RN figure is higher than the RAF, which in turn is higher than the Army

F.7.1

10% indicated that they had experienced difficulty maintaining their status on the electoral register in the last 12 months

RAF only item Unchanged from 2013 C4.12

32% agreed with the statement ‘As a member of the wider Armed Forces community I feel respected by society at large’

Unchanged RAF figure significantly higher than other Services

F.7.2

26% of respondents disagreed with the statement ‘As a member of the wider Armed Forces community I feel respected by society at large’

7% point increase F.7.2

49% of RAF spouses/partners are not at all aware of the Armed Forces Covenant

Unchanged F.7.3

Top three categories that make respondents feel positive about being a Service spouse/partner:

Job Security (48%) Unchanged RN figure significantly higher than RAF which in turn is higher than the Army

F.7.4

Financial Benefits/Allowances (41%) 6% point increase RAF figure significantly higher than other Services

F.7.4

Friendship/Support from other military families (36%)

Unchanged F.7.4

Top three categories that make respondents feel negative about being a Service spouse/partner:

Amount of separation from spouse/civil partner (58%)

Unchanged F.7.4

Section J seeks to measure respondents’ awareness and understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant. It includes questions relating to areas of Service life which spouses feel positive or negative about, and any areas of particular disadvantage they may experience in comparison to the general public. The majority of respondents were registered to vote, however this figure has reduced since 2013. RAF spouses were more likely to feel respected by society at large due to their affiliation with the Armed Forces than spouses from the other Services. They were positive about the job security and financial benefits afforded to their partner by the Service, as well as the friendships/ support offered by other military families. Respondents indicated that the amount of separation from the serving person, the negative impact on their own career, and the emotional impact on their children were all areas of Service life which made them feel negative. Continued on next page

Effect on own career (57%) Unchanged RAF figure significantly higher than other Services

F.7.4

28

Key figures

Statistically significant changes since 2013

(Tri-Service items only)

Notable comments Table ref (Annexes B

& C) Emotional impact on children (51%) Unchanged RAF figure significantly lower

than other Services F.7.4

Top three areas that make RAF spouses feel at a disadvantage to the general public:

Family life (51%) Unchanged RN figure significantly higher than RAF figure, which in turn is higher than the Army figure

F.7.5

Deployment (44%) 5% point decrease

RAF figure significantly higher than RN

F.7.5

Section J – Armed Forces Covenant (Continued)

Housing (22%) 4% point decrease

F.7.5

29

FAMCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS - BACKGROUND INFORMATION Introduction and Background 10. The HQ Air Occupational Psychology team is tasked by RAF Community Support to carry out an annual investigation into the attitudes and experiences of the families of RAF personnel on a range of issues associated with being married to/in a civil partnership with a member of the RAF. It is a questionnaire that has been distributed since Mar 95 and has evolved based on the changing nature of Service life and sponsor requirements. 11. In collaboration with the other single Services a set of harmonised questions, known generically as the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FAMCAS), are also included within the questionnaire. These were introduced in 2010 to inform the work of the Armed Forces Covenant team. Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (DCDS) (Personnel and Training) has overall governance for these items; however they are embedded within single Service Families Surveys and remain the responsibility of each Service. For the RAF, SO2 Psych 1 of the HQ Air Occupational Psychology Team is the FAMCAS lead. In 2012 the FAMCAS items were classified as an Official Statistic. 12. The aim of the RAF Families Survey is to inform RAF personnel policy by:

a. Providing regular data on the attitudes, opinions and circumstances of the families of serving RAF personnel to inform both the RAF and Covenant teams. b. Developing and maintaining a longitudinal database on those attitudes, opinions and circumstances.

13. The aim of this report is to present the findings from the 2014 administration of the survey. Context 14. FamCAS was conducted at a time that included the drawing down of the campaign in Afghanistan, the implementation of changes to the shape of the Armed Forces and the terms and conditions under which personnel serve. In the past few years, important decisions have been in relation to:

the planned return of combat troops from Afghanistan by 2015; the future shape of the Armed Forces (Future Forces 2020) and the role of the Reserves (Future Reserves 2020), where Reservists will form a greater part of the Armed Forces,

particularly in the Army; the Armed Forces redundancy programme. This continued with the fourth and final set of

redundancies announced in January 2014, after the Review in 2010. There were 1,505 redundancies announced, with the vast majority coming from the Army.

the return of all Army personnel from Germany to the UK by 2020; future pension arrangements (AFPS 2015); the New Employment Model.

15. FamCAS was also conducted at a time of public sector pay restraint and at the backend of the largest global recession in several decades. FamCAS survey content 16. The survey itself is divided into 9 sections on the following topics: Section A: Biographical Information Section B: Service life Section C: Healthcare

30

Section D: Children’s Education Section E: Housing Section F: Training and Employment Section G: Deployment Section H: Other (leaving the RAF, Communication, and General Welfare) Section J: Armed Forces Covenant 17. Annex A (supplied separately) is a copy of the 2014 RAF Families Survey. All data tables with responses for each question are provided in Annex B (tri-Service items) and C (RAF only items).

31

FAMCAS 2014 RAF RESULTS – METHODOLOGY 18. Design. The survey consists of tri-Service items and RAF only items. Tri-Service questions were developed by the FamCAS Working Group (WG) over a period of 4 months in the autumn of 2013 to be included within each single Service Families Survey. Consultations were held with in-house stakeholders to create a set of tri-Service and RAF only questions. 19. Administration of the 2014 FamCAS. The 2014 FamCAS was in the field from Feb-May 14. The survey was sent to a total of 7633 RAF spouses or civil partners. The sample was stratified by rank to ensure it was representative of the RAF at the time of distribution (for instance, if 20% of the RAF was composed of Cpls, 20% of the sample would consist of spouses of Cpls). The surveys were distributed by mail via the serving person for them to pass on to their spouse/civil partner to complete1. 20. Response Rates. In total 1786 completed questionnaires were returned, representing an overall response rate of 23%2. Since 2010 the response rate has increased year on year; with the exception of 2013 when it decreased by 1%. Low response rates to the survey are likely related to the annual census sampling employed for some geographical locations, the large number of items contained within the survey, and the administrative procedure of distributing the survey via the serving person. In 2014, a number of email reminders were sent to the serving person to check they had received the survey and encourage them to pass it on to their spouse/civil partner. This may have assisted in increasing the 2014 response rates for the RAF and other single Services. 21. Analysis. The majority of the survey consists of FamCAS items with data analysis provided by Defence Statistics. The remainder of the survey contains RAF specific items which have been analysed by SO2 Psych 1 of the HQ Air Occupational Psychology team. 22. To compensate for disproportionate representation of different rank groups in the Families sample, adjusted weighting figures were derived from Defence Statistics calculations and applied to all data considered in this document. The percentages presented in the report represent the responses given by individuals to questions they found directly relevant. Unless otherwise stated, percentages were calculated excluding the respondents who ticked the ‘does not apply’ or ‘do not know’ options or who had been asked not to answer a question based on a previous response. 23. Statistical testing. Information on the statistical testing approach used to analyse the data can be found in the Defence Statistics tri-Service FamCAS report3. Statistical testing is conducted to determine if differences (in this case between Officers and Other ranks; and between surveys) are significant or more likely due to chance. Note that significant increases do not necessarily refer to an improvement. A significant increase in dissatisfaction, for example, is unlikely to be considered an improvement.

1 It is not yet possible to send surveys direct to Service personnel spouses as MOD neither has the up front consent nor holds sufficient contact details for spouses to contact them directly for research. 2 The average response rate for FamCAS 2014 was 25%. 3 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tri-service-families-continuous-attitude-survey-index. [Accessed 06 Aug 14]