Y o u a n d t h e R A F
committed to bringing about improvements in this area.
Cause of Criticism of the RAF Probably largely owing to differences in deployed roles, it is apparent from the survey that typical patterns of absences from home of RAF personnel differ from those of the other Services, with higher proportions of RAF personnel having shorter times away. It needs to be recognised that this might be a source of criticism of the RAF.
their rates of pay, although the majority still did not agree that the ‘X-Factor’ was sufficient to compensate for the rigours of Service life.
“I was heartened to see that the majority of you thought that your workloads were about right and that many of you wished to stay in the Service as long as possible. Whilst I have no doubt that the effects of the economic recession have played their part in the latter point, and to your increasing satisfaction with rates of pay, it does provide us with a good basis on which to build even deeper commitment to the Service which I note is increasingly well thought of as an employer1
. However, I have also taken heed that most of you who
responded did not agree that the ‘X-Factor ’ compensates sufficiently for the rigours of Service life.
Living Accommodation Disappointing The standard of Service-provided accommodation must still remain an area for concern, with over one third of occupants expressing dissatisfaction with the overall standard of their accommodation, although there was a positive trend in RAF SNCOs’ satisfaction with their SLA.
“The standard of Service Families Accommodation (SFA) remains an area of serious concern for all of us, This is disappointing given the initiatives run out over the last two years. I remain absolutely
Final Word from AMP “It is widely acknowledged that the RAF is doing a superb job in the operational theatres, and that you are excelling in your roles both in Formed and in Non-Formed Units. The survey results reflect that typical patterns of absences from home you are facing differ from those of the other Services, with higher proportions of RAF personnel being away for shorter periods, and lower proportions having long separations.
“This is largely the natural result of the complex and technical nature of our business, and you report that your are broadly content with both the frequency and duration of your deployments. I will therefore be seeking to retain the status quo and to continue to explain the rationale that underpins our practices, which is still poorly understood by some.
“Your largely positive responses to the 2009 Survey suggest you believe the direction of travel is right. However, whilst I agree that we are making progress on many fronts, it is rarely rapid enough for my liking and I am very conscious of areas where we are still underachieving and of the challenges that lie ahead in what promises to be a turbulent year. You may rest assured that we will be redoubling our efforts to make progress in the areas that are the greatest concern to you.
“For your part, I would like you to take away the importance which I attach to the findings of surveys as they provide the critical evidence I need to ensure that our resources, in whatever form, are focused on the areas that are important to you.
To those who completed the questionnaires, my thanks – I will seek to ensure that your views and concerns are understood at the highest levels and are used to drive our business.”
1 A view that is also supported by the Sunday Times ratings.
www.raf-ff.org.uk Summer 2010 41
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