Key Findings


From our top-level analysis of the votes received, we believe the key findings from an RAF families’ perspective are: 1. 2.


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10. 11.


12. Nearly two thirds of voters feel MoD/RAF personnel policies should seek to support and enhance the institution of marriage.


Many voters feel that, if the MoD definition of a family were to be redefined in the future, those couples in long-term relationships, with children, should be included.


More than half of respondents would define a long-term relationship as one that has lasted for more than 2 years.


When asked what the MoD should consider if they opt to recognise long-term relationships, nearly half feel that joint custody/care of any children from the relationship would be the most important factor, followed by how long the relationship has lasted. Only 14% feel that long- term relationships should not be recognised.


The main reason many want to get married/enter a civil partnership would be to create a new life with their partner. Only 8% said they would get married to gain access to entitlements currently denied them eg. MoD housing or benefits.


Nearly three quarters of respondents think that any new family definition should include divorced parents who maintain regular contact with their children, even if they are not the ‘prime carer’.


74% of voters also feel that the location of children should be taken into account when serving divorced parents are assigned to new units.


11% of voters were divorced parents. Of those, 9% feel the RAF does NOT offer them good support to enable them to maintain contact with their child(ren).


Those lone parents who took part told of the challenges they face, which include sourcing childcare during deployments, shift work and school holidays and being away from their family support network.


6% of voters who were lone parents feel they are subjected to discrimination, to their disadvantage.


19% of those who responded, who line-manage lone parents, believe they create particular challenges and many told of having to provide additional support to them.


Two thirds of voters think that any new MoD family definition should include young adults, over the age of 18, living in the family home. www.raf-ff.org.uk 5


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