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Non Serving Family Responses


Would you recommend the ‘RAF way of life’ to others? 32%


23% 19% 12% 14%


Definitely Yes


Probably Yes


Not sure


Probably not


Definitely not


Accommodation remains by far the number one issue reported to the RAF Families Federation. Despite recent statistics that report an ‘improving picture’ and less complaints being received by CarillionAmey from occupants, the ‘lived experience’ of many SFA and SLA occupants remains poor. Naturally this continues to cause family stress, tension and frustration that, for some families, is ultimately a major influence in their decision not to continue in the RAF. To compound the situation, the revised Combined Accommodation Assessment Scheme (CAAS) still has significant glitches. Many of the issues apply equally to single personnel in SLA, where quality still remains patchy and the divisive lottery between the ‘have’s and have not’s’ of grade 1 and grade 4 accommodation allocated on the same unit, remains common.


Another common theme throughout the evidence was the criticism that the Service and MOD appeared completely adrift of modern society with respect to current family dynamics. Our unmarried people in long- term relationships and single parents in particular felt that the current ‘offer’ did not recognise or indeed support them and their own significant commitment when compared to married couples. Whether that was support via housing entitlement or service family allowances or indeed any comparative recognition and communication. As we have said elsewhere in this report, this reflects the prevalent lack of awareness and understanding about what the MoD and RAF is doing to address some of these issues, as much as it reflects dissatisfaction with elements of the current offer.


On the specific issue of support, there was significant concern expressed about the lack of communication with dispersed families and indeed ‘new families’ on SFA patches. ‘Who to ask?’ and ‘How to ask?’ seemed to be at the nub of most concerns, particularly during deployments. Confusion existed also as to who on a station did what i.e. SCSO, SSAFA, HIVE, CDO, OC PMS etc – acronyms that meant very little to many non-serving family members.


www.raf-ff.org.uk


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