Veterans invited to have their say in new survey

Former armed forces personnel and their families are being invited to share their experiences of using and accessing public services in a new survey.

The online survey gives them the opportunity to provide direct feedback on essential services like healthcare, education, social care, employment or retraining.

Staffordshire has a strong connection with the armed forces, with large bases in Stafford and Lichfield, along with many veterans, reservists, cadets and armed forces families across the county. According to the 2021 Census, 30,758 Staffordshire residents reported previously serving in the UK armed forces, 4.2% of the local population. This is above the average for both England and the West Midlands.

The survey is available at Veterans' Survey and is being carried out by the Office for Veterans' Affairs and the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The feedback will provide a better understanding of the needs of armed forces communities and to help reshape services to make sure they have fair and equal access to all public services.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “It’s important that we recognise the valuable skills former service personnel and their families, can bring to Staffordshire. It’s also vital that they have good access to public services when they need them.

“The survey is the first of its kind in the UK and will help organisations better understand more about the experiences, needs and wellbeing of the veteran community. We’re keen to hear the views from a wide range of people to help inform and guide future action and I would encourage people to complete the survey.”

The county council also signed the Armed Forces Covenant in May 2012 and continues to support its armed forces communities. The covenant sets out how the county council is recognising, supporting and helping integrate its armed forces, as a valued part of Staffordshire’s communities.

Further details on the Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant and how businesses and organisations can pledge their support are available at The Armed Forces Covenant - Staffordshire County Council.