Monday 30th January 2023
QinetiQ are working with Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) and Cranfield University to learn more about life skills in the UK Armed Forces Community.
Improving Life Skills survey
The survey will examine the current deficit of life skills within the Armed Forces Community, critically review and assess existing evidence on life skills, and present options for what a successful life skills programme could look like for Service personnel and their families in the UK Armed Forces. It is intended that this research will run alongside and inform the life skills package currently being developed by the Ministry of Defence.
Tom McBarnet, Chief Executive (Acting) at Forces in Mind Trust, said:
“Most ex-Service personnel and their families make a successful transition from the Armed Forces into civilian life, leaving with valuable skills and experience. However, previous research has shown that some struggle and may lack the ‘life’ skills or resilience needed to cope with the normal bureaucracy and personal administration of civilian life. Over the course of this project, we hope to be able to better understand the types of skills individuals are struggling with when they leave the military and, by looking at what is working well in other sectors, improve those deficits to equip Service leavers and their families with the tools they need to thrive both in the Armed Forces and in civilian life.”
What are life skills?
Life skills are skills that are useful for everyday life and for gaining employment. They include things like problem solving, managing money, resilience, adaptability, communicating clearly, coming across well at interviews and digital skills.
Take part in the Improving Life Skills in the UK Armed Forces Community survey
If you are currently serving or you are the partner of someone who is currently serving (aged 18 and over) you are invited to take part in the online anonymous survey about Life Skills.
The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. It asks you about your Life Skills and your view on which skills are most important.
