The Families Strategy, a new 10-year plan identifies the unique nature of military life and sets out bespoke support for service families.
The strategy, published on 19 January 2022, aims to deliver lasting, cultural change over the next decade as it brings together innovative policies on health and wellbeing, education and career support.
Improving access to childcare is one of the main focal points within the Family Strategy, with Wraparound Childcare pilot sites expanding to include Woolwich and Lincolnshire.
The work is part of a drive by defence to better service personnel and their families and ensure people can have more fulfilling careers in the Armed Forces.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty MP, said: “The strategy seeks to offer choice and flexibility to allow personnel to serve their nation and raise a family at the same time.”
“Today’s announcements cover childcare, education, healthcare and much more to demonstrate our commitment to being a modern and inclusive employer – flexible to the needs of our people.”
The strategy recognises the demands placed upon the UK Armed Forces and their families, focusing on health and wellbeing, learning and childcare, developing partners’ careers alongside the serviceperson and career management sensitive to the needs of the family.
James Quinn, Immediate Past President, shared his thoughts with SHP: “All organisations in all industries must give equal consideration to the health and wellbeing of their employees as they do their safety. Working people spend a huge amount of time at work, and this is particularly the case in the Armed Forces, so it is crucial that consideration is given to how to make this time as fulfilling as possible.
“We advocate for a prevention-first approach when it comes to all risks. It is much more effective for all to prevent problems from occurring compared with reacting to them. So, we are pleased to hear about the development of the Families Strategy.”
The Families Strategy is based on the recommendations made in a review commissioned by the Ministry of Defence into the concerns raised by armed forces families, published in June 2020. The review was led by Andrew Selous MP, who served as a Territorial Army officer in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and formerly in the Honourable Artillery Company, and documents the lived experience of men, women and children within the Armed Forces community.
To read the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022 to 2032 in full, click here.
Listen, as James Quinn looks back on his 12 months as IOSH President, discussing his on-going work around veterans and the armed forces, which will carry on into this year and beyond.
James is joined on the episode by new President, Louise Hosking. We discuss her plans for her Presidency, including equality, diversity and inclusion and how the role of the health & safety practitioner is changing.
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