The Kerslake Commission on Armed Forces Housing is an independent review of military accommodation provided to Service personnel and their families. Despite its vital role, current accommodation may be draining operational capacity, impacting mental and physical health, and creating challenges for recruitment and retention.

 

Established by the late Lord Kerslake, the Commission aims to openly establish a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues surrounding military accommodation, prior to suggesting impactful and long-lasting solutions that align with UK climate sustainability goals, while avoiding unintentional setbacks in other areas of development. However, to achieve these objectives the Commission seeks to engage with experts from different disciplines, alongside other stakeholders, to ensure that all recommendations are fully thought out. 

 

The Commissioners encompass a wide range of experts from the military, academia, social housing and beyond. However, the Commission is now looking to bring together additional experts from diverse fields across defence, housing, policy, academic and other communities to share knowledge and collaborate towards developing new solutions.

 

The Commission is hosting a workshop on 19th July at King’s College London – Strand Campus, chaired by key members of the Commission. This engagement workshop will serve as a platform for open dialogue, knowledge exchange and crafting impact. We would like to take a multidisciplinary approach to thoroughly explore the intricacies of armed forces housing and its wider impact across a range of issues, for both individuals, collectives, and for national Defence.

 

We welcome perspectives from all areas of the defence community, civil society and academia, encouraging a wide range of stakeholders to contribute their insights, experiences, and research findings. A non-exhaustive list of topics of interest includes:

 

• Mental and physical health
• Operational capacity
• UK defence strategy and planning in a competitive world
• Accommodations relationship to UK climate sustainability policy
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Individual, community and organisational resilience
• Interoperability
• Quality of life
• Sustainability

 

By fostering collaboration and discussion, the workshop aims to spark innovative ideas and solutions that can shape the Commission’s recommendations and lead to positive change.

 

If interested in contributing, attending, or presenting at the workshop on July 19th, please click register. If you have any questions, want to find out more, or RSVP directly, please email Abigail Worrell.