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The report, commissioned by Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), used a mixed methods approach to capture the experiences of former members and understand what facilitates a successful transition while also seeking to identify the barriers that hinder this.

While previous research has explored this topic, this has more often examined the experiences of servicemen. The SUSTAIN - SUpporting Successful TrAnsItioN - study sought to address this gap in understanding by identifying factors that were specific to women.

Researchers undertook a series of different approaches to establish what a successful military to civilian transition looked like from ex-servicewomen's perspectives. They conducted a systematic review of the available literature, evaluating the research that had already been completed. This was followed by a series of in-depth qualitative interviews with 31 ex-servicewomen to identify what they felt defined a successful and sustainable transition, as well as barriers that hindered this process. Finally, the researchers quantitatively analysed the socioeconomic and health outcomes of ex-servicewomen compared to ex-servicemen and civilian women in the UK using a variety of existing data sources.

The report identified 18 characteristics that improved ex-servicewomen's chances of a successful and sustainable transition to civilian life, as well as six negative characteristics that impaired transition. From this, they put forward recommendations that addressed 8 key areas. Recommendations included the establishment of ‘Heads of Culture’ in each service to lead cultural change initiatives to tackle problematic behaviours in-service, support services such as career advice be made available at the point of need not just during transition, and for veteran organisations to review how accessible they are to ex-servicewomen and inclusive of their needs.

Among the positive characteristics identified, researchers found that greater individualised support, with a good availability of female specific healthcare being provided during service and post transition was vital. Early preparation was also key.

During interviews the researchers also identified a series of negative experiences which impacted transition, including a lack of access to appropriate healthcare (both during service and once they’d left), a lack of support for family life while serving, a lack of access to uniform that was appropriate for women, and some reported harassment and assault during their time in the military.

Dr Sharon Stevelink, a Reader in Epidemiology and the report’s senior author from KCMHR said, “Being a member of the Armed Forces can be a significant part of a person’s identity, but we found that servicewomen often experienced their identities contested or unwelcome both during and after service. It’s possible that the negative characteristics that we’ve identified originate from a non-inclusive culture that begins during service that is carried over into post-service life.”

The researchers conclude that, while the UK Armed Forces do have preexisting frameworks designed to aid the transition process, the findings of this report provide perspectives that have the potential to benefit the transition of all members.

Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust said, “Whilst progress has been made to improve transition for ex-Servicewomen, this research highlights that barriers still remain which can undermine the positive aspects of service and have a negative impact on transition outcomes. Government should utilise these findings to continue to work towards creating inclusive working cultures, structures, and practices. This report provides a strategic roadmap to all those who support the Armed Forces community to help them evaluate whether their policies and practices are updated to support women’s needs”.

Victoria Langston, Chair of the SUSTAIN ex-servicewomen’s advisory group said, “It's been wonderful to contribute to this groundbreaking study examining the needs of servicewomen and providing deeper insights into successful civilian transitions. As a former regular Army Officer whose own transition was quite positive, I believe the findings from this research will greatly benefit future generations of military women. My hope is that this work leads to more standardized and consistently positive transition experiences across the board.”

Researchers hope that, by highlighting similarities, differences and any inequalities, those responsible for making and delivering policy can update the current frameworks of transition to the benefit of all transitioning servicemembers.

SUSTAIN: Identifying and Examining the Barriers to Ex-Servicewomen Making a Successful and Sustainable Transition to Civilian Life in the UK (Dr Marie-Louise Sharp, Bethany Croak, Dr Rafiyah Khan, Dr Alexandra Smith, Vicky Langston, Dr Laura Rafferty, Professor Neil Greenberg, Professor Nicola Fear, Dr Sharon Stevelink) was published by Forces in Mind Trust

For more information, please contact Patrick O’Brien (Media Manager)