Have your say: complete the Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) by 3 May
April 28, 2016
The annual Families Continuous Attitude Survey (FamCAS) covers key issues that impact you, as a service family, and shapes the work of the Armed Forces Covenant going forward.
The Armed Forces Covenant team is continuing to build a picture of what life is like for those who are spouses or partners of armed forces personnel. Your responses to the FamCAS survey give us an understanding of where we need to do more through the covenant for service families at home and abroad.
The survey covers matters such as employment, schooling and education to inform Community and Support & Welfare policies. The feedback you give makes a real difference. As a result of your responses to the survey, the following changes have been made:
- serving personnel and families who are on mobile networks provided by Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three, can put their contracts on hold when posted overseas
- over 600 service spouses are now taking part in a 2 year Spousal Employment Support Trial, to help eligible spouses in finding employment that matches their skills, knowledge and experience
- the overseas offer for service families has been improved by reducing accommodation charges by about 20%, and waiving their contributions in lieu of council tax to MOD from April 2016
- school places in England can now be allocated to service families in advance of them moving into the area, and service children can be prioritised in the admissions process following further changes to the schools admission code
The three Service Family Federations explained why they view the FamCAS survey as important.
Anna Wright, Director of the Naval Families Federation said:
“The views and concerns surrounding all aspects of Naval life are important to decision makers in the MOD and Naval Chain of Command. Personnel policy decisions including childcare, housing and education start with FamCAS feedback. This is your opportunity to input your views directly to the decision makers.”
Sara Baade, Chief Executive of the Army Families Federation said:
“In our work we see where data derived from FamCAS has been used to inform policy that benefits families, such as the flexible working trial. Therefore we make a point of encouraging families to engage with this survey.”
Bill Mahon, Director of the Royal Air Force Families Federation said:
“We work hard to ensure that the voices of Service families are heard on the matters that impact their lives. The responses from the FamCAS help us to understand what you are thinking and how conditions can be improved for you. It is also another channel by which you can give that message to the MOD directly. If you have been asked to fill in the survey, please do so.”
The survey closes on Tuesday 3rd May. If you have been selected and have received a copy of the survey, either through the post, or electronically, please use this opportunity to fill it in and have your say on the policies impacting you and your family.
If you have not received the FamCAS survey, you can give your feedback on the Armed Forces Covenant via Contact us .
Published: April 2016