The Officer’s Association 2011-12

Last year, the Officers’ Association undertook a strategic review in order to ascertain that the OA’s offering is in line with the current needs of serving and ex-serving Officers and their families.

The survey highlighted some key issues facing today’s Service leavers. Over half of those who took part have concerns about their transferrable skills, adjusting to civilian life and, ultimately, finding employment.  One comment typified many:

‘None of us want to leave without a job to go to’

The age-range for those seeking Benevolence advice or assistance tended to be slightly older and often included Family members, stressing the need for a comprehensive offering to support Officers and their dependants through their lifetime. One Family member of a retired Officer suggested:

‘Officers are likely to be much more adverse to seeking help due to public/Family perceptions of inadequacy and [that] of the individual concerned - leaders suddenly needing to be led by the hand in new and sometimes alien environments.’

Click here for the detailed findings of the survey.

The Survey Sample

Between June and August 2011, the Officers’ Association invited those who currently or previously held a Commission, and their Families, to take part in an online or postal survey. The survey generated 2,135 responses of which:

• 27% were serving Officers or Reservists
• 65% were retired Officers
• 7% were family members of Officers
• Less than 1% came from agencies, employers or others who work with the OA.