Hearing from our veteran community is vital and that is why the government has launched a UK-wide Veterans’ Survey.
This is the first-ever exercise to collect feedback from the veterans’ community across the UK coordinated by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The online survey is to be launched on 10 November and will be live for 12 weeks. The survey gives ex-UK armed forces personnel and their families the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the government on their experiences, access to and use of services for veterans.
Responses to the survey will help us better understand the experiences, needs and well-being of our veteran community, and guide future action.
It is important we hear a wide range of views and we would like to encourage as many ex-UK armed forces veterans and their families to share feedback as possible. Your views matter, so please take part today. Complete the Veterans’ Survey on the ONS website.
Information for those taking part
What is this survey about?
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are carrying out this important survey of veterans and veterans’ families.
The Veterans’ Survey covers a range of topics related to the circumstances and lifestyles of people who have left the UK armed forces, commonly known as veterans. When we mention veterans during the survey, we mean people who have served in the UK armed forces and have since left service. You do not need to have seen active combat or been in the armed forces in a particular role or rank. If you have served for one day, are aged 18 years or over and live in the UK, you can take part.
The questions in the survey ask about access to services and circumstances since leaving the armed forces. The survey also asks about your lifestyle, health, and well-being.
The Veterans’ Families Survey covers similar topics but is for family members to give their views.
Why should I take part?
The UK government wants to make the UK the best place for veterans to live by 2028. Change has already started. For the first time, Census 2021 counted UK armed forces veterans, which is important. We need to build on the census count. By learning more from a wide range of veterans and their families, we can learn how to better support everyone who leaves the UK armed forces. It is vital you take part.
By taking part in this survey, you will help us to produce statistics about the lives of the armed forces community, veterans and their families. Government departments, public bodies and charities will use the anonymous findings from this survey to make plans.
This is your unique opportunity to tell us about your experiences. Your responses will provide information not available from any other sources. Do not miss your chance to have your say.
What will I be asked?
The survey will cover a range of topics, including:
- awareness of ex-armed forces support
- access to services
- have you seen active service?
- have you been bullied or harassed?
- have you been discriminated against?
- access to employment
- access to housing
- work
- health and well-being
- interactions with the criminal justice system
- finances
- lifestyle
Not everyone will be asked all these questions. If you are a family member of a veteran, you will be asked about your experiences living with a veteran or being related to a veteran.
There are some voluntary questions that cover sensitive issues such as workplace bullying. If you are uncomfortable with any of the questions, you can always leave them out. We have made sure you do not need any specialist knowledge to take part.
You only need to answer the questions you want to. There are no right or wrong answers – your honest responses are vital for us to produce reliable statistics about veterans and their families.
You will never be asked for bank details or credit card information. You will never be asked for your passport or other documents.
When do I need to complete the survey by?
It helps us if you complete the survey as soon as possible on or after 9 November 2022 but the survey will be open for up to 12 weeks.
The information you provide will be treated as confidential in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
You can complete this survey on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. If you need to, you can stop and come back to the survey later.
If you need a paper copy or need help, you can call our Survey Enquiry Line on 0800 085 7376. See our section on Further help for opening hours.
I do not have access to the internet, but I want to take part
If you have access to the internet via a smartphone or other means (such as via a local library or internet cafe), you will be able to take part in the survey.
We have some paper copies of the questionnaire. If you cannot complete online or need help, you can telephone our Survey Enquiry Line on 0800 085 7376. See our section on Further help for opening hours.
Unfortunately, there are no paper questionnaires for veterans’ families for this survey.
Can I complete the survey in Welsh?
Yes, the online survey is available in Welsh. You will be able to choose to complete it in Welsh at any point in the survey. Once you click “Start Now” at the top of this page, choose the language option for Welsh.
Useful link for further support
If you or a family member needs further veteran support, there is a 24-hour service available.
The Veterans’ Gateway is for any ex-service personnel and their families looking for advice or support – whatever they are dealing with. They provide the first point of contact to a network of military and non-military partner organisations to help you find exactly what you need, when you need it – whether you are in the UK or overseas. For 24-hour support go to Veterans’ Gateway or call 0808 802 1212.
