Research into the needs of the Royal Navy submariner community
About the study
This research aims to gather detailed and unique perspectives on the challenges and support needs of submarine families by engaging with submariner families themselves, representatives from the not-for-profit sector, and professionals employed by statutory organizations and relevant government departments for serving personnel. It will also explore the role and sustainability of specialist not-for-profit support and assess the effectiveness of existing statutory provisions. The findings will guide the development of a new grant programme to address the unique challenges faced by the submariner community.
Taking part
Not-for-profit organisations
We are looking to speak with [representatives of] not-for-profit organizations that support submariner families in Helensburgh and across the UK, both within and outside the Armed Forces.
If your organisation is in the position to participate in and support organisation of interviews (such as one-to-one interviews, paired interviews or focus groups with its staff) we will offer an incentive of up to £100 to cover all administrative costs.
These interviews will focus on:
- Understanding current support provisions and identifying any gaps.
- Addressing issues affecting the sustainability of support for submariner families.
- Exploring potential grant-funded support, including specialist services beyond the Armed Forces.
We also kindly ask that organisations assist in sharing information about this research with submariners' families, to invite this group to participate in interviews.
This information sheet details what participation entails for not-for-profit organisations participating in qualitative interviews and/or assisting with the recruitment of families.
Other details:
Format: Telephone or Microsoft Teams
Timeline of interviews: September 2024 – 15th October 2024
Participation in this research involves an invitation to speak with a NatCen researcher through an interview (60 minutes), a paired interview or a focus group, depending on individual /organisational preference.
If you / your organisation is eligible and would like to take part, please complete this short questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask for contact information and availability.
Alternatively, you can contact the research team at subfamresearch@natcen.ac.uk to express your interest or ask any questions.
If you would like to know more about how the information you provide will be processed, please see the Privacy notice at the end of this page
Representatives of the government departments, councils, and agencies working with or for serving personnel
We seek to speak with individuals from government departments, councils, and agencies working with serving personnel to assess current statutory provisions and evaluate if they meet the specific needs of the submarine community.
Other details:
Format: Telephone or Microsoft Teams
Timeline of interviews: September 2024 – mid-October 2024
Participation in this research involves an invitation to speak with a NatCen researcher through an online or telephone interview (60 minutes).
If you are eligible and would like to take part, please complete this short questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask for your contact information and availability.
Alternatively, you can contact the research team at subfamresearch@natcen.ac.uk to express your interest or ask any questions.
If you would like to know more about how the information you provide will be processed, please see the Privacy notice at the bottom of this page.
Submariner family members
We are also looking to speak with family members of submariners to understand their experiences and support needs.
In the context of this research, a family member is defined as anyone who plays a significant role in a submariner's life. This includes, but is not limited to, spouses, civil partners, cohabiting partners in committed relationships, children under 18, and relatives such as parents, siblings, and grandparents who live with, are financially dependent on or are cared for by the Service member or their partner. It can also include someone with deep emotional ties outside of traditional legal and familial definitions.
Participation in this research involves an invitation to speak with a NatCen researcher through an interview (60 minutes) or a paired interview e.g. [a parent and a child, parents, etc], depending on your preference.
Each participating family member will receive a £30 high street voucher as a token of appreciation for their involvement.
If you would like to take part, please complete this short questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask for your contact information and availability.
Alternatively, you can contact the research team at subfamresearch@natcen.ac.uk to express your interest or ask any questions.
If you would like to know more about how the information you provide will be processed, please see the Privacy notice here.
Who is carrying out the research?
This study is commissioned and funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and conducted by the National Centre for Social Research.
Contact us:
Email: subfamresearch@natcen.ac.uk
Phone: 0808 178 3298