Research objectives
Two years ago, in partnership with the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Greenwich Hospital commissioned RAND Europe to undertake a granular survey of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force serving and former serving communities.
For Greenwich Hospital, the objectives were to:
- Obtain the best estimate of the current and projected size and key demographics of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community out to 2040;
- Characterise the support needs of the serving and former serving communities; and
- Identify recommendations for future service provision.
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First long-term study of the welfare needs of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community
This research represents the first time that such granular, evidence-based insight into the Royal Navy community is available and details how the size, demographics and support needs of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community are evolving and what this means for the future of Naval welfare.
The findings highlight a clear need for increased investment in prevention, early intervention, family-centred support, and more flexible services as patterns of need and global uncertainty continue to change.
The report, therefore, marks an important milestone in collaborative planning, accountability, and the long-term stewardship of resources.
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Next steps
The final report, Meeting the Needs of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Community, has been well received by the Royal Navy community. We are collaborating with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) to develop a sustainable funding strategy through to 2040.
Together with Naval charitable partners, this unprecedented and detailed understanding of the Royal Navy community is enabling the sector to address the report's recommendations and enhance support delivery.
By integrating the findings with financial modelling undertaken by EY, Greenwich Hospital will establish a robust, long-term funding profile for the sector.