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Official Statistics

Questionnaire for the Single Living Accommodation Lived Experience Survey 2026

Published 6 August 2026

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/single-living-accommodation-lived-experience-survey-2026--2/questionnaire-for-the-single-living-accommodation-lived-experience-survey-2026

Survey Information

This survey provides an opportunity for you to share your views and experiences of Single Living Accommodation (SLA). Your response will help shape the future of Defence accommodation. 
The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete.

Please take the time to read the following information about the survey. If you are happy to complete the survey, please agree to take part on the next page.

Please email the lead civilian researchers, at the address specified below, if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information about the survey.

Please note: this survey will ‘time-out’ after 45 minutes of activity and your responses will not be saved. Please ensure you complete the survey within 45 minutes of starting it.

Invitation to take part:

What is the purpose of the survey?

The purpose of this survey is to find out: 

  1. How satisfied or dissatisfied Service personnel are with their experiences of SLA
  2. How SLA is being used by Service personnel
  3. What Service personnel want and need from SLA

The results of this survey will be used to inform and shape decisions on the future design of SLA.

What is Single Living Accommodation or SLA?

SLA is accommodation provided for single or unaccompanied Service personnel and is usually part of an accommodation block or mess within a military base. It is normally a single room with some communal facilities; however, some SLA rooms are shared with other Service personnel. 

Who can take part in this survey?

The survey is open to all Service personnel, both Regulars and Reserves. You can complete this survey whether you currently use SLA or not.

Who is leading this survey?

The survey is being led and conducted by the Defence People Accommodation Analysis Team (civilians), in the MOD Department of State (Head Office).

Do I have to take part?

No, participation is entirely voluntary but your participation will help to ensure that we capture the views of a broad range of Service personnel.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to complete a short, online survey that will take you around 10 minutes to complete. The survey will be completely anonymous and we will not be collecting any personal information.

When will the survey close?

The survey will close at 2000 on 15th May 2026.

Are there any direct benefits to me of taking part?

No, there are no direct benefits to you of taking part; however, your participation in this survey provides a key opportunity for you to have your say and shape the future of SLA.

Can I withdraw from the research and what will happen if I withdraw?

Yes, you can withdraw from this research at any stage of the survey. You do not need to provide a reason to withdraw and there will be no consequences if you decide to withdraw. 
Once you select ‘I agree’ and move to the first question in the survey, your information will have been anonymised and it will no longer be possible to withdraw your input.
You can also choose not to answer some questions or use the ‘Prefer not to say’ option.

What are the possible disadvantages (or risks) of taking part?

There are no anticipated disadvantages of taking part beyond the time commitment required.
However, there are some questions that ask about unacceptable behaviour in SLA you may find upsetting or distressing. If you find that taking part raises feelings that are upsetting or distressing in any way, please consider all of the available help listed below: 

  1. Talk to a friend or colleague
  2. Talk to your family
  3. Inform your Line Manager / Chain of Command
  4. Approach the Equality and Diversity Advisor (EDA), Diversity and Inclusion Advisor (DIA) or the Diversity & Inclusion Practitioner (DIP)
  5. Talk to your Medical Officer
  6. Talk to the Welfare Officer, Padre or Civilian Chaplain to the Military
  7. Phone the confidential Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline: 0800 014 2381 (UK) or +44 330 008 5942 (Outside UK).
  8. Army – Phone the confidential Speak Out Helpline (Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline) – Civilian: 0306 7704656, Military: 96770 4656
  9. Request mediation through your Equality and Diversity Advisor or DIA, DIP, or Chain of Command
  10. Aurora New Dawn – An independent, confidential helpline and WhatsApp functionality for Armed Forces and their family, both in the UK and deployed abroad. Victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking (UK) +44 (0) 333 0912 527
  11. Visit the Call it Out hub on defnet or Defence Connect
  12. Contact the Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU)
  13. Civilian – Call the Employee Assistance Programme: 0800 731 8629 (UK) +44 330 008 5959 (outside UK)
  14. Call the suicide prevention charity, the Samaritans: Tel: 116 123

If you are invited to fill out a free text box, please do not share any information that could allow you or others to be identified.

Will I receive any expenses or payments?

No expenses will be incurred by taking part in this survey, nor will any payments be given in return for participating.  

Will you tell other people what I say?

All information will be subject to best practice in principles of research. The anonymised findings will be included in a report which will be published on GOV.UK. We will not use your name or any information that identifies you when we share the research findings.  The information that is kept will also comply with the Data Protection Act 2018.
If you are invited to fill out a free text box, please do not share any information that could allow you or others to be identified.

Will me taking part or not taking part affect my career or accommodation? 

No, your career or accommodation will not be affected.
We will not inform anyone else, including your Chain of Command, on your decision to/not to take part and nobody else will be informed about what you say in the survey (except in an anonymised report).

Who will analyse the findings

Analysts within the Defence People Accommodation Analysis Team will analyse the findings. Artificial Intelligence may be used to analyse the responses. No personal information will be processed using Artificial Intelligence.

Will the findings be published?

Yes, survey findings will be published as an Official Statistic on GOV.UK and will be subject to Official Statistics guidelines.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Should you have any questions, please send an email to the civilian researchers leading on this project, and your query shall be addressed as soon as possible. Please contact: people-accommodation-research@mod.gov.uk

Who do I contact if I have a complaint?

If you have a complaint about the survey, please contact: Rik Vandekerckhove via People-Strat-CDPREGroup@mod.gov.uk (Head of Government Social Research at MOD)

Who has reviewed the study?

This research has been reviewed and given favourable opinion by a Ministry of Defence Scientific Advisory Committee. Further review has been provided by Defence People Team Research and Evaluation Team.

There are 67 questions in this survey.

Agreement to participate

  1. MOD will only use the information collected through this survey to inform and shape decisions on the future design of SLA. 

  2. If you are invited to fill out a free text box, please do not share any information that could allow you or others to be identified.

  3. Your answers will only be shared with the Accommodation Analysis Team. Anonymised aggregated responses will be shared in research outputs.

  4. The information collected will be retained for ten years, unless there is evidence of an ongoing business requirement.

  5. MOD will ensure that all personal data is processed in compliance with Data Protection Act 2018 and the MOD Privacy Notice.

By ticking “I agree” you are confirming that you wish to take part in this survey, and you agree to provide your personal data for the purposes described above.

If you do wish to take part, please exit the survey by closing your browser.

Do you agree to participate in this survey?

If you do not agree, please exit this survey by closing your browser.

Please choose only one of the following:

I agree

Section: About you

This section contains some background questions about you. This information is very important because it helps us to understand your responses.

B1A: Which Service do you serve in? [Mandatory]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Royal Navy
  2.  Royal Marines
  3.  Army
  4.  Royal Air Force

B1B: Are you regular or reserve force? [Mandatory]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Regular
  2.  Reserve

B2: What area of Defence do you work for? [Mandatory]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Department of State
  2.  Military Strategic Headquarters (Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Cyber & Specialist Operations Command)
  3.  National Armaments Director Group
  4.  Defence Nuclear Enterprise
  5.  Other 

B3: What is your current Rank? [Mandatory]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Seaman, Marine, Private or Aviator (OR1-3)
  2.  Junior NCO (LCpl or Cpl) (OR4)
  3.  Senior NCO (PO or Sgt and above) (OR6-OR9)
  4.  Warrant Officer (OR8/9)
  5.  Officer (OF1-OF2)
  6.  Officer (OF3-OF4)
  7.  Senior Officer (RN Capt, Col, Gp Capt or above) (OF5+)

B4: What is your age?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  16 - 18
  2.  19 - 24
  3.  25 - 34
  4.  35 - 44
  5.  45 - 54
  6.  55 - 64
  7.  65+
  8.  Prefer not to say

B5: What is your sex?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Male
  2.  Female
  3.  Prefer not to say

B6: What is your ethnic group?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  White
  2.  Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups
  3.  Asian/Asian British
  4.  Black/African/Caribbean/Black British
  5.  Other ethnic group
  6.  Prefer not to say

B7: What is your working pattern?

Select all that apply

  1.  Full-time (FT) - office hours
  2.  Full-time (FT) - shifts
  3.  Full-time (FT) Alternative Working Arrangements (AWA)
  4.  Part-time (PT)
  5.  Maternity, Adoption or Shared Parental Leave
  6.  Long-term sick leave
  7. Other: 

B7A3:Full-time (FT) Alternative Working Arrangements (AWA) - Please specify: [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Full-time (FT) Alternative Working Arrangements (AWA)’ at question B7]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  FT AWA Remote working (RW) / hybrid working (HW)
  2.  FT AWA Variable start and finish times
  3.  FT AWA Compressed hours (CH)

B7A4:Part-time (PT) - Please specify: [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Part-time (PT)’ at question B7]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Part-time (PT) - (20%) reduction
  2.  Part-time (PT) - (40%) reduction
  3.  Restricted Separation (RS)
  4.  Part-time (PT) - (20%) reduction and Restricted Separation
  5.  Part-time (PT) - (40%) reduction and Restricted Separation

B8:What is your Personal Status Category (PStat Cat)?

Choose one of the following answers

If you choose ‘Other (including PStat Cat 1s/1c/5s/5c) (Please specify)’ please also specify your choice in the accompanying text field.

  1.  PStat Cat 1 - Married or civil partnered - living with spouse
  2.  PStat Cat 2 - Has parental responsibility
  3.  PStat Cat 3 - Provides financial support to spouse/former spouse or children by voluntary agreement
  4.  PStat Cat 4 - Provides financial support under an order made by a court whom is not Pstat 1 or 2
  5.  PStat Cat 5 - Single member of the AF
  6.  PStat Cat 5 - Single member of the AF and registered on JPA in a long-term relationship established (LTRE)
  7.  Other 

Section: Use of SLA

We are now going to ask you about your use of Single Living Accommodation (SLA)

S1: What is your current accommodation? 

Select all that apply

  1.  Single Living Accommodation (SLA)
  2.  Substitute Single Service Accommodation (SSSA)
  3.  Service Family Accommodation (SFA)
  4.  Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) - as my home/ primary place of residence
  5.  Property I own (outright or with a mortgage/loan)
  6.  Privately rented accommodation
  7. Other: 

S1A1SLA: SLA - Please specify [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  SLA as my home/ primary place of residence
  2.  SLA (Permanently allocated) - as a commuter. I have a home (Privately Maintained or Owned Property) I return to on weekends and/or stand-down.
  3.  SLA (Temporary) booked as required - as a commuter. I have a home (Privately Maintained or Owned Property) that I remotely work from and I return to on weekends and/or stand-down.
  4.  SLA Hotels booked as required - as a commuter. I have a home (Privately Maintained or Owned Property) that I remotely work from and I return to on weekends and/or stand-down.

S1A2SSSA: SSSA - Please specify [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Substitute Single Service Accommodation (SSSA)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  SSSA - as my home/primary place of residence
  2.  SSSA - as a commuter. I have a home (Privately Maintained or Owned Property) I return to on weekends and/or stand-down

S1A3SFA: SFA - Please specify [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Service Family Accommodation (SFA)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  SFA as my home/primary place of residence
  2.  SFA - I have a residence (Privately Maintained or Owned Residence) I return to on weekends and/or stand-down.

S1A5Homeowner: Property I own (outright or with a mortgage/loan) - Please specify [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Property I own (outright or with a mortgage/loan)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Private Property - within 50 miles from my place of duty as my home
  2.  Private Property - exceeds 50 miles from my place of duty as my home, with no requirement for temporary SLA or SSSA

S1A6PRS: Privately rented accommodation - Please specify [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Privately rented accommodation’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  •  Property I rent - with a regular payment from Defence to contribute towards monthly rent
  •  Property I rent - without a regular payment from Defence to contribute towards monthly rent

S2: Which of the following best describes your typical use of SLA? [Asked only to respondents who did not answer ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

If you choose ‘Other (please specify)’ please also specify your choice in the accompanying text field.

  1.  I do not currently use SLA, but I have permanently or temporarily resided in SLA in the last 12 months
  2.  I do not currently use SLA, but I have permanently or temporarily resided in SLA between 1 and 2 years ago
  3.  I do not currently use SLA, but I have permanently or temporarily resided in SLA between 3 and 5 years ago
  4.  I do not currently use SLA, but I have permanently or temporarily resided in SLA between 6 and 10 years ago
  5.  I do not currently use SLA, but I have permanently or temporarily resided in SLA more than 10 years ago
  6.  I have never lived in SLA but may plan to in the future
  7.  Other 

S3: In a typical week, how many nights do you currently spend living in SLA?  If you do not have a ‘typical week’, please give the average number of nights per week you have spent in SLA over the previous 4 weeks. [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Less than once a week
  2.  1 night
  3.  2 nights
  4.  3 nights
  5.  4 nights
  6.  5 nights
  7.  6 nights
  8.  7 nights

S13: Do you have a flexible working pattern? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ at question S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes
  2.  No

Flexible working allows Service personnel a degree of freedom when attempting to balance their work and personal life. This could be a formal or informal arrangement between you and your line manager. It could include remote working, hybrid working, variable start and finish times, compressed hours.

S14: In a typical week, on which night(s) do you stay in SLA as part of your flexible working pattern? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Yes)’ at question S13]

Select all that apply

  1.  Monday
  2.  Tuesday
  3.  Wednesday
  4.  Thursday
  5.  Friday
  6.  Saturday
  7.  Sunday

Section: Temporary use of SLA

We are now going to ask you about temporary use of SLA. Please answer these questions whether you currently use SLA or not.

Note: temporary SLA would be for Service personnel who are able to do hybrid work. 

S5: What would you consider to be the maximum number of nights someone could stay in SLA for it to still be classed as temporary?

Note: Permanent SLA is a permanently allocated bedspace/room/SSSA. Temporary SLA is service provided accommodation (SLA/hotel) booked as and when required with no provision/limited provision for storage of personal possessions.

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  I would consider staying in SLA less than 1 night a week to be temporary use
  2.  I would consider staying in SLA less than 2 nights a week to be temporary use
  3.  I would consider staying in SLA less than 3 nights a week to be temporary use
  4.  I would consider staying in SLA less than 4 nights a week to be temporary use
  5.  I would consider staying in SLA less than 5 nights a week to be temporary use
  6.  I would consider staying in SLA less than 6 nights a week to be temporary use

S6: If SLA was offered on a temporary basis similar to a hotel, how would you prefer to ‘book’ use of this? 

Choose one of the following answers

If you choose ‘Other (please specify)’ please also specify your choice in the accompanying text field.

  1.  Online booking tool
  2.  Personnel administrator
  3.  Email to administrator
  4.  Other 

S7: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements:

If SLA was offered on a temporary basis similar to a hotel, I would be content to stay in a true mixed-rank block where Junior and Senior ranks were mixed on the same floor. Note: ablutions would not be shared.

  1. Strongly agree
  2. Agree
  3. Neither agree nor disagree
  4. Disagree
  5. Strongly disagree

S8: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements: If SLA was offered on a temporary basis similar to a hotel, I would be content to stay in a mixed-rank block where Senior and Junior ranks were separated by floor. Note: ablutions would be shared on each floor.

  1. Strongly agree
  2. Agree
  3. Neither agree nor disagree
  4. Disagree
  5. Strongly disagree

S15: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements: Permanent occupants of SLA should be allocated a better standard of SLA than temporary users.

  1. Strongly agree
  2. Agree
  3. Neither agree nor disagree
  4. Disagree
  5. Strongly disagree

Choose one of the following answers:

  1. Yes – I would require extensive storage (e.g. multiple wardrobes worth)
  2. Yes – I would require some storage (e.g. one wardrobe worth)
  3. No – I would not require any storage
  4. Unsure

S10: If SLA was offered on a temporary basis similar to a hotel, would you anticipate any issues with storage of kit and equipment? 

Choose one of the following answers:

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Not sure

S12: If SLA was offered on a temporary basis for a hybrid worker, what amenities would you expect to see?

Note: Temporary SLA would be accommodation owned by Defence, not a hotel or SSSA.

Select all that apply.

  1.  Storage for kit/uniform (for day-to-day work)
  2.  Bedding
  3.  Towel
  4.  Shower gel/shampoo/conditioner
  5.  Iron
  6.  Ironing board
  7.  Kettle
  8.  Tea/coffee/milk sachets
  9.  Crockery
  10.  TV
  11.  WIFI
  12.  Coat hangers
  13.  Hair dryer
  14. Other: 

Section: Satisfaction with SLA

We are now going to ask you about your satisfaction with your use of SLA

O1: How satisfied are you or have you been with the following aspects of SLA: [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

  1. The overall quality of SLA
  2. The value for money
  3. The response to requests for maintenance/repair
  4. The quality of maintenance/repair work
  5. The quality of cleaning
  6. The allocation process
  7. Current snack preparation facilities
  8. Communal space provision
  9. Convenience (e.g. of leaving kit at SLA; not having to commute)
  10. WIFI provision
  11. Heating and hot water
  12. Lighting
  13. Welfare provision on site i.e. gym
  14. Parking facilities

Answered using the following options: 

  1. Very satisfied
  2. Satisfied
  3. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
  4. Dissatisfied
  5. Very dissatisfied

O2: Does your experience of SLA impact on your intention to stay or leave the Service?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Increases my intention to stay
  2.  Has no effect on my intention to stay or leave
  3.  Increases my intention to leave
  4.  Unsure

Section: Value for money

We are now going to ask you some questions about SLA and value for money

V1: If you currently live in or use SLA, what grade is your SLA accommodation? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1]

Choose one of the following answers:

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. Below 4
  6. SSSA
  7. Unsure

V2: How satisfied are you with the quality of your SLA, based on what you pay for it per month? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1]

Choose one of the following answers:

  1. Very satisfied
  2. Satisfied
  3. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
  4. Dissatisfied
  5. Very dissatisfied

V3: Why is this? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1]

Choose one of the following answers:

  1. I believe I pay a fair amount for the quality of accommodation I utilise
  2. I believe I pay too much for the quality of accommodation I utilise
  3. The quality of accommodation is too low regardless of the cost
  4. I believe I pay too little for the quality of accommodation I utilise
  5. Other reason(s) (please specify) [Text box]

V4: When using SLA, if you had the option to pay more money for better quality SLA, would you do so?

Choose one of the following answers:

  1. Yes, I would prefer to pay more for better quality SLA
  2. No, I would not like to pay more for better quality SLA
  3. I am happy with both my current costs and accommodation quality
  4. Unsure

V5: When using SLA, if you had the option to pay less money for lower quality SLA, would you do so?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes, I would prefer to pay less for lower quality SLA
  2.  No, I would not like to pay less for lower quality SLA
  3.  I am happy with both my current costs and accommodation quality
  4.  Unsure

V6: When using SLA, which of the following amenities, if any, would you like to have included in SLA for you to feel you are getting good value for money?

Select all that apply

  1.  WIFI
  2.  Better quality WIFI
  3.  En-suite
  4.  Larger room
  5.  Enhanced cooking facilities compared to current snack preparation facilities
  6.  Double bed
  7.  More storage
  8.  Maintenance and repair contact
  9.  Parking
  10. Other: 

V7: When using SLA, which of the following amenities, if any, would you be willing to pay more for?

Select all that apply

  1.  WIFI
  2.  Better quality WIFI
  3.  En-suite
  4.  Larger room
  5.  Enhanced cooking facilities compared to current snack preparation facilities
  6.  Double bed
  7.  More storage
  8.  Maintenance and repair contact
  9.  Parking
  10.  None
  11. Other: 

V8: To what extent do you agree with the following statement: I feel that my SLA charges are comparable to renting similar accommodation as a civilian in the private rental sector. [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Strongly agree
  2.  Agree
  3.  Neither agree nor disagree
  4.  Disagree
  5.  Strongly disagree
  6.  I am unsure of the cost of renting in the private rental sector

V9: Which of these options best sums up your awareness of the Defence Minimum Standards (DMS)?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  I’ve never heard of it
  2.  I’ve heard of it but know nothing about it
  3.  I’ve heard of it and know a little about it
  4.  I’ve heard of it and know a lot about it

Section: Future design of SLA

We are now going to ask you some questions about what you would like to see in SLA in the future

F1: What facilities and/or services would you want/expect to see in SLA in the future? 

Select all that apply

  1.  WIFI
  2.  Better quality WIFI
  3.  Access to WIFI in café or hub
  4.  Larger room
  5.  En-suite as standard
  6.  Communal space
  7.  Snack preparation (Note: minimum fridge, freezer, microwave)
  8.  Enhanced cooking facilities (Note: A step up from snack preparation including comprehensive cooking facilities inclusive of a cooker)
  9.  Double bed as standard
  10.  Access to a workspace in my room
  11.  More toilets/showers/ablutions
  12.  More laundry facilities
  13.  Storage
  14.  Electric Vehicle Charging Points
  15.  Car parking within close proximity
  16.  Bike storage
  17.  Dining facilities within close proximity
  18.  Gym within close proximity
  19. Individual shower/toilet cubicle (not an en-suite)
  20. Other: 

F2: Currently SLA design and type is based on rank.  Do you feel that SLA should follow a standard design for all (i.e. Z Type, single ensuite or a flat), or should there be different designs that Service Personnel can opt to pay more for?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes, SLA should be designed to be the same for all
  2.  No, SLA should have some differences which Service Personnel are able to pay more for
  3.  Unsure

Section: Dining

We are now going to ask you some questions specifically about dining

D1A: In your current or most recent SLA, what cooking amenities do/did you have access to, if any (assuming access to dining facilities remains)?  [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Select all that apply

  1.  Hob
  2.  Oven
  3.  Microwave
  4.  Toaster
  5.  Kettle/hot water tap
  6.  Dishwasher
  7.  Fridge
  8.  Freezer
  9.  None of the above
  10. Other: 

D1B: In your current or most recent SLA, what cooking amenities would you have wanted access to, if any (assuming access to dining facilities remains)? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Select all that apply

  1.  Hob
  2.  Oven
  3.  Microwave
  4.  Toaster
  5.  Kettle/hot water tap
  6.  Dishwasher
  7.  Fridge
  8.  Freezer
  9.  None of the above
  10. Other: 

D2: If given the choice, would you prefer: [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  A full shared kitchen with no/limited access to dining facilities
  2.  A snack preparation area with access to dining facilities
  3.  Dining facilities as provided now in associated messes and no snack preparation facilities

D3: Why have you chosen this option? Select all that apply.  [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Select all that apply

  1.  Hygiene issues of current shared facilities
  2.  Want to accommodate for specialist diet
  3.  Ease of cooking
  4.  Suits shift pattern
  5. Other: 

D4: If you were to require use of temporary SLA and book it on an adhoc/requirement basis, how important would the provision of cooking facilities be to you? 

Please choose the appropriate response for each item:

  1. Full kitchen
  2. Snack preparation area (including fridge and microwave)

Answered using the following options: 

  1. Very important
  2. Fairly important
  3. Neither important nor unimportant
  4. Fairly unimportant
  5. Not at all important

D5A: When using SLA do you make use of the dining facilities available to you at your base to purchase and eat your meals? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes
  2.  No
  3.  Sometimes

D5B: Why is this? Select all that apply. [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Select all that apply

  1.  Dietary requirements are not catered for
  2.  Prefer not to have to book meal times in advance
  3.  Prefer not to wear formal dress when dining
  4.  Prefer the ease of eating in dining facilities
  5.  Prefer the cost of eating in dining facilities
  6.  Prices too high of eating in dining facilities – prefer to cook own meal
  7.  Opening hours are unsuitable
  8.  Convenience
  9.  Choice of food
  10.  Quality of food
  11.  Proximity to dining facilities
  12. Other: 

D6: If you had full kitchen facilities when using SLA, would you make use of the dining facilities? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1-A3] 

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes - often
  2.  Yes - sometimes
  3.  No

Section: Hosting your own children in SLA

We are now going to ask you questions about hosting your own children in SLA

CH1: Do you have child(ren) which you share parental responsibility for, and whose main home is elsewhere? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1] 

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes
  2.  No

CH2: In the last 12 months, have you used your SLA to host these child(ren) which you share parental responsibility for? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Yes’ in question CH1]

Select all that apply

  1.  Yes
  2.  No, my child(ren) do not visit me in SLA
  3.  No, I have used a local hotel to host my own child(ren)
  4.  No, I have been able to access a local welfare/contact house/flat provided by my Service or a charity
  5.  No, I have another property elsewhere I can use to host my child(ren)
  6.  Prefer not to say
  7. Other: 

CH3: On average, how many nights per month do you (or did you) host these children which you share parental responsibility for? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Yes’ in question CH1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  0 nights
  2.  1 night
  3.  2 nights
  4.  3 nights
  5.  4 nights
  6.  5 nights
  7.  6 nights
  8.  7 nights
  9.  8 nights
  10.  9 nights
  11.  10 nights
  12.  11 or more nights

CH4: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: My SLA is suitable to host my own child(ren) who I have shared custody of and whose main home is elsewhere, when they visit me. [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Yes’ in question CH1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Strongly agree
  2.  Agree
  3.  Neither agree nor disagree
  4.  Disagree
  5.  Strongly disagree

CH5: Why is this? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Disagree’ or ‘Strongly disagree’ in question CH4]

Select all that apply

  1.  Lack of cooking/messing facilities in SLA
  2.  Lack of suitable ablutions in SLA
  3.  Lack of suitable sleeping facilities in SLA
  4.  Inappropriateness of a shared living environment in SLA
  5.  Safeguarding concerns due to shared living environment in SLA
  6.  Concern my child(ren) will disturb other SLA occupants
  7.  Anti-social behaviour of other SLA occupants
  8.  Lack of child-friendly outdoor spaces on military base
  9. Other: 

Section: Your safety in SLA

We are now going to ask you about your physical safety in Single Living Accommodation and if you have made a complaint about your SLA. We will ask about your personal safety in SLA in the next section.

SF1: In the last 12 months, have you experienced any of the following faults/repair issues within your SLA? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1] 

Select all that apply

  1.  I have not experienced any faults/repair issues within my SLA
  2.  Building collapse/severe damage
  3.  Water leak/blocked drains
  4.  Damp and mould
  5.  Uncontrollable heat/cold in room
  6.  Electrical fault
  7.  Rodent/insect infestation
  8. Other: 

Select all that apply

  1.  I have never felt unsafe due to aspects related to the design of my bedroom/cabin in SLA
  2.  Multi-occupancy / shared bedspaces
  3.  Mixed-sex bedrooms
  4.  Inadequate lighting
  5.  Heating not turned on until cold weather started
  6.  No/inadequate curtains or blinds in bedroom
  7.  No/broken locks on wardrobe/personal storage
  8.  No/broken locks on door to own bedroom
  9.  No/broken locks on windows
  10.  Broken furniture in bedroom
  11. Other: 

Select all that apply

  1.  I have never felt unsafe due to aspects related to the design of my communal facilities in SLA
  2.  Inadequate lighting in ablutions, communal spaces, stairwell and kitchen areas
  3.  No/broken locks on access to corridors/buildings
  4.  No/broken locks on separate toilets cubicles
  5.  No/broken locks on separate showers cubicles
  6.  Mixed-sex ablutions
  7.  Location of same sex shared ablutions
  8.  Mixed-sex corridors/floors
  9.  Broken furniture in communal area
  10.  Location of other communal facilities e.g. laundry/drying room
  11.  Shared building access codes
  12. Other: 

SF4: In the last 12 months, to what extent have you received prior notice of routine room inspections? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1] 

A room inspection may be carried out by someone in your Chain of Command or a Commanding Officer. They are used to ensure SLA is being kept in good repair; in a hygienic state; and not being used in a way that presents a safety risk to others in the building.

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Never
  2.  Sometimes
  3.  Always
  4.  I have not had a routine room inspection in the last 12 months

SF5: In the last 12 months, to what extent have you received prior notice of routine maintenance or repairs being undertaken in your SLA? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1] 

Routine maintenance is formal checks carried out on a regular basis to ensure SLA meets health and safety standards, for example checking fire alarms.  Maintenance and repairs may be carried out by a Contractor.

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Never
  2.  Sometimes
  3.  Always
  4.  I have not had any routine maintenance or repairs in my SLA in the last 12 months

SF6: In the last 12 months, have you made a complaint about your SLA? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1] 

You may make a complaint about the action, or inaction by the unit and/or Contractor in the delivery of SLA in accordance with accommodation policy as outline in JSP 464 Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations. This does not include initial reporting of a fault/maintenance issue in your SLA.

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes
  2.  No

SF7: What was the subject of your complaint? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Yes’ to question SF6]

Select all that apply

  1.  General maintenance not completed
  2.  Unable to report fault in SLA
  3.  Unsatisfactory standard of repair to SLA
  4.  Impolite or unhelpful MOD staff and/or contractors.
  5.  Failure to achieve repair/works services in the contractual target time.
  6.  Unfair or inconsistent interpretation by Contractors, or MOD staff, of accommodation policies or processes.
  7.  Failure to meet legal health and safety requirements
  8.  Challenge to 4-Tier Grade of SLA
  9. Other: 

SF8: Why did you not make a complaint? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘No’ to question SF6]

Select all that apply

  1.  I did not have an issue to complain about
  2.  I had an issue to complain about, but I did not know who to make the complaint to
  3.  I had an issue to complain about, but I did not feel comfortable raising this issue with my Chain of Command
  4.  I had an issue to complain about, but I did not expect the issue to be resolved in a timely manner
  5.  I had an issue to complain about, but I would not remain in the SLA long enough for the issue to be resolved
  6. Other: 

Section: Unacceptable behaviour in SLA

The following questions ask about bullying, harassment and discrimination and unacceptable behaviours in SLA.

All questions in this section are voluntary. You can skip to the final questions in this survey if you do not feel comfortable answering these questions.

If you have been affected by this behaviour, there is support available. Please visit the Call it Out hub or GOV.UK to find out what support and advice are available to you. You can also contact your local Welfare Team

Please note that the data gathered is strictly for research purposes only. If you are invited to fill out a free text box, please do not share any information that could allow you or others to be identified.

The following definitions are used in these questions: 
Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, and abuse of or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient. 
Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic (race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage or civil partnership, gender reassignment, age or disability).
Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy or rule that appears neutral places a group who share a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage.
Harassment includes unwanted conduct which is related to the characteristics mentioned above and is intended to or has the effect of violating another’s dignity or creating a hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. 
Sexual harassment is defined as verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is unwanted, degrading, offensive or humiliating for the recipient. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to: unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted sexual attention, requests for sexual favours, or verbal, online or physical acts or gestures of a sexual nature. It can be experienced by anyone regardless of age or gender.
Unacceptable sexual behaviour is any sexual conduct that is unlawful (i.e., a sexual offence) and/or that is inconsistent with core behaviours, for example lewd or suggestive comments and/or gestures of a sexual nature, wolf-whistling or ‘Cat Calling’, touching someone in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable etc.

Information about the Service Complaints Process can be found on the following link: Armed Forces Service Complaints Process

Information about the Service Complaints Ombudsman can be found on the following link: Service Complaints Ombudsman

U1: In the last 12 months have you ever felt unsafe in your SLA due to any of the following behaviours? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1 or question S2 with response option A1] 

Select all that apply

  1.  Bullying
  2.  Harassment of a non-sexual nature
  3.  Sexual harassment
  4.  Discrimination
  5.  Unacceptable sexual behaviour
  6.  Anti-social behaviour
  7.  Unannounced/forced entry of other Service person into room
  8.  Unannounced entry of Contractor/Industry Partner into room
  9.  None of the above
  10. Other: 

U2: Did you make a formal complaint within the last 12 months about this behaviour? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Unannounced entry of Contractor/Industry Partner into room’ or ’Unannounced/forced entry of other Service person into room’ or ’Anti-social behaviour’ or ’Unacceptable sexual behaviour’ or ’Discrimination’ or ’Sexual harassment’ or ’Harassment of a non-sexual nature’ or ’Bullying’ to question U1]

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Yes
  2.  No

U3: If you did not make a formal complaint, why was this? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘No’ to question U2]

Select all that apply

  1.  I was not aware of the appropriate process to raise a complaint (Chain of Command/Unacceptable Sexual Behaviours /Diversity & Inclusion Advisors/Service Complaint)
  2.  I considered the incident(s) to be too minor to report
  3.  The incident(s) was/were resolved informally
  4.  The incident(s) was/were resolved through mediation
  5.  I did not believe anything would be done if I did complain
  6.  I did not want to relive the event through a formal complaints process
  7.  I did not want to go through the complaints procedure
  8.  I believed it might adversely affect my career
  9.  I believed it might adversely affect another work colleague or the working environment
  10.  I was worried that there would be recriminations from the perpetrators
  11.  I was discouraged from doing so
  12. Other: 

Section: Closing questions

We will now ask you some final questions

C1: Overall, which of the following would you consider to be most important to you regarding SLA?

Choose one of the following answers

  1.  Quality
  2.  Choice
  3.  Cost
  4.  Value for money

C2: Please use this box to provide any further comments relating to your experience of SLA or to highlight anything we haven’t discussed in this survey that you would want to see in SLA in the future (e.g. overseas accommodation, temporary SLA, dining etc).

Please do not share any information that could allow you or others to be identified.

Please write your answer here:

Thank you for taking part in the survey. Your responses will help shape the future of Defence accommodation.

If you have any questions, please contact: people-accommodation-research@mod.gov.uk

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