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:
- How satisfied or dissatisfied Service personnel are with their experiences of SLA
- How SLA is being used by Service personnel
- 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 1700 on 8th 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:
• Talk to a friend or colleague
• Talk to your family
• Inform your Line Manager / Chain of Command
• Approach the Equality and Diversity Advisor (EDA), Diversity and Inclusion Advisor (DIA) or the Diversity & Inclusion Practitioner (DIP)
• Talk to your Medical Officer
• Talk to the Welfare Officer, Padre or Civilian Chaplain to the Military
• Phone the confidential Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline: 0800 014 2381 (UK) or +44 330 008 5942 (Outside UK).
• Army – Phone the confidential Speak Out Helpline (Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline) – Civilian: 0306 7704656, Military: 96770 4656
• Request mediation through your Equality and Diversity Advisor or DIA, DIP, or Chain of Command
• 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
• Visit the Call it Out hub on defnet or Defence Connect
• Contact the Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU)
• Civilian – Call the Employee Assistance Programme: 0800 731 8629 (UK) +44 330 008 5959 (outside UK)
• 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: [email protected]
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about the survey, please contact: Rik Vandekerckhove via [email protected] (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.
