Take part in our self-employment research project

The motivations and experiences of ex-Service personnel, Reservists and military spouses in self-employment have been historically under-researched. That’s why Forces in Mind Trust commissioned Warwick Institute for Employment Research at the University of Warwick, QinetiQ and X-Forces to undertake an ambitious research project, so we can understand what more can be done to support the Armed Forces Community in their pursuit of self-employment.

We need to hear from you

The next stage of the research project takes the form of an online survey, directed at former Armed Forces personnel, who are either self-employed or have considered pursuing a self-employment career. Some of the areas the survey covers are:

• Length of time since leaving the Armed Forces
• Whether or not you are part of the Reserve Forces
• Sources of advice and support you may have received
• Your military skills and experience that can be drawn upon in self-employment
• The type of self-employment you are in or plan to go into
• If you are aware of any financial, legal or policy issues which may have helped or hindered your pursuit of self-employment.

The survey is anonymous and takes around 20 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and resume the survey at a later stage.

Find out more and take the survey.

There is also the option to take part in a telephone interview. If you are interested, please email Clare Lyonette or Stefanie Poole at the Warwick Institute for Employment Research.

Martin Wing, X-Forces Chief Operating Officer said, “We are pleased to be partners on this important research project. We look forward to helping facilitate this research that will ultimately make the self-employment journey of future military community entrepreneurs a more positive and long-lasting experience.”

What next?

Your feedback will form the basis of a detailed report. Any conclusions and recommendations that come out of this report will then be used to inform relevant policy makers. In essence, our aim is to maximise your chance of a successful and sustainable transition into civilian life through self-employment.

Together let’s re-shape the self-employment future of the Armed Forces!