The Cranfield School of Management has obtained a grant to better identify opportunities for women transitioning from the UK Armed Forces into civilian employment.
Official Event Partner: Cranfield University
New research indicates that ex-servicewomen are less likely to gain paid employment in comparison to their male counterparts, and are more likely to remain economically inactive. Now, academics from the Cranfield School of Management have been tasked with finding out why.
The Forces in Mind Trust, which supports ex-service personnel and their families as they acclimatise to civilian life, made the award of just under £100,000. The overriding aim is to understand why women leave the Armed Forces, identify what makes their outcomes different to those of their male equivalents, and advise how these differences might be addressed.
According to Emma Parry, Professor of Human Resource Management and Head of the School’s Changing World of Work Group: “There is a lack of evidence about the employment outcomes for female Armed Forces leavers, but what data is available seems to suggest that women struggle more to obtain paid employment in civilian life. Through our research, we will endeavour to find out if this is the case, why it might be happening and what the Government, business and society can do about it.
“We are delighted to have been commissioned by the Forces in Mind Trust to carry out this important piece of work, and are looking forward to getting started.”
Rather appropriately, the funding marks the Trust’s 100th award and coincides with the centenary of women serving in the Armed Forces – a milestone to be celebrated over 2018.
The Cranfield School of Management – along with its research partner, the Institute for Employment Studies – was contracted to conduct the study following a competitive tender process. The study itself will explore outcomes for male and female personnel, and compare outcomes for female servicewomen to those women already in the labour market, considering such factors as employment, unemployment and rate of inactivity.
Ray Lock, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, added: “It’s fantastic that, as we celebrate 100 years of women serving in the UK Armed Forces, our 100th grant award relates to gaining a better understanding of their outcomes post-service.
“Over the past five years, we have funded several pieces of research relating to employment outcomes – which can be a critical component of successful transition.”
Cranfield University are event partners at Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2018, which takes place at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on 27 March.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to attend, sponsor or exhibit at DPRTE 2018. Book now at www.dprte.co.uk/book-now.
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