Official Statistics

Questionnaire for the Single Living Accommodation Lived Experience Survey 2024

Published 5 September 2024

Introduction

Single Living Accommodation (SLA) Lived Experience Survey: Understanding the views of Service personnel on Single Living Accommodation (SLA)

Survey Information

Please read this information about the survey and if content, provide consent to take part in the survey on the next page.

Invitation to take part:

We are inviting you to take part in this survey about SLA. This survey provides an opportunity for you to share your views and experiences of SLA and help shape the future of Defence accommodation. 

What is 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?

All Service personnel, regardless of whether they currently use SLA or not can take part in this survey.

What is the purpose of the research?

The purpose of this research 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 outputs of this research will be used to inform and shape decisions on the future design of SLA.

Who is doing this research?

The research is being led and conducted by the Defence People Accommodation Analysis Team, part of MOD 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 17 00 Monday 3rd June 2024.

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

You can withdraw at any time before selecting ‘I agree’ on the consent form at the start 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.

Will the findings be published?

Yes, the findings will be published in a research report on GOV.UK.

Are there any direct benefits to me of taking part?

Your participation in this survey provides a key opportunity for you to have your say and shape the future of SLA.

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

There are no anticipated disadvantages of taking part beyond the time commitment required. 

Will I receive any expenses or payments?

No, you will not receive any expenses or payments.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Personal information removed. 

Who do I contact if I have a complaint?

Personal information removed.

Will you tell other people what I say?

We will be sharing anonymised findings in a report with the Defence Accommodation Team and stakeholders. The anonymised findings will also be included in a research 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. 

Anonymised survey responses, aggregated data, and research reports will be stored in a secure SharePoint site until they are no longer required under MOD Data Protection Policy. 

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).

Compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki

This study will be conducted in accordance with the principles defined in the Declaration of Helsinki as adopted at the 64th WMA General Assembly at Fortaleza, Brazil in October 2013.

There are 54 questions in this survey.

Section: Consent

Consent Form

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 UK Data Protection legislation and the MOD Privacy Notice.

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

If you do wish to participate, 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

We would like to ask some questions about you.

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. Head Office (including MOD Main Building London and Bristol)
2. UK Strat Comm
3. DE&S
4. DNO
5. Air
6. Army
7. Navy
8. DIO
9. Other [Text box]

B3: What is your current Rank? [Mandatory]

Choose one of the following answers:

1. Seaman, Marine, Private or Aircraftman (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 flexible working option (please specify) [Text box]

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

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 (LTRE)
7. Other (including PStat Cat 1s/1c/5s/5c) (please specify) [Text box]

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 (please specify) [Text box]

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

Choose one of the following answers:

1. Property I rent - with a regular payment from Defence to contribute towards monthly rent
2. 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)’ in S1]

Choose one of the following answers:

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 (please specify) [Text box]

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)’ in 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

S4: In what way has (or will) your use of SLA change due to the impact of COVID-19 working practices, if at all? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA)’ in S1]

Choose one of the following answers:

1. I now (or will) remotely work from my family home the majority of the time and only require SLA less than 1 night per week.
2. I now (or will) remotely work from my family home the majority of the time and only require SLA less than 2 nights per week.
3. I now (or will) remotely work from my family home at times and only require SLA less than 3 nights per week.
4. I now (or will) remotely work from my family home at times and only require SLA less than 4 nights per week.
5. No change to use of SLA
6. Other change (please specify) [text box]

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:

1. Online booking tool
2. Personnel administrator
3. Email to administrator
4. Other (please specify) [Text box]

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

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 statement:

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

S9: Thinking about storage needs if you were to use SLA temporarily, would you consider yourself to be in a role where you would require specified storage (i.e. a storage locker/specified space) for your role-related belongings or sports kit?

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

S11: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement:

If SLA was offered on a temporary basis similar to a hotel, I would be content with the level of provision (e.g. room size) being different to that in permanent SLA accommodation.

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

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 (please specify) [Text box]

Section: Satisfaction

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

O3A: Are you aware of the new policy for pets in SLA?

Choose one of the following answers:

1. Yes
2. No
3. Unsure

O3B: How satisfied are you with the new SLA pets policy? [Asked only to respondents who answered ‘Yes’ in O3A]

Choose one of the following answers:

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

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 (please specify) [Text box]

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 (please specify) [Text box]

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. Other (please specify) [Text box]

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 (please specify) [Text box]

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 (please specify) [Text box]

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? [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 (please specify) [Text box]

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? [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 (please specify) [Text box]

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: 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).

[Text box]