The summary findings from the research are:

• Lack of information– there is very limited data or research evidence about the experience of veterans from minority ethnic groups.
• Employment challenges– The transition to civilian life was broadly successful, especially where their civilian job was most similar to that in the armed forces. However, on average, ethnic minority veterans face greater disadvantage in the labour market than white majority veterans. They are twice as likely as their white peers to face unemployment and are more likely to be in lower-skilled jobs. While veterans in general experience stereotypical views from others about a fifth of ethnic minority veterans experienced racism related to employment.
• Housing disparities– Younger veterans and those with shorter service periods report greater concerns about housing affordability and stability. Their experiences were similar to those from the white majority, but some felt more restricted in their choice of residence.
• Social integration– While many veterans have positive relationships within their communities, 22% report feelings of loneliness, while cultural stereotypes continue to shape public perceptions. Many found difficulty to adjusting to living in civilian neighbourhoods after leaving a “ready-made community”.
• Financial advice gaps– The needs of ethnic minority veterans are not much different from people in general, but nearly half of veterans had received no financial guidance before leaving the Armed Forces.
• Underutilised mental health support– Stigma remains a significant barrier within some communities, preventing many veterans from accessing available mental health services.

The report makes a series of recommendations for the support of ethnic minority veterans:

• Employment: A more bespoke and individualised service prior to transition that takes into account the existing knowledge and aspirations of all veterans, including those from an ethnic minority background/

• Finance and debt: A better tailored advice service for veterans should be made available for longer after leaving the Armed Forces.

• Health and wellbeing: A clearer message should be delivered while people are in the Armed Forces and afterwards that seeking support is not a weakness. The stigma in certain communities around needing mental health support in particular should be addressed.

• Community and relationships: Support the creation of more geographically diverse veteran communities (using the internet and social media) in order to strengthen social connections for ethnic minority veterans.

• Housing: More advice should be provided to ethnic minority veterans about rights to housing and about the financial support that the Armed Forces can offer them to make the transition into civilian housing.

• Promoting awareness and uptake of advice: It is necessary to maintain a consistent effort to reach those who are less engaged but who nonetheless may benefit from support.

• An advice service for veterans from an ethnic minority background: There is a need for further research to determine both the need for and feasibility of offering more targeted support for veterans from an ethnic minority background, and how this would fit into the existing support framework (were it to be considered necessary).

The findings of the research will be used to help put the voices of ethnic minority veterans at the heart of decision-making about the information and services they need, ensuring that support is appropriate and accessible to veterans of all backgrounds.