Initially led by Professor Clare Lyonette, IER has undertaken a series of research projects that have resulted in changes in policy and practice by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and by federations and charities in supporting women in military contexts.

The research has informed an MoD-led pilot of flexible working, and which is now established as a flexible working programme across the Armed Forces.

It also informed the MoD’s Chief of Defence People Directorate’s submission to the Independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body in 2015 and continues to inform MoD policy in relation to new personnel strategies.

The research also led to the Army Families Federation setting up a new employment platform for the 65,000 UK military spouses and partners.

The research was also used to provide evidence to support the implementation of a new Families Programme by the Forces Employment Charity which now helps military spouses and partners into employment with the introduction of a dedicated Families Employment Advisor.

This work has therefore helped to support thousands of the armed forces community improve their work and employment prospects.

Research continues, now led by Dr Sally-Anne Barnes who has a grant from the Office for Veteran Affairs’ to understand the lived experiences of UK veterans from ethnic minority backgrounds. The research aims to 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.