Supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans into meaningful and sustained employment is an investment in their future that is worth around £5.7 million, according to a new study.
Research has found that the employability service run by national charity The Poppy Factory has a positive impact for veterans, the NHS, the state and wider society. It is estimated that for every £1 invested in the service, the social return on the investment (SROI) now and for the next five years is approximately £4.80.
Improved job prospects and increased earnings potential for veterans with mental or physical health conditions were found to have the most significant social value, worth an expected £3.7 million while receiving support over five years.
Improved mental and emotional wellbeing was the second most significant finding, generating £1 million in social value through improved confidence and financial comfort, relief from depression and anxiety and reduced clinical costs.
Another estimated £650,000 is generated through improved physical wellbeing, including the mental and emotional wellbeing from the relief of drug and alcohol problems and the need for fewer medical appointments. Further value is created through increased engagement with charitable and community causes, reduced re-offending and reduced housing benefits.
The study also found that if cost efficiencies recently brought in by The Poppy Factory had existed in 2017/18, the social return on investment would be £6.89 for every £1 of expenditure.
The research conducted by PwC UK is based on secondary research as well as a survey of 443 veterans supported by The Poppy Factory in 2017/18, all of whom have a mental or physical health condition.
Deirdre Mills, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said:
“This report from PwC UK reveals just how much value there is in employing ex-Forces men and women with health conditions, both for the veterans themselves and for society as a whole.
“It is clear that every penny spent supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans into meaningful and sustained work is an investment well made. And whilst it is important to measure the social value of our specific employability service, we also believe it is important to highlight the continued contribution that our veterans can make to our wider society.”
Mark Thompson, Director in PwC UK’s Sustainability practice, said:
“It’s been a privilege to witness the dedication and commitment that staff at The Poppy Factory bring to their employability service. We hope our SROI study will further aid them in their understanding of the impact of their work and serve as a platform for its further development.”
Former Army Pharmacy Technician Andrea Bartlett, who was discharged after developing a degenerative optic nerve disease, was supported by The Poppy Factory to find work as a classroom instructor in London schools and later to set up in business as a wildlife artist.
AndreaAndrea said:
“In the military, you feel quite stable because you always have a roof over your head and there’s a good support network. It’s very different in the civilian world and it was a challenge when I got out.
“I first came to The Poppy Factory in 2012 and they were really supportive in helping me get a job with the education charity SkillForce Development, working as a classroom instructor in London schools. In August 2018 I started my own art business, Bart & Eddie Design Studio, and my adviser Keiron was really helpful, encouraging me to take my time and do things step by step instead of rushing in and trying to do too much.
“I come into contact with a lot of veterans online and on social media and I often tell them to take a look at The Poppy Factory. If you have an injury or there’s something difficult that you’re going through and you want to get back into work, The Poppy Factory can really help.”