Transformation-Collaboration and Consensus: Co-Production Report

The Royal Marines Association (RMA) received a £300,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to explore the viability of the HARDFACTS assessment framework for veterans over three years, concluding in April 2026. This initiative builds on previous research aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness among veterans with PTSD. HARDFACTS is a comprehensive tool that assists military personnel and service leavers in personal development and planning, addressing key areas such as health, accommodation, finance, and family. It aligns with the Ministry of Defence's welfare policy, which emphasizes the well-being of service personnel.
Method: The project focused on fostering inter-agency collaboration among a range of organisations, veterans and their families through a series of co-production events. The concept of co-production was central to the project, allowing all stakeholders to be heard. This collaborative effort aimed to explore the possibility of a universal assessment framework that meets the needs of both individuals and organisations within the military and veteran support sectors. The goals included understanding current assessment processes, fostering consensus on frameworks, and developing effective data-sharing protocols.
Findings: The research team, in collaboration with the Royal Marines Association (RMA), explored the development of HARDFACTS as a framework for health and social care assessments in the military and veteran community through one online and two in-person co-production events. These events involved diverse stakeholders, including military representatives, NHS staff, social care providers, and veterans.