Brunel University’s evaluation (2025) provides clear evidence that the Service Children’s Champion role:
- Transforms outcomes for children from Armed Forces families
- Strengthens communities, schools, and inter‑agency coordination
- Delivers exceptional value, reach, and long‑term impact
- Should be funded sustainably and adopted across the UK
The report positions the SCC as a model of best practice for local authorities nationwide.
The evaluation sets out a national framework built around five core components:
1. Awareness and Advocacy
Act as a champion for Service children across all forums; raise awareness of their needs; ensure their voices shape policy and practice.
2. Community Engagement and Support
Build strong partnerships with families, schools, Armed Forces units, and third‑sector organisations to create a cohesive support network.
3. Event Coordination
Deliver high‑quality events and activities that celebrate Service children and strengthen identity, pride, and community cohesion.
4. Education and Professional Support
Provide CPD, resources, and evidence‑based interventions that improve educational attainment, emotional wellbeing, and school engagement.
5. Strategic Leadership and Continuous Improvement
Lead on strategic planning, data analysis, evaluation, and alignment with national Armed Forces policy.
The Service Children’s Champion should be positioned with appropriate influence, responsibility, and long‑term funding.
Growing a Network of Service Children’s Champions
Across the country, more and more local authorities are recognising the vital importance of dedicated support for children from Armed Forces families. The Service Children’s Champion role in North Yorkshire has demonstrated how powerful this work can be — bringing together schools, families, the Armed Forces, and community partners to improve wellbeing, raise aspirations, and strengthen belonging.
But we know that real, lasting change happens when we work together.
We are now inviting local authorities, councils, education leads, and Armed Forces partners from across England to connect with us and help build a national network of Service Children’s Champions — a collaborative community committed to sharing best practice, shaping policy, and improving outcomes for Service children everywhere.
Strengthening Support for Service Families
Whether your local authority already has a Service Children’s lead, is exploring what support could look like, or is just beginning the journey, we are here to help.
By joining our growing network, you can:
✔ Access advice and professional mentoring
Learn from the work North Yorkshire has developed — from transition support and community engagement to event design and CPD delivery.
✔ Share best practice and resources
Access toolkits, templates, policy guidance, and examples of high‑impact activities you can adapt for your own area.
✔ Connect with other Champions across England
Build partnerships with local authorities, Armed Forces organisations, charities, and schools who are all working toward the same goals.
✔ Develop your own sustainable local model
Use the nationally informed Service Children’s Champion framework to shape or strengthen your local offer.
✔ Be part of a national evidence base
Help shape the future of support for Service children by contributing data, insight, and examples of effective practice.
Why Now?
With new national guidance, growing mobility challenges, and increasing numbers of Service children in schools across England, the need for coordination, expertise, and advocacy has never been greater.
Brunel University’s independent evaluation shows that a dedicated Champion role creates wide‑reaching, measurable, and cost‑effective impact for schools and families.
Together, we can build a stronger, more consistent national approach.
