State of the Sector Report
Posted in Views by Philip Dent, Director, Service Children’s Progression Alliance
The history and future of the SCiP Alliance is a story of community and impact. This report, our first State of the Sector review since 2022, is both a reflection of the progress we have made together and a call to action for the work still to be done.
Since our last consultation, the sector has grown in confidence, capability and collaboration. The evidence base is expanding, professional networks are strengthening, and the voices of children and young people from Armed Forces families are increasingly shaping the support they receive. These are signs of a maturing sector, one that is more connected, more informed, and more ambitious for the children of serving and ex-UK Armed Forces personnel.
This report confirms that the sector is rich in assets: from high-quality resources and strong relationships to a growing awareness of the cohort’s distinct experiences. It also highlights persisting challenges—e.g. mobility support, data gaps, and the interaction of national policy and local practice—that limit the scale of impact we want for Service children. And it highlights the need to engage all parts of the sector more fully in that mission.
What stands out to me is the sector’s sustained and shared commitment to making a difference. Practitioners across settings show increasing confidence in their ability to support Armed Forces children and young people, and they are clear about what would help them do even more: better data, smarter policy, stronger networks, and sustained investment.
The SCiP Alliance exists to help realise that potential. We bring together allies from across the UK to build evidence, shape policy, and enhance practice. We do this not just to improve systems, but to improve lives. And we do it together—because the community makes the impact possible.
I am delighted with the progress we have made as a community, and I am energised by the clarity of purpose this report helps provide. It is a testament to the sector’s strength and a roadmap for our shared future. Let’s use it to deepen our collaboration, sharpen our focus, and accelerate our impact—so that every child from an Armed Forces family can thrive.
Access the report below.
