Communities and Social Engagement on the MOD Estate

MOD Wider Issues
The MOD plays a full part in contributing to wider community values by considering the impacts of defence activities on civilian communities and ensuring that they are as positive as possible. It also works to ensure that defence communities embody the principles of sustainable development. Engagement with the wider UK community takes place by supporting groups such as veterans and young people, commitments to promote equality and diversity and health and safety within the workplace are taken very seriously. Responsibilities towards staff and members of the public include volunteering, flexible working, travel and transport, access to the estate, equality and diversity, third sector engagement, training and skills.

MOD Policy and Strategy Drivers

The MOD has produced its Sustainable Development Strategy which sets out our commitment to 'Securing the Future', the government's Sustainable Development strategy. The MOD's Sustainable Communities and Fairer World aim is:

For the delivery of Defence Capability to contribute to the creation of a fairer world, more sustainable UK communities, and an environment in which people can fulfil their potential.

The requirements of sustainable communities on the MOD estate are also included in the following MOD policies and strategies.

In Trust and On Trust The Defence Estate Strategy 2006 aims to develop defence communities by incorporating the Governments Sustainable Communities Agenda into Departmental estate planning. One of the strategic aims is to develop defence communities where civilian and military personnel and their families wish to live and work both now and in the future and recognise the sustainable development needs of other communities. The document sets out measures of success for this strategic aim.

The MOD's Sustainable Development Strategy 2008 sets out how MOD will support the Government strategy Securing the Future, and the MOD Sustainable Development Report and Action Plan 2008 includes key actions and targets on Community Engagement; Sustainable Development and Global Stability; Veterans; Young People; Equality and Diversity; Health and Safety; and Volunteering.

In response to the MOD's central policy Defence Estates set out objectives and targets for specific estate actions in the DE Sustainable development Report and Action Plan 2009:

Community and Social Engagement on the estate

Historic Environment
MOD owns and manages a significant historic estate in the UK and overseas. MODs vision is to promote its sustainable use in recognition of the role and value it plays in supporting defence and local communities. A heritage strategic statement provides details of MOD's commitments on the historic environment.

Volunteering, training and skills
All staff are encouraged to take an active role in volunteering in the community. In addition to individual voluntary activities the Department runs programmes in association with the Princes Trust, such as Challenge Cymru, which enables staff to develop teamwork/communication skills by working with young adults from underprivileged backgrounds.

Staff are encouraged to continually develop skills that enable better working with the community/occupants of the etstate.

Public Access
There is a presumption in favour of public access to the MOD estate for safe public enjoyment where this is compatible with military requirements. Further information can be obtained on the MOD public access website.

Outreach Activities and Conservation Groups
Outreach activities, such as environment days, fêtes, and shared open spaces are a way of building relationships and binding a community. These are founded on partnerships between organisations (such as Defence Estates, the Army Welfare Service, Wildlife Trusts and local groups) and a series of outdoor activities that provide widespread benefits for stakeholder engagement and on-going social inclusion are underway.

Conservation groups engage people with a connection to the site in the management of conservation issues at sites with particular conservation interests.

Equality and diversity
Defence Estates is committed to responsibilities that recognise the equality and diversity of people and ensure that staff are treated fairly and with respect without any discrimination. These are factors are particularly relevant in the consideration of estate development and design.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing
The MOD attaches the highest importance to the health and safety of all our people when going about their normal routine business, and equally of our contractors and visitors. It seeks to conduct it’s activities, to ensure a strong healthy and just society by improving the health of it’s workforce and reducing health and safety failures. This will help achieve a more sustainable economy and community.

The list of issues relevant to estate communities and social engagement is extensive, however key points to consider are:

Planning, design, stakeholder consultation, materials/natural resources that minimise negative environmental impacts, use of local supply chains, accessibility features and access to amenities, mixed land-use, layouts and external features of buildings to deter crime, noise management (e.g. choice of site boundaries that can minimise noise or vibration), accessibility to transport, design for well being and sense of place, safety and security (e.g. natural surveillance, functional access by service vehicles).

Definitions and Terminology

Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services for all.

Characteristics of Sustainable Communities