King’s College's Answer to Royal Navy's Morale Challenge
At the heart of the Royal Navy lies its dedicated personnel, each bringing unique strengths to the fore. Recognising this, H4MoD students from the 'Measuring Skills' team at King’s College London's esteemed Department of War Studies set out on a transformative journey. Guided by the vision of their Problem Sponsor, Commander Nicola Cripps, they aimed to revolutionise the way Career Managers in the Navy perceive and place their personnel.
Their mission? To ensure every individual finds their rightful place, amplifying their talents and fortifying the Navy's spirit and retention. How did they do it?
The H4MoD process involves a key approach: ‘getting out of the building’ ensuring that students involved in the programme speak to and meet (where possible) key stakeholders who each have an insight on the problem at hand.
Discovering the Real Challenge
Upon their initial discussion with Cdr Cripps, the students unearthed a concerning trend: many junior rating personnel felt misplaced in their roles, leading to dissatisfaction and a notable attrition rate. This was especially prevalent among those transitioning from dynamic, hands-on roles to more administrative, office-based positions.
However, a visit to HMS Diamond provided a broader perspective. Through group interviews and first-hand observations, the team recognised that the shift in job roles wasn't the sole issue. The living conditions on-board were far from ideal, further dampening the morale of the staff.
A Three-Pronged Strategy for Boosting Morale
Recognising the multifaceted nature of the problem, the team proposed an innovative three-strain hybrid solution. This approach aimed to:
Address the initial challenge presented by the Problem Sponsor.
Enhance the living conditions onboard, uplifting the spirits of the personnel.
Foster a sense of belonging and satisfaction among the staff.
Student Madison Otalora reflected on her visit, stating:
“The trip to HMS Diamond was a revelation. Witnessing the state of the junior ratings’ quarters onboard was an eye-opener, sparking ideas on how we could make a difference.”
The team devised solution encompassed the following elements:
A digital app allowing users to submit satisfaction surveys.
A Fulfilment Analyst, serving as a friendly liaison, visiting ships bi-monthly to gauge and uplift the satisfaction levels of junior ranks.
The introduction of a Non-Executive Director from outside the Royal Navy, responsible for monitoring satisfaction trends and ensuring senior staff address any arising issues.
From Visionary Solutions to Tangible Impact
The team's holistic approach transcended the initial challenge, addressing broader issues that affected morale. Their blend of digital innovation, personal touchpoints, and transparent accountability aims to rejuvenate the Navy's spirit. The goal is clear: every individual in the Royal Navy should feel valued, motivated, and fulfilled.
So, what's next on the horizon? The team’s Problem Sponsor is already charting out plans to bring this robust solution to life. As for the students, their passion for defence has been further ignited by this project. The future looks promising, and we eagerly await their next steps in the defence ecosystem.
Want to Dive Deeper into Our Courses? Get in touch with us at info@commonmission.uk