WHEN TRISH Jakeman was appointed Defence Families Champion for the MOD, she took on the role determined to make sure the voices of service families are heard.
“I’m humbled to have been appointed Defence Families Champion and trusted to represent service families,” she says. “It’s not just the military person who is serving; their family and children are too.”
Having worked for Defence for 30 years, Trish brings professional experience and personal understanding to the role. With her son now considering a future in the Armed Forces, she appreciates the impact service life can have on families.
Listening to families
A key part of Trish’s role is ensuring that families’ experiences help shape future decisions.
“I ensure the voices of families are at the heart of decisionmaking,” she explains. “I’m never afraid to challenge policies or processes that could impact families’ experiences.”
She regularly raises concerns with senior defence leaders, ministers and industry partners, helping to ensure family perspectives influence decisions.
Family feedback has already helped drive a greater focus on clearer communication, easierto-navigate services and a more customer-focused approach to housing support.
What is the Defence Housing Service?
One of the most significant changes ahead is the establishment of the Defence Housing Service (DHS), creating a dedicated organisation focused on delivering better homes and services for Service families.
“Our aim is to improve the overall experience for families – whether that’s the quality of homes, the speed and consistency of service, the way we communicate, or how easy it is to get help when something goes wrong,” she says.
While some improvements, particularly those involving housing upgrades, will take time, progress is already being made. Customer feedback is helping to shape improvements, alongside a focus on delivering better service and clearer communication.
Looking ahead
Trish’s vision is simple: “Modern homes, strong communities and better experiences for service families.”
Success, she says, will be measured by families feeling listened to, supported and happy with their homes. Improvements already introduced include enhanced move-in standards, clearer information and processes, and greater freedom for families to personalise and manage their homes.
For families wanting to make their voices heard, opportunities are growing. Regional experience committee groups, housing surgeries, local impact days and regular engagement with the families federations help ensure family experiences are reflected in future decisions.
If you’re experiencing housing difficulties, Trish encourages families not to struggle in silence. Your first step is to contact your local housing officer. You can find their details at defencehomes.mod.gov.uk. If the problem persists, share your experiences with Trish at Tricia.Jakeman975@mod.gov.uk.