Armed Forces Harassment and Bullying 2024-05-20
2024-05-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a growing concern over harassment and bullying cases within the UK's armed forces. There has been a rise in service complaints, with 262 cases ruled admissible in 2023 compared to 227 in 2022.
What recent assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of harassment and bullying cases in the armed forces. The number of cases is increasing, and there are concerns about whether people feel confident coming forward with complaints.
In 2023, there were 262 service complaints relating to bullying, harassment and discrimination, compared with 227 in 2022. Changes to the service complaints system in June 2022 have encouraged people to come forward with their complaints. The “My Complaint” app will make the process easier and more accessible.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a comprehensive assessment of trends or address the increasing number of cases specifically.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question pertains to ensuring that staff supporting the armed forces through a new anti-bullying hotline are properly trained and can provide anonymous support.
Can the Minister tell me what training advisers have had, not only on how to help our armed forces, but on ensuring that everything is completely anonymised, so that people can go forward with their life and get the support and help that they need?
I can give my hon. Friend the assurance he seeks. The most important thing is to ensure that people have confidence that if they come forward with complaints, they will be listened to and taken seriously.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific details on training or anonymisation procedures.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been a doubling of reports of bullying, discrimination and harassment in the Ministry of Defence since 2019. Some cases remain unresolved for up to three years.
Given the doubling of reports of bullying, discrimination and harassment in the Ministry of Defence since 2019, and some cases remaining unresolved for up to three years, what is the Minister doing to address the toxic culture in his Department? Why is it that such things seem to be worsening on this Government's watch?
A lot has been done over the past two or three years, including setting up the defence serious crime unit and the defence victim witness care unit. We have a zero-tolerance approach, encouraging people to come forward knowing their complaints will be investigated independently.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not directly address why reports are doubling or cases remaining unresolved for three years.
Response accuracy