Armed Forces Skills for the Future 2023-11-20
2023-11-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the armed forces have the skills required for the future.
In June 2023, the Ministry of Defence published the Haythornthwaite review of armed forces incentivisation. Multiple teams are being stood up across Defence to implement all 67 recommendations, working to establish a reward and incentivisation architecture that will attract and retain skills.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific steps or timelines for ensuring future skills in armed forces.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MOD is the biggest single employer of apprentices, with over 15,000 soldiers currently on the programme.
Does he agree that the apprenticeship scheme is not only bringing in future talent, but ensuring that those individuals have the skills for the remainder of their lives?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I enjoyed my relatively recent visit to Harrogate. More than 95% of all non-commissioned recruits across the armed forces are offered apprenticeships mapped to their training.
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Assessment & feedback
While agreeing with the statement, he did not provide additional information or statistics about long-term benefits of the scheme.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Given that defence is reserved and education/skills are devolved.
What discussions is my right hon. Friend having with the devolved Administrations to ensure that the skills needed by our British armed forces are being developed across our whole United Kingdom?
The Ministry of Defence actively engages with the devolved Administrations to align education, skills and development, using the UK-wide pan-Defence skills framework to ensure requirements are met across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide specifics on discussions or plans for alignment.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Beyond the Battlefield is a charity in Strangford that helps veterans with accommodation and skills development.
I have extended an invitation to the Minister to come to Northern Ireland to visit Beyond the Battlefield, so I will extend that again. I think he will be impressed—I know I am—and he will see that what we do in Northern Ireland can be done elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
It is always a joy to visit Strangford—one of the most beautiful places in these islands. I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's invitation; I have it at the front of my mind and when I am in Northern Ireland I will ensure that I visit.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to visiting Beyond the Battlefield or discussing their work with veterans.
It Is Always A Joy To Visit Strangford—One Of The Most Beautiful Places In These Islands.
Response accuracy