Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Armed Forces Professional Development

Monday 1 February 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government is committed to ensuring the professional development of armed forces personnel continues during the pandemic, prioritizing safety through measures like social distancing and testing.
  • The issue of updating gendered rank titles in the armed forces to reflect modern diversity is being considered by the chiefs.
  • Diversity and inclusion leads across the services are collaborating to develop an inclusive language guide for release.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Flick Drummond Con
Defence
Context

The question pertains to the continuation of professional development for armed forces personnel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks specific steps taken by the Department.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that armed forces personnel continue their professional development during the covid-19 pandemic?

Answer from James Heappey

The Government remain committed to ensuring that the professional development of our armed forces personnel continues during this difficult time. The safety of our workforce and their families is paramount. Measures including social distancing and, where appropriate, testing regimes have supported the continuation of prioritised face-to-face training. Alongside that, innovative ways of working and use of virtual platforms has enabled remote delivery of other professional development activity, including for those transitioning to civilian life or undertaking professional qualifications.

Partly answered

How: Remain Committed, Working Collaboratively

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Q2 Flick Drummond Con
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The question addresses the issue of gendered rank titles within the armed forces, specifically asking for measures to encourage personal development for women serving.

Question

More and more women are pursuing careers in the armed forces. Will my hon. Friend look at how their personal development can be encouraged by ensuring that the remaining gendered rank titles are updated to reflect the modern make-up of the services?

Answer from James Heappey

My hon. Friend makes a very valid point, and this former rifleman rather agrees. The issue of gendered rank titles is something that the chiefs have been considering. Diversity and inclusion leads are working collaboratively across the services to develop an inclusive language guide for release in the spring. That guide is informed by the wider work that NATO has done to produce gender-inclusive language manuals.

Partly answered

How: Working Collaboratively, Valid Point

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