Covid-19 Armed Forces Professional Development 2021-02-01

2021-02-01

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
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.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that armed forces personnel continue their professional development during the covid-19 pandemic?
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.
Assessment & feedback
Remain Committed Working Collaboratively
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
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.
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?
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.
Assessment & feedback
Working Collaboratively Valid Point
Response accuracy