SECTION 3
A response to the Terms of Reference as
outlined in the Defence Committee's News Release, 19th March 2004
(a) To examine how the Armed Forces discharge
their duty of care responsibilities to recruits under initial
training
As part of the recruit's general induction in
weeks 1 & 2, SWOs are introduced to them. The SWO will then
hold a separate induction session specifically to explain in detail
the role of the SWO and how they can assist the recruit with welfare/personal
issues. It will also be emphasised to the recruit that while Services
Welfare is part of the CO's welfare team, they can rely on SWOs
to respect their confidence. The SWO will always attempt to dispense
practical help to them to ensure they settle into their training
with minimum anxiety.
Equally, WRVS are invited to present to permanent
staff as part of their induction during their commencement at
the training regiment. The emphasis at this presentation is how
we co-operate to support each other and the recruit. It is very
much a "team" effort.
This team effort is essential, as on occasions
the training staff are also in need of practical and emotional
support due to the intensity of the initial training which they
are responsible for delivering.
(b) To consider what improvements might be
made to the duty of care regime for these recruits, consistent
with maintaining operational effectiveness
With regards to educational needs, it is appreciated
that some recruits have become detached from the national curriculum
and their educational achievements are somewhat lower than would
be expected.
While it is appreciated that the Army is committed
to supporting young people who experience learning difficulties,
this frequently presents further pressures for the training staff
who often have to assist the recruit with very basic reading and
writing skills. This can reduce, for the recruit, the skills they
require during initial training to equip them to move onto Phase
Two training and subsequently the field Army.
(c) To examine the Armed Forces' ability to
assess risk to recruits under training and their ability to recommend
improvements to the care regime
We consider a higher ratio of training staff
to recruits would be beneficial in assisting training staff to
identify potential problems, which may be of a personal nature
or actually linked to the training regime.
(d) To examine the effectiveness with which
these recommendations are implemented
To ensure the effectiveness of any welfare team,
it is essential that the team meets regularly to discuss and debate
current and potential welfare issues in order to move these forward.
More consistency is required in ensuring these
meetings are held and a policy of best practice adopted as the
standard.
(e) To consider the need for independent oversight
of Armed Forces recruit training
There are a number of civilian welfare agencies
who currently provide an independent oversight of welfare within
the Armed Forces and in particular in recruit training.
These agencies collectively share a wide breadth
of military knowledge whilst maintaining their independence as
civilians standing outside the military system.
In general the Armed Forces is highly skilled
at self regulation as is highlighted by the depth of the DOC report
on Initial Training.
More encouragement should be afforded to civilian
welfare agencies as a fundamental part of the CO's team.
CONCLUSION
As identified in the DOC report, resources,
space and equipment are sometimes limited. Consequently, this
reduces the number of recruits that can be encouraged into the
WRVS clubs, effectively reducing the access to recruits' problems.
Whilst we appreciate financial constraints exist,
Services Welfare's contribution to the duty of care regime could
be significantly improved with the provision of better facilities.
June 2004
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