Responsibilities, activities and presence
of the Chain of Command, Chaplains, WRVS at initial training establishments
ARMY
The following applies to both Phase 1 and Phase
2 establishments.
Commanding Officer
— Command of training unit.
— Responsible to his commander for
the consistent high standards of recruit training applied in all
training companies.
— Responsible for admin, morale, efficiency
and discipline within the unit.
— Efficient management of his basic
level budget.
— Initiating officer for confidential
reports on majors and staff candidates: 1st SRO for all other
officers.
2IC
— Implement Phase 1 Recruit Training
in accordance with the Army Training System under the direction
of the Commanding Officer
— Implement the Training Approach devised
by the Commanding Officer.
— Devise and implement the Training
Cycle
— Deputise for the Commanding Officer.
— Act as Unit Security Officer.
— Co-ordinate courses for the Permanent
Staff.
— Act as Senior Fund Manager.
— Supervise the management of training
resources.
— Budget (BLB) Management Planner.
— Act as Senior Reporting Officer as
ordered.
Sub-unit Command
— Command of a recruit company conducting
Phase 1 training courses appropriate to unit.
— Plan, execute and supervise the detailed
training programme within his sub-unit.
— Liaison with recruits' parents/families.
— Assessment of recruits under training.
— Supervision of Officers, SNCOs and
JNCOs in all aspects of their work.
— Validation of training.
— Management, including career planning
and personal development of instructors in company.
— Responsible for health, safety and
welfare of all permanent staff and recruits under his command.
— Initiating Officer for Confidential
Reports and Personnel Development Report of all permanent staff
in his unit.
— Line Manager for Civilian Clerk.
Adjutant
— Personal Staff Officer to the CO.
— Manning and establishments.
— All G1 (Administration & Discipline)
and MS (Military Secretary) matters.
Platoon/Troop Commander
— Command of a recruit platoon/troop
and training team staff.
— Execute the training programme for
his platoon/troop as appropriate to unit. —Including the
production of letters and training instructions.
— Conduct training as qualified.
— Responsible for health, safety and
welfare of all permanent staff and recruits under his/her command.
— Liaison with recruits' parents/families.
— Assessment of recruits under training
including writing and submitting reports and statistics as directed.
— Supervise and advise SNCO's and JNCOs
in all aspects of work.
— Monitor and counsel recruits/students
in welfare, training progress and career development.
— Monitor all aspects of G1 in his/her
platoon/troop (incl Permanent Staff) and recommend disciplinary,
welfare or remedial action through the Chain of Command.
— Assisting the sub-unit with the compilation
of SNCO and JNCO reports.
— Be OIC of a unit sport or extra mural
activity.
Padre (at least one per initial training establishment)
— Provide an effective chaplaincy to
the unit.
— Carry out sacramental, teaching,
preaching and caring role in order to enhance the moral and motivation
of recruits and staff.
— Liaise with other welfare agencies
as necessary.
— Advise training companies on specific
welfare cases as required.
— Liaise with other chaplains and local
churches.
— Provide counselling and advice to
recruits.
— Advise the CO & other staff as
necessary.
WRVS Staff (at least one per initial training
establishment)
— To ensure the WRVS club and activities
are run to the standard required in relation to: location; opening
times; facilities; welfare support and cash handling.
— To offer confidential support and
advice to soldiers using the club, whilst using personal judgement
in advising on suitable courses of action.
— To build good working relationships
and contacts with other parties involved in the welfare of the
unit.
— To support the CO with an independent
insight into the state of morale, of both the unit and individual
soldiers.
— To make suitable recommendations
to the CO for improving the welfare and recreational occupation
of service personnel.
Army Welfare Service (available for advice at
Brigade/District Headquarters)
— Available to provide welfare advice
to unit staff.
— Available to act as case officers
for individuals with specific welfare problems.
— Provide Community Support.
— Providing information on welfare
issues including the Service Community Official Guides.
— Co-ordinate the activities of outside
welfare agencies.
— Training in Welfare matters for all
members of AWS.
— Training of all Unit Welfare Officers.
Council for Voluntary Welfare Work (CVWW)
The CVWW is an association of the following
organisations:
— Young Women's Christian Association
(YWCA).
— Methodist Church Forces' Centres.
— Church of England Soldiers' and Airmens'
Clubs (CESSAC).
— The Mission to Military Garrisons
(MMG).
— Sandes Soldiers' and Airmen's Homes.
Facilities are provided in many training establishments
that supplement the services provided by the NAAFI, but offer
a non-alcoholic and Christian safe haven for trainees. As well
as providing recreational facilities, the staff of these establishments
can provide a source of advice and assistance.
RAF
RAF Chain of Command
See Ev 263.
Chaplains
Chaplains offer confidential support to recruits
in Phase 1 and 2 training. This frequently involves listening
to problems arising from a recruit's personal or family background,
relationship breakdown, abuse or bereavement. Although the support
is confidential, the solution may involve the chaplain in collaboration
with the chain of command, medical services, PMS or occasionally
statutory bodies. At all times a chaplain seeks to help the recruit
work out an appropriate course of action and in so doing encourages
maturity as well as remedial action.
Where there is a case of harassment or bullying,
a chaplain will support the recruit whilst the problem is investigated.
If the chaplain finds that a culture of harassment exists, he
is duty bound to report this to the chain of command.
It is important to realise that contact with
chaplains arises routinely through the delivery of the Beliefs
and Values Programme and is not dependent upon a contact through
crises.
Other
Training units have access to Community Development
Workers who co-ordinate the welfare resources of the RAF and the
wider welfare community. In addition, many units have volunteer
welfare organisations on a permanent or visiting basis. These
provide a confidential outlet for trainee (and staff) problems.
Such organisations invariably retain good links with the unit
chain of command but, equally, it is important that they are seen
as outside the chain of command and their confidentiality is respected.
NAVY
The role of the Command in ensuring the well
being of trainees has been reinforced by the DOC Appraisal. COs
are now charged with undertaking an annual review of the unit's
supervisory regime, morale, ethos and training culture.
Primary mechanism for ensuring the welfare of
trainees in the Royal Navy is the Divisional System. A DO Commands,
leads and manages those in the division. This is achieved through,
amongst other things:
— Meeting and engaging with the Division
both as a Team and as individuals.
— Effecting appropriate advancement.
— Instilling attitudes and discipline.
— Developing personal plans.
— Maintaining relationships with members
of the Division.
— Organising Divisional activities.
— Representing Divisional members.
This system is long established and well practised.
Its reinvigoration has been the subject of a personal drive from
2SL, which is aimed largely at emphasising the personal aspects
of being a DO rather than the administrative. He has specifically
targeted Commanding Officers and Heads of Departments in this
drive to ensure that they actively support, encourage and develop
their DOs. This drive has also included a revamp of DO training.
Chaplains are present in good numbers in each
of the Initial Training establishments. Since the DOC Appraisal
they have worked hard with training staff to increase the opportunities
for trainees to have access to them.
WRVS do not serve in Naval establishments.
Specialist welfare services are provided by
Naval Personal and Family Services (NPFS), who are located in
each of the main Base Port areas. There is a RM Welfare unit at
CTCRM.
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