Select Committee on Defence Written Evidence


Procedures relating to allegations against instructors

ARMY

  Two documents—AGAI 67 and a letter from the Director General Army Training and Recruiting—set out Army policy towards for dealing with individuals who have had allegations made against them. Copies of these documents have been provided to the Committee.[7] It should be noted that AGAI 67 has been rewritten and although the rewritten version attached comes into effect on 1 January 2005 the Army are already operating within the spirit of this new version. The important point to note in AGAI 67 is at Paras 13, 14 and 15 which deal with the way in which individuals are treated. Particular emphasis is placed on the following statement at Para 14:

    "the CO must also ensure the rights of the accused are protected and the investigations proceed on the assumption of innocence"

  The process of protecting the individuals concerned may well involve their separation until the investigation of any allegations is complete. Very often the only way to achieve this will be to move the instructor to work in another sub-unit or possibly a local unit. The essential point is that it is the CO's job is to deal with each case individually using his own judgement within the guidelines of AGAI 67 and the guidance given by DGATR in his letter of 23 June 2003.

NAVY

  Navy policy on the treatment of individuals against whom allegations have been made is set out in QR RN 42 and PLAGO 0411. Copies of the relevant sections have been forwarded to the Committee. Paragraphs 18 and 19 of PLAGO 0411 deal with the treatment of the individuals concerned and both are afforded equal protection.

    "Throughout the process, both the Complainant and the alleged harasser or bully must be offered impartial advice, access to a legal advisor (if desired), and given every support and encouragement in seeking to resolve the matter."

  Instructors are made aware of this policy and are informed that they will be supported on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This is reinforced at divisional meetings. Allegations are treated as an equal opportunities issue until proven otherwise. Once an allegation is made EO/Diversity policies are scrupulously followed. Each side has access to (separate) EO Advisor who guides/tutors through the process. Investigations are carried out before any decisions on disciplinary action are taken. If complaints are made by external parties, the police are involved, and their advice followed.

RAF

  RAF policy on the investigation of complaints about discrimination, harassment and bullying is set out in Air Publication 3392, volume 4, leaflet 1805. A copy of this is attached. The RAF does not have a specific policy regarding allegations made against instructors in the training environment, and these are dealt with on a case by case basis.

  The main publication that is used to advise teaching staff is the RAF "Zero Tolerance" pamphlet—RAF Equality and Diversity Policy & Internal Complaints Procedure, A Guide for RAF and MOD Civilian Personnel (produced by Media Services, TGDA, RAF Innsworth and revised July 02). This is introduced to all staff during their induction training and is reinforced during continuation training. A copy of this has been forwarded to the Committee. Paragraph 14 of this publication states:

    "If you are accused of harassment, you will be given the opportunity to give your account of events. The same avenues of support are available to you as any potential complainant."

  Further advice for staff is available from Equal Opportunities Advisors. These EOAs have a level of experience that would normally be associated with case workers or line management on a busy RAF Station and are readily available to all members of staff as well as recruits.

Related documents[8]

    —  Guidance to Commanders on the treatment of individuals accused of harassment/bullying (Annex M to AGAI 67).

    —  Letter from Director General Army Training and Recruiting to Operating Division Commanders on procedures relating to allegations against instructors.

    —  Air Publications 3392, volume 4, chapter 18, leaflet 1805.

    —  "Zero Tolerance: RAF Equality and Diversity Policy" pamphlet.

    —  PLAGO 0411.

    —  Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy, chapter 42.





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