Initial training exit surveys
ARMY
The exit questionnaire referred to in the evidence
session transcript (Q41 onwards) refers to a full-scale trial
that ATRA is carrying out on behalf of all three Services, with
a view to harmonisation of the existing survey forms.
The questionnaire being developed by ATRA is
in response to a recommendation from the DOC Audit, and aims to
elicit the views of the trainees about the quality and benefits
of their training. The trainee completes the questionnaire anonymously
at the end of Phase 1 and then again at the end of Phase 2. If
Phase 2 were spread across several establishments then the trainee
would complete the questionnaire on leaving each establishment.
It is filled in not only by those who complete their course but
also by those who leave early.
A copy of the instructions for administering
the survey is attached. It is carried out in a quiet room, and
is completely anonymous. Trainees are provided with an envelope
in which to seal their completed forms. The instructions provide
that the person administering the survey must remain in a position
where he/she cannot see how the trainees are completing the form,
and it is stressed that they must not in any way try to influence
the answers.
NAVY
Each trainee is given a copy of the survey form
on completion of training and a stamped addressed return envelope.
They are free to complete the questionnaire wherever they wish,
which can be in the workplace if they so choose. Irrespective
of where the Survey is completed no Service pressure is applied.
The questionnaire is completed individually, entirely anonymously
and returned singly.
For ratings and officers who Premature Voluntary
Release (PVR), the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency New Entry
(NRTANE) survey is distributed. For ratings, the survey is sent
out by NRTANE Staff Officers. For officers, the Britannia Royal
Naval College (BRNC) or Directorate of Personnel Support (Navy)
(DPS (N)) distributes the survey.
Whether or not the survey is completed and returned
is a matter for individuals, and the process can be anonymous
(although respondents are given the option to include personal
details, to allow for a follow-up interview if appropriate). They
are distributed with a stamped addressed envelope for return,
and completion is therefore free from any Service influence (and
the individual will in any event have already left the Service).
These arrangements have been in place for about
a year and were introduced, ahead of the Directorate of Operational
Capability (DOC) appraisal, as part of Flag Officer Training and
Recruiting's (FOTR) Wastage Action Plan (WAP).
All completed surveys are returned to QinetiQ,
for analysis. The current response rate is 26% although discussions
are ongoing with QinetiQ as to how this might be improved.
RAF
On completion of their training course, each
trainee is given a copy of the survey form and a stamped addressed
return envelope. They are free to complete the questionnaire wherever
they wish, which can be in the workplace if they so choose. Irrespective
of where the Survey is completed no Service pressure is applied.
The questionnaire is completed individually, entirely anonymously
and returned singly.
A copy of the current tri-Service trainee survey
(adapted for RAF use) is attached.[12]
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