Select Committee on Defence Written Evidence


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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