Instructions and guidance relating to
the return of a deceased's effects
Two documents detailing procedures relating
to the return of a deceased's effects were passed to the Committee
in September. They were: D/DPS(A)/23/3/PS(A) dated 18 March 2003,
Casualty Procedures—Disposal of Personal Effects and D/DPS(A)23/3/PS4(A)
dated 30 June 2003, Casualty Procedures Amendment—Disposal
of Effects.[27]
The deceased's belongings are treated with proper
respect and care under the procedures set out in "Casualty
Procedure 2000". For example, any jewellery or watch, if
biologically stained, is sanitised and presented in a box. The
Casualty Visiting Officer (CVO) is the link with the family, and
normally delivers such items personally. On occasion some personal
belongings, including letters, may have to be withheld if they
are needed as evidence in an on-going police investigation.
The Army Personnel Centre Glasgow handles requests
for the release of medical, dental or service records to next
of kin. Pay or pension related information is provided through
those personnel used to dealing with such matters—for example
the Unit Regimental Administrative Officer.
The CVO will assist the family through the various
welfare and benevolent agencies and put them in contact with the
Regimental Headquarters who can help with funding and on-going
support.
The Army very much regrets that some families
have been unhappy with how the return of their loved one's possessions
has been handled. But this is not always a straightforward process,
particularly if a police investigation is involved. The Army does,
however, always try to act with tact and sensitivity and is always
prepared to learn from experience.
DOC Appraisal of initial training &
best practice working group (DOC IT and BP WG): Minutes of meeting
on 9 March 2004
|
Ser
(a) | Item
(b)
| Action
(c)
|
|
| 1. Opening Remarks | Opening remarks. The Chairman thanked *** for agreeing to host the meeting at DMSTC. He also introduced *** whose first meeting this was. He asked that the minutes record a vote of thanks to *** on the occasion of this, his valedictory meeting (we think).
| Chairman |
| 2. Matters Arising: |
| |
(a) Deepcut—Fallout from 5 Surrey
Police report
| The report was briefly discussed. It was agreed that all initial from five Surrey Police training establishments should consider the recommendations report made by the Surrey Police and, under the auspices of the Training Agencies, conduct a gap analysis. (Afternote: A letter to RAF All units from TGDA on this subject is attached for your interest). The findings of this analysis, and of similar efforts from the other Services/Agencies should be considered by this WG as the basis for further work. The requirement for Independent 3rd Party Audit PMEU 1 is being addressed by PMEU in association with the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) who also have links with the Police and Prison Services. It was agreed that this issue would be added to the Best Practice database—the lead being with PMEU1.
|
All
PMEU1
|
(b) Trainees Questionnaire (5.1.1).
| The minutes of the Trainee Questionnaire WG held on 13 Feb 04 were discussed (as enclosed). It was agreed that DCDS(Pers) would be invited to sign the front cover of the questionnaire. PMEU 1 is to staff this request. A copy of the latest (Army) version of the questionnaire is attached to these minutes.
| PMEU 1 |
| A note of thanks to *** for the excellent work in chairing the WG thus far was recorded.
| |
| In the next phase of the project, the Army have agreed to chair the WG with DGT&E represented by PMEU 1—as required. It was agreed that a Defence contract to cover all three services (including their DTE responsibilities) and DMETA would be let to come into effect in Oct-Nov 2004. Overall funding was to be part of the STP settlement. The detailed funding issues would be resolved at the next WG meeting. Next meeting tbc.
|
ATRA HQ-PERS-
DEP HD MIL
All
|
| It was agreed that the DOC IT and BP WG would review the analysis of questionnaire findings on a six monthly basis (mid-year and end of year). Reporting intervals to Agencies or Trg Establishments are likely to be more frequent.
| |
(c) Review of Returns
95.2.5).
| This item was deemed to have been completed.
| |
3. Def RP Funding
Allocation for Doc.
| The considered view was that the allocated funding was inadequate to bring about enduring improvements in the priority areas coming out of the DOC and Surrey Police recommendations. The funding shortfall was further compounded by Def RP's selection of items thathad been considered to be of a lower priority by the Training Agencies. The Chairman was to pursue this urgently.
| Chairman |
| Afternote: A minor revision of the funding proposal was achieved with the single-Services following this meeting. A background note that used to highlight the issue is attached—as is the revised funding allocation.
The revised figures leave some £138 million-worth of unfunded DOC recommendations. It was agreed that this would be discussed at the next DITEEG.
Afternote: The decision to cancel DITEEG planned for 24 Mar 2004 has meant that this issue is now being coordinated by DGT&E (through PMEU1) on behalf of the single-Services. Work to re-prioritise the remaining Category 1-3 items is ongoing.
| |
| 4. MoD Policy Paper—Individual Training and Education in the Armed Forces
| This item consisted of a short update by PMEU 1. The latest version of this paper has been approved by Min AF and will be published after the Ministerial announcement—as a follow-up to the Surrey Police 5th Report—thought to be before the Easter recess. Provisionally, the publication of the paper is planned for May and will be accompanied by further Ministerial briefings—probably involving representatives from the single-Services.
| |
5. Update on 8th DOC Appraisal Progress
Report
| This item consisted of a short update from PMEU1 on the report (by exception) that was due to be with VCDS by 22 Mar 2004. It was agreed that the 9th report (due to be with VCDS by 17 May 2004) would be a full report. Inputs to PMEU 1 due by COP 7 May 2004.
| All |
| 6. Areas of Best Practice | An updated database of "Best Practice" Issues is enclosed. Please note the addition of Yd party audit procedures to the work in progress.
| |
| (a)Best Practice in Caring for Our People. The correspondence between DCDS(Pers) and PPOs was discussed. Single-Service reps to ensure that their training establishments are aware of those 3rd party organisations that have proved to be of benefit elsewhere.
| Single-Service
Reps
|
| (b)DGT&E Guidelines The following DGT&E Guidelines are now agreed and are published on the DGT&E web-site. Agencies are requested to circulate them to the training establishments that they are responsible for. Definitive copies of the guidelines are enclosed for this purpose.
| Single-Service
Reps
|
| —DGT&E Guidelines on Supervisory Care
—DGT&E Guidelines on Remedial Trg in Phase 1 and 2.
—DGT&E Guidelines on Passing Risk to Front-Line.
| |
7. DOC Reappraisal
Plans.
| This item consisted of a short update by the Chairman. It was felt that there would not be a second follow-up appraisal of initial training by DOC before Autumn 2004.
| |
| 8. PMEU Baseline Visits. | This item consisted of a short update by PMEU 1. The final report will be produced on a tight staffing schedule that will limit the opportunity to circulate drafts ahead of publication.
| PMEU1
|
| 9. AOB | PTC-TGDA-GCGT raised the issue of DTE representation on this WG. It was felt that single-Service representatives from the Training Agencies could continue to represent the DTEs for which they have control but that their focus on single-Service matters would be diluted by elements of their service coming under the authority of other agencies. This was recognised to be the case but it was decided that the composition of the WG would remain as is, in the near term at least.
| |
| 10. DMSTC Tour. | The tour of DMSTC included a background brief, visits to accn, restaurant and gymnasium facilities plus the opportunity to meet with members of the Directing Staff and Phase 1 and 2 trainees. There were many positive messages in terms of the quality of training and the impact of the DOC audit. However, further improvements were clearly resource related and the Chairman agreed to reflect that to DGT&E and the DITEEG. The Chairman thanked *** for arranging this facility.
| |
11. Visit Points:—
DMSTC, Keogh Bks
| —All inspection (trial) not fully conversant with Military ethos—over zealous criticisms of "book club".
—4th meal not needed.
—Modest investment in Fourth Club facilities/supervision would have significant benefit.
—Work to consider relocating the training from Keogh Barracks has resulted in a SOR for re-provision. DMETA have provided this.
Afternote: Copied to DISC.
—PEd Policy of value but support to supervise recreation sport needed.
—Living accommodation is basic.
—Trainees in good spirits.
—"Learning Centre" funded by ntl.
—Difficulties with poor basic skills; inadequate assessment and little time to address deficiency.
—Two MA's on offer for same course. Can this be resolved or should it remain in place and why.
| |
| Date of next meeting: | At 1030 hrs on Tue 8 June 2004—at DISC, Chicksands, nr Bedford.
| Chairman |
|
ENCLOSURES:[28]1. PTC/910000/1/Gt
Dated 5 Mar 05. Surrey Police Deepcut Investigation Final Report.
2. Trainee Questionnaire WG Minutes of a Meeting on 13 Feb
04.
3. Trainee Questionnaire (Army). (To follow)
4. DGT&E DOC/STP Background Note.
5. DOC STP 04 Revised Funding Allocations. (To follow)
6. DGTE Guidelines for the Implementation of a Supervisory
Care Regime for Recruits and Trainees within Defence Phase 1 and
2 Training Establishments.
7. DGTE Guidelines for Remedial Trg in Phase 1 and 2.
8. DGTE Guidelines for Passing Risk to Front-Line.
9. "Best Practice" Issues Database: 22 Mar 04.
10. DCTS Mentoring TOs. (To follow).
DOC APPRAISAL OF INITIAL TRAINING: DEPARTMENTAL FOLLOW-UP
ACTION PLAN—PROGRESS REPORT MARCH 2004
"Best practice" issues arising from DOC reappraisal
of initial training report
| Serial | DOC "Best Practice"
| DGT&E suggested actions | Progress/Discussion
|
| (a) | (b) |
(c) | (d) |
|
| 1. | Third-Party Audit Procedures
| —To implement procedures for independent 3rd party audit in accordance with DOC/Surrey Police recommendations.
| PMEU1 Lead. Issue brief on agreement with Adult Learning Inspectorate to be issued to WG members by 23 April 2004.
|
| | —To gain maximum benefit from the procedures with minimum inconvenience to the training deliverers.
| Single-Service Reps
Single-Service Reps are invited to contribute examples of best practice in the 3rd party audit/inspection arena to PMEUI.
|
| | —Role of DOC IT and BP WG to co-ordinate programming of inspections/visits and reporting activity.
| |
| 2. | Mentoring Schemes (Related to DOC Audit 3.2.10.).
| —To improve the mentoring of instructors.
| PMEU2 Lead. Draft TOs to be submitted to Defence Centre for Training Support Customer Executive Board in February 2004. (attached?)
|
| | The current courses that are available are:
| |
| Mentoring schemes covering instructor/recruit and/or instructor/instructor.
| —The Coaching and Motivational Skills Cse—covers mentoring of trainees.
—The Care of Trainees Cse (COT).
—The Supervising and Mentoring of Instructors (SMI) Cse.
| Single-Service Reps
Single-Service Reps are invited to contribute examples of best practice in this area.
|
| 3. | Officers' Trainee Survey (Related to DOC Audit 5.1.1.).
| —To gather information about the quality of officers' training.
—To replicate the trainee survey DOC recommended for other ranks.
—Plan to be designed, piloted and implemented after the other ranks survey has been put into operation.
| PolSpecTrgl Lead
Initial Officer Trg (IOT) WG and Continuous Attitude Survey (CAS) staff to design the survey. IOT WG already alerted to this task.
Army Rep
To contribute examples of RMAS Officer Cadet training questionnaires.
To DGTE-PolGenSvcTrgl by 23 April 2003.
|
| 4. | Policy for "Under 18s" (Related to DOC Audit 3.1.1.).
| To investigate the requirement for Under 18s' Training Policy outwith any legal requirement placed upon the MoD.
| PolGenSvcTrgl Lead.
To clarify the legal position of U-18s vis a vis the MoD's "duty of care" as investigated? by the Children's Commissioner.
Single-Service Reps
To identify areas where U-18s training policy is required.
|
| 5. | Personal Profiles (Related to DOC Audit 6.1.1.).
| To investigate the requirement for Trainee's Personal Profile to comply with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislative constraints placed upon the MoD.
| Single-Service Reps
To identify reasons for establishing and maintaining Trainee's Personal Profiles. To contribute examples of such Trainee's profiles.
Army.
To report on work being staffed by DAPS in this area. Scheme for gaining early access
to trainee's medical records commenced
1 March 2004. Review and cost-benefit analysis to be conducted March 2005.
|
|
DOC Appraisal of initial training & best practice working
group (DOC IT and BP WG): Minutes of meeting on 8 June 2004
|
Ser
(a) | Item
(b)
| Action
(c)
|
|
| 1. Opening Remarks | The Chairman thanked *** for agreeing to host the meeting at DISC. He also introduced himself, *** whose first meeting this was.
| Chairman |
| 2. Matters Arising: |
| |
a. Deepcut—Fallout from 5th Surrey Police report
b. Trainees Questionnaire (5.1.1).
There would be another meeting of the WG in July/August (tbc) to finalise details. The RN (to include DISC) and RAF (to include DMETA) reported that they were letting short-term contracts to cover the period July-November 2004.
| ATRA HQ-PERS- DEP HD MIL |
|
c. STP 05 Funding
Allocation
It was agreed that future funding for DOC-related items (including the 10 recommendations that are currently incomplete) would be bid for through the normal STP process by the single-Services to star in STP 05.
| All | |
| Wherever possible, DOC-related expenditure should be separately identified for audit purposes—although it was recognised that this may prove impracticable.
| All |
3.9th DOC Progress
Report
|
a.The bi-monthly report to VCDS is now to be replaced by a quarterly progress report from this WG. The first report (due by 20 September) would include the following:
1)Brief para on future funding (approach taken by Agencies).
2)Progress against DOC recommendations that are not shaded green on the 9th DOC Progress report.
3)Progress against the Best Practice database (see item 4).
4)A review of six "closed" recommendations (see next item).
b.As part of the WG's remit to monitor DOC-recommended improvements to IT, it was agreed to comment on the following six "closed" items:
1)Item 1.1.1—Supervisory Care.
2)Item 1. 1.3—Access to "empowered" commissioned (or warrant) officer.
3)Item 1.2.1—Systems to record instances of bullying.
4)Item 1.2.10/11—Access to Welfare & Support staff and Chaplains.
5)Item 3.2.7—Commander's delegation of authority.
6)Item 5.2.1—CO's review of morale, ethos & trg culture. (See item 4f. Supervisory Care Guidelines—checklist).
All appropriate items are to be (briefly) reported against and responses should be with PMEU1 by 20 August 2004.
| All |
| 4.Areas of Best Practice | An updated database of "Best Practice" Issues is enclosed. The following items were discussed:
| |
| a.Third-Party Audit. PMEU 1 gave a short update. DGT&E is due to release details of ALI 3rd-Party Inspections. This will include the focus for inspections in Year 1, the reporting timetable and details of ALI training briefings with Trg Agencies. PMEU to release details by September 2004.
| PMEU1 |
| b.Mentoring. See database.
c.Officers' Trainee Survey. See database. There was a discussion whether a similar survey should apply to IOT. The Army rep distributed RMAS's survey proforma, that was similar to the trainees' questionnaire; one significant difference being that the RMAS version was attributable. The Army rep agreed to discuss with RMAS whether they would be prepared to use the trainee version.
| ATRA HQ-PERS-DEP HD MIL |
| Discussion continued on whether a similar questionnaire should also be applied at IOT. Moreover, it was queried whether officer training should be represented on this WG. The Chairman would examine with the relevant trg authorities whether officer training should be represented on the Best Practice WG.
| Chairman |
| The Army rep is to also investigate the possibility of adding IOT establishments to the MORI contract.
| ATRA HQ-PERS-DEP HD MIL |
| d.Policy for U-18s. See database. SP Pol—SC DD to provide details by 20 August 2004.
| SP Pol—SC DD |
| e.Personal Profiles. The Army rep gave a short update on the Army's pilot scheme to access trainees' medical records by the trgTrg Agency Reps establishment's medical staff. The scheme will be formally evaluated in March 2005 but the Army rep agreed to provide informal updates in future WG meetings.
| ATRA HQ-PERS-DEP HD MIL |
| f.Supervisory Care Guidelines. It was agreed that Trg agency reps would provide good examples of Unit Commanders' Risk Assessments. These should be forwarded to Po1GenSvcTrgl by 20 August.
| Trg agency Reps |
| 5.PMEU Baseline Visits. | This item consisted of a short update by PMEU 1 highlighting the following issues:
a.Access to welfare and support staff. Best Practice in providing access to Chaplains and other staff is to be reported in the VCDS report input [see item 3.b.6)—above].
| All |
| b.Care of Trainees courses: It was noted that non-instructional staff employed in pastoral care roles at Phase 1 and 2 Initial Training Establishments are eligible for DCTS-run courses.
c.Programming of PEd periods. PMEU is to investigate the delta between PEd provision and the Armed Forces Phys Dev policy. (Note: Draft of Work required will firstly be sent to Trg Agency reps)
| PMEU1 |
| 6.DTE Issues: | The Chairman agreed to examine the link between the WG and the DTE Comdts & Stakeholders Forum.
| Chairman |
| A PMEU-led WG is to meet on 27 July with Trg Agency and DTE reps to discuss:
| PMEU1 |
| a.PI's and Performance monitoring.
b.Development of OPS for DTEs.
c.Quality Management Systems.
| |
| 7. AOB | A letter that DCE NRTA had circulated to RN Trg Establishments on the implementation of DOC recommendations within the senior Service is enclosed as an example of best practice.
A letter from DCCPA is also enclosed. It contains several issues that will be discussed at the next meeting (and may be included in subsequent reports to VCDS. PMEU1 is to select the items for further analysis.
| PMEU1 |
| Date of next meeting: | At 0900 hrs on Thursday 23 September 2004—at RAF Halton (planned to meet on evening of 22 September). PTC-TGDA-GCGT to coordinate.
| PTC-TGDA-GCGT |
|
Enclosures:[29]
1. "Best Practice" Issues Database: 15 June
2004
2. DCTS Conduct of Trainee Assessment Course: Formal
Training Statement.
3. DCTS Defence Instructional Techniques: Training Performance
Statement.
4. DCCPA Letter HAL/DCPPA/400/4 dated 18 May 2004
5. FOTR/REQ/550/1 dated 4 May 2004.
DOC APPRAISAL OF INITIAL TRAINING: DEPARTMENTAL FOLLOW-UP
ACTION PLAN— PROGRESS REPORT
"Best practice" issues arising from DOC reappraisal
of initial training report June 2004
|
| Serial | DOC "Best Practice"
| DGT&E suggested actions | Progress/Discussion
|
|
| (a) | (b) |
(c) | (d) |
| 1. | Third-Party Audit Procedures
| To implement procedures for independent 3rd party audit in accordance with DOC/Surrey Police recommendations.
| PMEU1 Lead. Issue brief on agreement with Adult Learning Inspectorate to be issued to WG members by 20 August 2004.
|
| | To gain maximum benefit from the procedures with minimum inconvenience to the training deliverers.
Role of DOC IT and BP WG to co-ordinateprogramming of inspections/visits and reporting activity.
| Single-Service Reps
Single-Service Reps are invited to contribute examples of best practice in the 3rd party audit/inspection arena to PMEUI.
|
| 2. | Mentoring Schemes (Related to DOC Audit 3.2.10.)
| To improve the mentoring of instructors. |
PMEU2 Lead. TPS for Defence Instructional Techniques and Conduct of Trainee Assessment Courses (attached to these minutes).
|
| | The current courses that are available are:
| |
| Mentoring schemes covering instructor/recruit and/or instructor/instructor.
| The Coaching and Motivational Skills Cse—covers mentoring of trainees.
The Care of Trainees Cse (COT).
The Supervising & Mentoring of Instructors (SMI) Cse.
| Single-Service Reps
Single-Service Reps are invited to contribute examples of best practice in this area.
|
| 3. | Officers' Trainee Survey (Related to DOC Audit 5.1.1.).
| To gather information about the quality of officers' training.
To replicate the trainee survey DOC recommended for other ranks.
Plan to be designed, piloted and implemented after the other ranks survey has been put into operation.
| DGTE
DD TE Pal to examine with the relevant trg authorities whether officer training should be represented on the Best Practice WG.
Army Rep
To assess differences between OR's trainee questionnaire and RMAS Officer Cadet instrument
To investigate the possibility of adding IOT establishments at Dartmouth, Lympstone, Sandhurst and Cranwell to the MORI contract from November 2004.
|
| 4. | Policy for "Under 18s" (Related to DOC Audit 3.1.1.).
| To investigate the requirement for Under 18s' Training Policy outwith any legal requirement placed upon the MoD.
| SP Pol—SC Lead.
To clarify the legal position of U-18s vis a vis the MoD's "duty of care" and the likely impact of the Children's Commissioner.
SP Pol—SC to circulate statement by
20 August 2004.
Single-Service Reps
To identify areas where U-18s training policy is required. To include:
Additional supervisory measures.
Contact with parents of U-18 trainees.
Criminal Records Bureau checks on supervisory staff.
|
| 5. | Personal Profiles (Related to DOC Audit 6.1.1.).
| To investigate the requirement for Trainee's Personal Profile to comply with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislative constraints placed upon the MoD.
| Single-Service Reps
To identify reasons for establishing and maintaining Trainee's Personal Profiles. To contribute examples of such Trainee's profiles.
Army
To report on work being staffed by DAPS in this area. Scheme for gaining early access
to trainee's medical records commenced
1 March 2004. Review and cost-benefit analysis to be conducted March 2005.
|
| 6. | Supervisory Care Guidelines (See Policy Welfare).
| To provide additional guidance (to that contained in D/DGT&E 4/20 dated 26 February 2004) in the form of a checklist that can assist Unit Commanders to produce a Risk assessment.
| DGTE-PolGenSvcTrgl lead.
Trg Agency Reps. To provide good examples of Unit Commanders' Risk Assessments. These should be forwarded to PolGenSvcTrgl by 20 August.
These will be used to compile a checklist to meet this requirement.
|
|
27
Ev 330-1 Back
28
Not printed. Back
29
Not printed. Back
| 
