Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the Government has taken to respond to the recommendations that it accepted made by the Second Report of the Defence Committee, Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life, published 25 July 2021.
Answer
Defence is grateful to all the women who contributed to the Defence Committee's Report; we have listened carefully and are implementing bold changes in response. The Secretary of State for Defence personally tested the Ministry of Defence's response with the Defence Service Women's Networks to ensure the important issues highlighted by the Report were comprehensively addressed and that no opportunity was missed to bring about meaningful and enduring change.
The Chiefs of Staff are fully committed to making the Armed Forces inclusive and respectful working environments. This is essential for operational effectiveness. They are personally leading programmes to root out remaining unacceptable behaviour in their organisations.
As a direct result of this inquiry, Defence has committed to:
A six-month sprint to accelerate new Women's Health policies
A six-month sprint to improve Servicewomen's uniform and equipment
Strengthen rules on sexual offences and exploitation
A more independent Service Complaints process
Career penalties for "cover ups"
A new Defence Serious Crime Unit and improved victim care and support
Learn from international Defence organisations
Action to help women achieve promotions
Regular dialogue with Service Women and Gender Networks
Improve Servicewomen's training experience
We remain committed to implementing the combined recommendations of the Defence Committee inquiry, the Wigston Review and the Gray Review in full. Cultural change takes time and we accept this will be an enduring programme of work to which senior leaders across Defence are committed.