The Ministry of Defence has confirmed a series of reforms aimed at strengthening how serious complaints of harassment, sexual assault, and misconduct are handled in the Armed Forces, including the creation of an independent tri-Service complaints unit and a new taskforce focused on violence against women and girls (VAWG).
In a written response to a parliamentary question from Carla Lockhart MP (DUP, Upper Bann), Defence Minister Luke Pollard said: “There is no place for harassment or any form of abuse within the Armed Forces – or anywhere within Defence.”
Pollard confirmed that a new complaints team, announced last month by the Minister for Veterans and People, will operate independently of the Armed Forces’ chain of command. The unit will handle the most serious cases — including bullying, harassment, and misconduct — and is intended to give personnel greater confidence in the complaints process.
In addition, the Ministry is forming a dedicated VAWG Taskforce, supported by a network of regional advisors trained to assist with issues including domestic violence and sexual offences. These advisors will work alongside medical, social care and HR professionals, and integrate closely with the Victim and Witness Care Unit. Importantly, the taskforce will provide an escalation route that bypasses the military chain of command, with the ability to take cases directly to ministerial level if necessary.
Pollard also referenced provisions in the forthcoming Armed Forces Bill, which will introduce further reforms to the Service Justice System, particularly in relation to the handling of serious offences such as sexual assault.
The Government is additionally progressing plans for the creation of an Armed Forces Commissioner — a new independent role tasked with championing the rights of service personnel and their families, with powers to investigate concerns raised across the Armed Forces community.
Why is it taking so long to set up the AF Commissioner, staff and HQ?