Service personnel who believe they have suffered bullying, harassment or discrimination are to have, for the first time, a Service Complaints Commissioner to address their issues.
Dr Susan Atkins will become the MOD's first Service Complaints Commissioner, taking up her role on 1 January 2008.
The appointment of Dr Susan Atkins as the first Service Complaints Commissioner (SCC) was announced today, Wednesday 7 November 2007, by Armed Forces Minister, Bob Ainsworth. She will take up her role on 1 January 2008.
The newly created post has been introduced following recommendations made by the House of Commons Select Committee's report into Trainee Welfare and Nicholas Blake QC's Deepcut Review
In future, complaints of bullying, harassment and other improper behaviour will still be investigated by the Chain of Command, but there will be a new duty to keep the Commissioner informed. It will be Susan Atkins' job, as an independent watchdog, to make sure those complaints are dealt with properly: "The SCC is a very powerful 'somebody else'," she says. "People can write to me directly – as can family or friends on their behalf – and where I think it's serious I can put that complaint into the system at a higher level."
Regular updates on the progress of each complaint and its final outcome will be given to the SCC.
The Commissioner will also provide independent reassurance to Service personnel, their families, the public, Ministers and Parliament that the complaints process is effective, thorough and fair.
Although the Commissioner does not have the powers to conduct investigations or to challenge their outcome, she has a statutory right to raise any concerns directly with Ministers. The SCC will also publish an annual report.
The new Commissioner added: "The Armed Forces and MOD have signalled their commitment to having a rigorous, independent and transparent scrutiny of the complaints system. They have also understood the need for an alternative route of access for Service personnel and their families. I shall hold them to their word. I am determined to ensure that all service men and women and their families have confidence in the complaints process and are treated properly."
The Armed Forces Minister, Bob Ainsworth, said: "I am delighted that Dr Susan Atkins will become the first Service Complaints Commissioner. She has an impressive and wide ranging career in this area. She established the Independent Police Complaints Commission and was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission. The Armed Forces will benefit hugely from her experience and successful track record. I will have an open door policy with Dr Atkins so that she can raise any concerns that she has with me at any time."
Dr Atkins is undergoing a comprehensive induction process prior to her taking up her post in January, when Service personnel will be able to contact her direct by mail or email.
