Moved by
Lord Coaker
24: After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause—
“Independent defence authority
(1) The Secretary of State must review whether it is desirable to establish an independent defence authority which is responsible for interpersonal conduct within the armed forces and which has a remit, in particular—
(a) to assess cultures of behaviour and to identify where inappropriate behaviour is systemic,
(b) to promote good behaviour and, where necessary, cultural change,
(c) to investigate specific instances of inappropriate behaviour,
(d) to mediate employment-related grievances, and
(e) to advise service members about their rights in relation to service discipline.
(2) Within the period of one year beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must conclude the review and lay a report before Parliament.
(3) If the Secretary of State recommends that it is desirable to establish an independent authority, the report must—
(a) set out details of a reporting and investigation system which is outside of the chain of command and outside the single services, and
(b) explain how the authority is to have properly trained staff and a properly resourced budget.”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment is based on recommendations in the report of the House of Commons Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces, “Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life”.