To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints of (a) bullying, (b) sexism, (c) sexual assault, (d) physical abuse and (e) emotional abuse has the Diversity and Inclusion Directorate received since April 2021; and how many complaints have resulted in (i) dismissal or (ii) discharge.
Answered on
8 December 2021
Complaints of this nature are not dealt with by the Diversity and Inclusion Directorate. For members of the Armed Forces, complaints of this nature can be raised and investigated in the form of a Service Complaint. Criminal allegations are referred to the Service Police for investigation. For Defence civilian staff, complaints of this nature can be raised and investigated by Defence Business Services' Civilian Human Resources. Where a complaint relates to an incident which may constitute a criminal offence, the matter is referred to the police.