The MoD today
welcomed the second annual report examining the fairness,
effectiveness and efficiency of the Service Complaints System.
The independent report by Service Complaints Commissioner, Dr
Susan Atkins, commends the three Services for their commitment to
tackling all forms of unacceptable behaviour and ensuring that
Service men and women are treated well. It also includes a range
of recommendations.
The Report comes at the end of the Service Complaints
Commissioner’s second year in office. The role was established on
1 December 2007 and provides independent reassurance to Service
personnel, their families, the public, Ministers and Parliament.
Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell said:
“I welcome Dr Atkins’s second annual report on the Service
complaints process. Her observations and comments show the value
to us of having her independent oversight to help us improve
further on the way we handle complaints. The Services will need
time to fully consider the report’s recommendations, and the
Secretary of State will respond formally to her once they have
done so.”
A formal, detailed response to the Service Complaints
Commissioner’s report will be issued once the recommendations have
been considered fully by the MOD and the Services.
Notes to Editors
1. The Armed Forces Service Complaints Commissioner’s Annual
Report for 2009 can be accessed via the website at www.armedforcescomplaints.independent.gov.uk
2. Media enquiries for the MoD should be directed to Lucy Bowen
in the MoD Press Office on 0207 218 9900.
3. Media enquiries for the Service Complaints Commissioner’s
Office should be directed to Alan George or Alex Gandhi on 0207
400 7394 or at SCC@hanovercomms.com
Contacts:
Ministry of Defence
NDS.MOD@coi.gsi.gov.uk