Ofsted Report (Armed Forces Initial Training)

Mark Francois Excerpts

Friday 26th October 2012 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark Francois)]

Today Ofsted publishes its fourth report on welfare and duty of care in armed forces initial training, copies of which I have placed in the Library of the House. Following visits to 10 armed forces initial training establishments and five armed forces careers offices, Ofsted reports that recruits and trainees feel safe and that their welfare needs are largely being met.

Of the 10 service training establishments inspected, six were judged as good for the overall effectiveness of their welfare and care arrangements; two were judged as outstanding and two as satisfactory.

The armed forces are keen to ensure that the initial training environment is supportive of the needs of those new to the service and the particular focus of the Ofsted inspection provides additional detail on which to reflect and review the effectiveness of their training regimes.