Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information their Department holds on the level of staff retention; and what steps they are taking to improve staff retention.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of retaining our people, who are our most valuable asset, and we actively work to explain and enhance our ‘offer’ to our existing civilian workforce to ensure that we retain experienced colleagues.

MOD Civil Service turnover is 10.7%, which compares to a Civil Service average of 13.6% and a UK average of 17%. The average length of service for our Civil Servants is approximately 13 years.

We recognise that we have a multi-generational workforce so our solutions to improve retention target all stages of the employee life cycle. As set out in the Haythornthwaite Review of Armed Forces Incentivisation, we recognise the skills and experience that can be obtained from zig-zag careers; this also applies to our civilian staff.

We strive for our people to feel valued as soon as they join, thrive in our department, and leave well, speaking highly of the organisation and considering a return in the future.

Our retention activity is based around the following key areas of focus:

- better promotion of our existing offer

- learning, development, and career pathways which support professional progression

- pay, pension and employee benefits

- maximising flexibilities in how we work

- improving line management and leadership.