Whistleblowing v Service Complaints: What’s the difference?
Whistleblowing is a word that is sometimes used interchangeably with the word complaint – but the act of whistleblowing and making a complaint are two separate things.
Continue readingBlog
What can’t I make a Service Complaint about?
The Service Complaints system is a workplace grievance system for members of the UK Armed Forces. In broad terms, if a Service person has been wronged in their Service life, while they were subject to Service law, they can make a Service complaint. But there are limits to what can be the subject of a […]
Continue readingAnti-Bullying Week: A View from the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces
This year, the Ministry of Defence invited the Ombudsman to write a piece for anti-bullying week. The Ombudsman has decided also to share that piece on our blog.
Continue readingBlack history: not just an issue to be discussed in October
This month, our blog is being written by Dr Vivienne Connell-Hall. One of our Senior Investigators, Vivienne has extensive experience in diversity matters and is a part-time lecturer at London Goldsmith University.
Continue reading
Everyday Inclusion – what does it mean and how do we achieve it?
This week is National Inclusion Week, an annual campaign run by Inclusive Employers to raise awareness of inclusion in the workplace.
Continue reading
Discrimination: What does it mean and how do I know if it has happened to me?
In 2018, 25% of the formal Service complaints accepted for investigation were about bullying, harassment and discrimination. Although they are terms that people are familiar with, a lot of people don’t know what they actually mean.
Continue readingReport on Inappropriate Behaviours – what does it mean for the Service complaints system?
On Monday 15th July, the Ministry of Defence published their Report on Inappropriate Behaviours. The report, written by Air Marshal Wigston which makes 36 recommendations, is an important step in improving the culture in defence and one that I wholeheartedly welcome.
Continue reading
Demystifying the role of the Assisting Officer
The importance of the Assisting Officer (AO) in the Service complaints process shouldn’t be underestimated. An AO is a key person for all involved: complainants, respondents and complaints handlers. In this blog, we will look at three important aspects concerning the role of an AO and provide you with some top tips! Appointment of the […]
Continue reading
What the Ombudsman can and can’t do: a quick guide
Have you ever wondered why the Ombudsman does some things but not others? Why she only deals with Service complaints and not all complaints? Read for more information
Continue readingNo Ombudsman is an Island: The importance of collaborative working
On 21st – 22nd May, the Ombudsman Association (OA) held their annual conference. Following this event, we reflect on the importance of collaborative working and how it benefits SCOAF.
Continue reading