Blog Archives - Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces

15
Nov
2019

Anti-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.

31
Oct
2019

Black 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.

26
Sep
2019

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.

20
Aug
2019

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.

23
Jul
2019

Report 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.

12
Jul
2019

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 […]

19
Jun
2019

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

07
Jun
2019

No 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.

18
Apr
2019

4 tips for improving communication in the complaints process

Being able to communicate clearly and effectively is one of the most important skills someone can have. In order for the complaints process to work as effectively as possible, it is important that both the complainant and the complaint handler are communicating clearly. But although it is an important skill, it isn’t an easy one. In this blog, we look at 4 simple tips that can help improve communication.

11
Apr
2019

Efficient, effective and fair: What does it mean and why is it important?

The Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2018 was laid in Parliament today. Under the legislation, the Ombudsman is required to make an assessment in her report about whether the Service complaints system is efficient, effective and fair.