Latest News
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 readingCommunications,Language,News,Speech
Browsealoud – Reading and Translation Support
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve added speech, reading and translation support to our website with Browsealoud. This innovative tool from Texthelp helps the millions of people out there who struggle to access and understand information online. In the UK, over 12 million people have print disabilities such as dyslexia, low literacy, mild visual impairment […]
Continue readingForces TV – Service Personnel Have Little Faith In Complaints System, MPs Say
Nicola Williams spoke with Forces TV about the concerns raised in the latest Defence Select Committee’s report: ‘Fairness without Fear: The work of the Service Complaints Ombudsman’. https://www.forces.net/news/service-personnel-have-little-faith-complaints-system-mps-say SCOAF is not responsible for the content of other websites that it links to.
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
Investigating undue delay on behalf of respondents: call for evidence
Call for evidence on the experience of respondents in the Service complaints process and whether having access to the Ombudsman would have assisted them.
Continue reading‘Unacceptable Level Of Inappropriate Behaviour’ In British Military – BFBS UK
A series of new measures have been announced to address inappropriate behaviour in the British military. It follows a report on ‘Inappropriate Behaviours’ released by the Ministry of Defence, featuring 36 recommendations to tackle the issue. Service Complaints Ombudsman Nicola Williams said: “Bullying, harassment and discrimination, and particularly sexual harassment, have been a problem for […]
Continue readingDemystifying 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