Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill: evidence heard
4 July 2014
The Committee considers its new inquiry into Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill.
Witnesses
Tuesday 8 July 2014, The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
At 2.30 pm
- Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Jeremy Field MBE, former Head of Army Service Complaints Wing at HQ Army
- Reverend Nicholas Mercer, former Command Legal Adviser for HQ 1st (UK) Armoured Division in Iraq War 2003
- Sara Ogilvie, Policy Officer, Liberty
This is the first session for this inquiry.
It was announced in the Queen’s Speech on 4 June 2014 that legislation would be introduced to improve the complaints system in the Armed Forces through the creation of an Ombudsman. The Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill to give effect to these changes was introduced in the House of Lords on 5 June and had its second reading on 23 June.
On 26 June 2014 the Defence Committee announced an inquiry into the provisions of the Bill relating to the Service Complaints system and the creation of a Service Complaints Ombudsman. The Committee is particularly interested in:
- The method of appointment of the proposed Service Complaints Ombudsman.
- The proposed powers of the Service Complaints Ombudsman and whether these are adequate.
- The effectiveness of the proposed changes to the Service Complaints system.
- What additional measures should be included in the Bill?