The next SDSR

The House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) has published its first report that looks towards the next Defence and Security Review. The report argues that the National Security… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Communications at the MoD is not all that it could be…

The Guardian has reported today that the MoD has been accused of suppressing information about the role and future of Britain’s armed forces. Reporting that Chairman of Commons Defence Committee James Arbuthnot has criticised… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

MPs conclude: Service children must get equal education opportunities

The House of Commons Defence Committee have published their report: Educating the Children of Service Personnel. COVENANT IN ACTION? PART 3: EDUCATING THE CHILDREN OF SERVICE PERSONNEL. MPs conclude that cross-Government… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Defence Committee issue report into Education of Service Personnel

The House of Commons Defence Committee has issued its report: The Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 4: Education of Service Personnel.  Excerpt: Report Conclusions and… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Defence implications of Scottish Independence

The House of Commons Defence Committee held its fourth and final evidence session for its inquiry into defence implications of possible Scottish independence yesterday (2 Jul 13). The witnesses were… More information. If you are using a MOBILE DEVICE please use this link

Complaints about Complaints

The House of Commons Defence Committee is calling on the Government to change the role of the Service Complaints Commissioner to one of an Armed Forces Ombudsman. Chair of the Committee James Arbuthnnot said “The Service complaints system is an important part of ensuring the duty of care owed to personnel…There are too many reports of personnel being reluctant to raise genuine complaints and grievances…More information »

The House of Commons Defence Committee invite your views

The House of Commons Defence Committee invites Service personnel and their families to take part in an online forum they have set up. The National Audit Office is running two online surveys for the HCDC until the end of Feb 13 or you can access them through the parliament website. They are keen to hear your views – please take this opportunity to tell them your experiences of: The education for Service children and The education of Armed Forces personnel…More information »

HCDC criticise MoD Procurement

A number of media reports cover the findings of a House of Commons Defence Committee report into Defence Acquisition and about the MoD’s procurement process. In response Philip Dunne said: “This government has worked tirelessly to eliminate the multi-billion pound black hole we inherited and transform the way we fund and manage the delivery of military equipment…More information »

Giving Evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee – Educating the Children of Service Personnel

At 2.30pm his afternoon (Wed) Bill Mahon, Director of the RAF Families Federation will give evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee on ‘Educating the Children of Service Personnel’. Bill will use evidence given to the Federation by members of the Serving RAF and their families…More information »

Your Views on Service Childrens Education – DEADLINE EXTENDED

Several parents have asked us to extend the deadline on this – so we have! The House of Commons Defence Committee is conducting an Inquiry into ‘Educating the Children of Service Personnel’. We have very little time left but this is your opportunity to tell us your views. The Committee would particularly like to hear your experience and thoughts on: The difficulties facing Service families in achieving the same standard of education for their children as they would if they were civilians; The provision of education for all Service children from pre-school to age 19; The transfer of information about pupils between schools, in particular pupils with Special Educational Needs; The effectiveness of the financial support schemes for all Service families; The adequacy of oversight and monitoring of Service Children’s education. Please let us know your thoughts before the 22 Jan 13. Click here to register your views…More information »