A confidential helpline has launched to provide support
for personnel experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment or
discrimination in the armed forces.
Set up by the Ministry of Defence and employee support
organisation Health Assured, the helpline is staffed 24/7 by
trained bullying, harassment and discrimination advisers and
qualified counsellors. The advisors, who are independent from the
chain of command, can provide emotional support, information and
guidance to callers.
Individuals will be able to anonymously report incidents to
independent advisers and seek help on how to take issues forward,
including through local support networks or the service
complaints system, where necessary.
The service will provide personnel with a safe space to discuss
their experiences and work towards a resolution, with anonymity
if required. Where there are reported incidents of unacceptable
behaviours, serious action will be taken.
Secretary of State for Defence said:
Defence works best as one team, working together to achieve the
same aims, and treating those around us with dignity and
respect.
There is no place for bullying, harassment or discrimination in
any corner of defence, and this helpline is a critical step
towards stamping out unacceptable behaviour.
Establishing the helpline was one of the key recommendations
within Air Chief Marshal Wigston’s review into unacceptable
behaviour across defence that was published last year.
Since the publication of the Wigston Review, a dedicated team has
been established to oversee progress against the recommendations
with an initial focus on updating policies and infrastructure for
serving personnel to identify and report unacceptable behaviour
at an earlier stage.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:
Unacceptable behaviour has no place in defence and will not be
tolerated. The new helpline offers even more support for
personnel across defence. The helpline is a safe space to
discuss incidents and receive advice in order to take steps in
challenging unacceptable behaviour. Trained advisors and
counsellors from outside defence will ensure concerns are dealt
with quickly and appropriately.
The number is 0800 783 0334 and is free to call.
