The head of the Royal Air Force calls for a quick review of ‘recruitment policies, practices and directions’ | UK News
The head of the Royal Air Force has ordered a quick review of the force’s “policies, practices and directions” for recruitment.
It follows Sky News’ revelation that the head RAF recruitment is available resigned over what she believed was “illegal” to choose women and minority candidates over white men.
Air Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said he had requested the support of the Department of Defense to carry out the review – taking it outside the force’s chain of command.
This is an indication of how seriously concerns about hiring are being taken.
He said the review “will seek reassurance on current and proposed hiring practices, noting recent reporting,” according to a statement released on Friday.
The head of the air force said an initial analysis would be ready on September 7, when the air force’s senior leadership council meets.
He also invited defense secretary and other defense ministers attended the meeting to discuss personnel policy.
The highly unusual move comes after Air Force Governor Wigston wrote to all air forces on Thursday to say he would address “as a priority” a series of “legitimate questions” raised. in the media about diverse targets in the air force, allegations of sex. harassment and bullying in Red Arrows and criticism of military flight training.
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“As I wrote to my RAF colleagues, our values and standards, our culture and behaviour, and our determination to meet MOD’s ambitious levels of diversity, will all is the focus of the next Air Force Council meeting,” he said in the latest statement.
“Our primary role is to defend the UK and our allies, that responsibility will never be compromised.
“But having the ministerial team involved will allow us to lay out the work we’re doing to address concerns in this area and also to discuss how we’re progressing towards an organization.” able to draw from the broadest possible pool of talent.”
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who heads the Defense Select Committee, called on the Defense Secretary to update MPs in the House of Commons after the meeting of the Air Force Committee.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “I encourage the secretary of defense to update the House of Representatives directly after this meeting.”
His committee has opened its own investigation into the RAF and will ask the head of the service to face questions.
The meeting of the Air Force Council will take place after a new prime minister is announced, so it is unlikely that Ben Wallace – the current Defense Secretary – will remain in office.
However, he is highly regarded and most protection insiders expect him to stay at work.
