Vigilance can report that The Ministry of Defence has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as the new Service Complaints Commissioner (SCC) for the Armed Forces. Ms Williams took up post on 17 January, succeeding Dr Susan Atkins who had carried out the role since 2008.
The SCC is an important part of the Service complaints system, and as Commissioner, Ms Williams will provide an alternative point of contact for Service personnel and others (such as family members or friends) who, for whatever reason, do not have the confidence or are not able to raise allegations of bullying, harassment, discrimination or other improper behaviour directly with the chain of command.
Ms Williams will have the power to refer these cases to the chain of command for action and be notified of the outcome. She will also provide independent assurance on the fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of the Service complaints system to the Secretary of State for Defence by way of an annual report which is laid before Parliament.
Ms Williams was appointed following open competition and a rigorous selection process which was chaired by an independent assessor from the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Defence Minister Anna Soubry said: “I am pleased to welcome Nicola Williams to this post, and I have no doubt she will hold us firmly to account for delivering an Armed Forces complaints process that is fair, effective and efficient."
Minister Soubry added: “Independent oversight is an important part of the complaints handling process. It is fulfilled at the moment by the SCC, with the Ministry of Defence currently taking a Bill through Parliament to further strengthen the role into that of an Ombudsman.”
The Armed Forces (Service Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill, currently going through Parliament, enables the creation of a Service Complaints Ombudsman and makes changes needed for reform of the Service complaints system. Ms Williams will in the first instance take on the role and current powers of the SCC and then, once legislation has been enacted and following approval by the Queen, will take up the role of Ombudsman with the increased powers.
Biography
Nicola Williams had, since 2009, held the post of the Complaints Commissioner for the Cayman Islands with a remit that extends over 93 government entities.
Since 2009 she has also been a Crown Court Recorder sitting on the London and South Eastern Circuit.
Between 2004 and 2009 she was a Commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission with particular responsibility for Kent, Sussex, the Ministry of Defence Police and part of the Metropolitan Police.
She had previously been a board member at the Police Complaints authority. Between 1985 and 2001 she was a barrister in private practice and specialised in criminal law.
NEW SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR GURKHA VETERANS
MEASURES to improve financial and social support for retired Gurkhas have been announced by the Government in response to an inquiry into Gurkha welfare.
Funding of £960,000 will be given to Gurkha Homes Limited to build 32 new affordable homes for Gurkha veterans and their partner/spouse in four locations around the UK. The money comes from a £40m Veterans’ Accommodation fund supported by Libor (bank) fines.
This is in addition to the £5m funding from Libor fines to be paid to the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) over the next five years, which was announced in the Autumn Statement. Through the GWT’s delivery arm in Nepal, the money will be used for healthcare provision and wider social support services for Gurkha veterans.
This Government is proud that Gurkhas now serve on the same terms and conditions as their British counterparts, apart from a number of small differences. The Government’s response also reaffirms its commitment to pay Gurkha pensions at double the top rate of Indian Army pensions.
Significantly, the Government has also decided to establish a scheme to compensate the small number of Gurkhas who were discharged as a result of marrying a non-Nepali. When seen in a 21st Century context, the government does not believe this policy should have been allowed as it does not reflect the values of the Armed Forces.
The decisions come after Jackie Doyle-Price MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gurkha Welfare, offered to chair an inquiry into historic Gurkha grievances in November 2013. The inquiry published its report on 23 October 2014 and the Government has now responded to its recommendations. The MOD and other Departments submitted extensive written evidence to the inquiry and it has taken a range of written submissions and oral evidence from representatives of Gurkha communities.
Anna Soubry, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said:
“The Gurkhas hold a special place in the hearts of the British people – this year, we mark the bicentenary of Gurkha service in the British Army. We are very grateful to Jackie Doyle-Price MP for her excellent report.
“The work we’re doing to implement its positive recommendations will set the scene for the next chapter in the UK’s close and enduring relationship with the Gurkhas. In turn, they will further cement the strong bonds between the UK and Nepal.”
A spokesperson for the Gurkha Welfare Trust said: "The Gurkha Welfare Trust is committed to supporting Gurkha ex-servicemen and their widows to live out their lives with dignity. The recently announced Libor funding is a welcome contribution to our work."