May. 17 2024
Source Page: General Sharon Nesmith appointed new Vice Chief of the Defence StaffFound: Sharon brings extensive leadership and operational experience and is very well suited to lead our Armed
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 56 of the Concluding Observations on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the UK to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, published on 22 June 2023, whether he plans to accept the recommendation that an enlisted child should not be subject to a longer minimum service period than an enlisted adult.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Under 18 recruits are able to leave up to the day before their 18th birthday via a variety of mechanisms such as Discharge As Of Right or Discharge Under 18. Prior to their 18th birthday, they make an informed choice as to whether to remain in service beyond this age. These rights are exclusive to those Under 18, providing additional safeguards appropriate to their age. Subsequent adult service is only committed to having completed this period of enhanced rights and having attained the age of 18. Individuals who decide to leave the Armed Forces are supported for up to two years post discharge to gain a route into further education, training or employment.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 56 of the Concluding Observations on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the UK to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, published on 22 June 2023, whether he plans to accept the recommendation that a child from a separated family should not be enlisted if only one parent gives consent.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Applicants under the age of 18 are only accepted with the written consent by all appropriate persons – that is to say those with legal parental responsibility or a legal guardian. If an agreement cannot be reached, a parent can apply for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order. A judge will then make a decision based on the applicant’s best interests.
Mentions:
1: Chris Heaton-Harris (Con - Daventry) Armed loyalist organisations show no signs of resurgence on this or other issues.In terms of prospects - Speech Link
May. 16 2024
Source Page: Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: December 2023Found: Interfering with officers of the police or members of His Majesty’s forces.
Asked by: Stephen Morgan (Labour - Portsmouth South)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help fill job vacancies in Portsmouth.
Answered by Jo Churchill - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Jobcentre team are supporting residents into work and helping those in work to progress to higher paid jobs. We are working with local and national employers to help fill vacancies quickly, delivering Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), recruitment days, Job Fairs, and work trials.
Our Youth Team works with the Prince’s Trust to provide additional support and courses to prepare young people who are not in education and training, including those without parental support, to attain training and employment.
The Jobcentre works closely with the National Careers Service who, after a successful trial, will deliver ongoing bespoke Group Information Sessions to customers who require a CV or need their current CV enhancing to apply for jobs.
The Jobcentre is hosting a bespoke Armed Forces recruitment event that will follow up on the UK’s national Armed Forces Day. This is in partnership with the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Additionally, the team in Portsmouth are working closely with local employers including Nature’s Way, Solent Sky Services and Thatched House (Greene King) to fill their job vacancies as well as working closely with partners such as the local Chamber of Commerce to offer regular Job Fairs focussed on specific sectors and customer groups.
Asked by: John Healey (Labour - Wentworth and Dearne)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) original and (b) end date as of 13 May 2024 is for the Recruiting Partnership Project.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The original end date of the Army’s Recruiting Partnering Project contract with Capita was 11 March 2022 however, following an extension, the current end date is 31 March 2026. In September 2023 the Army commenced discussions with Capita to enact the option of a third-year contract extension until the commencement of the Armed Forces Recruitment Service in 2027.
The contract to 31 March 2024 has cost £886.33 million.
The Senior Responsible Officer for the Recruiting Partnering Project contract undertakes this role alongside other duties.
Asked by: John Healey (Labour - Wentworth and Dearne)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the Recruiting Partnership Project.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The original end date of the Army’s Recruiting Partnering Project contract with Capita was 11 March 2022 however, following an extension, the current end date is 31 March 2026. In September 2023 the Army commenced discussions with Capita to enact the option of a third-year contract extension until the commencement of the Armed Forces Recruitment Service in 2027.
The contract to 31 March 2024 has cost £886.33 million.
The Senior Responsible Officer for the Recruiting Partnering Project contract undertakes this role alongside other duties.
Asked by: John Healey (Labour - Wentworth and Dearne)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the contract end date is for the Armed Forces Recruitment Programme.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Service commencement date for the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme is January 2027. Following a transitional period, the contract will run for seven years with the option to extend for an additional three years.
Asked by: John Healey (Labour - Wentworth and Dearne)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Recruiting Partnership Project has a full-time senior responsible officer.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The original end date of the Army’s Recruiting Partnering Project contract with Capita was 11 March 2022 however, following an extension, the current end date is 31 March 2026. In September 2023 the Army commenced discussions with Capita to enact the option of a third-year contract extension until the commencement of the Armed Forces Recruitment Service in 2027.
The contract to 31 March 2024 has cost £886.33 million.
The Senior Responsible Officer for the Recruiting Partnering Project contract undertakes this role alongside other duties.