Ofsted says the combination of quality training and care/welfare support has paid off as “trainees worked hard, supported one another well and were fiercely proud of their role as submariners” and joined front-line boats having received “excellent training for the rigours of their role ahead.”
The inspectors spent time with both Royal Marine young officers and recruits at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone.
The rated the quality of welfare and care arrangements as ‘outstanding’, with particular care shown to recruits under 18, while the specialist rehabilitation unit, Hunter Company, offers ‘excellent support’ to help injured recruits resume their training.
And given the relatively high percentage of recruits who don’t complete the 32-week/15 month ranks/officer course, Ofsted were impressed by help and guidance given to those returning to civvy street – having made every effort to persuade them to remain in the military.
The inspectors did – more and better food options, improved laundry facilities – and better education of would-be officers about the demands of their training before they arrive at Lympstone.
Southampton’s URNU gives undergraduates a solid grounding in life – whether they subsequently choose to join the RN or not – combining good training with excellent opportunities to work with the Navy all around the world.
It’s a similar case at Oxford, with welfare support impressing the inspection team while efforts by the unit’s staff had improved recruitment, retention and the training environment.
Welfare support at Portsmouth-based HMS King Alfred was found to be good – but trainees often struggle getting their hands on the right kit due to ‘excessive’ bureaucracy.
Ofsted would like to see improved information for trainees arriving at HMS Scotia – especially information about fitness levels demanded of the Service – and better provision of courses and training to spare personnel having to make the lengthy journey to southern England.
The full report can be read at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/welfare-and-duty-of-care-in-armed-forces-initial-training/welfare-and-duty-of-care-in-armed-forces-initial-training-2019-to-2020#summary-reports-in-date-order--reserve-establishments
