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Investment and new working practices improves training conditions at BRNC, says report

Britannia Royal Naval College
7 October 2024
Investment and new working practices have improved conditions for future officers for the Royal Navy at Britannia Royal Naval College.

The latest Ofsted report into the Dartmouth college for Officer Cadets found money spent on infrastructure had provided a better lived experience and a more effective training environment.

It also found “highly-knowledgeable and experienced senior officers work closely with civilian contractor Team Fisher and have a clear vision on military, maritime, warfare and technical training” while regular reviews of the course have seen a re-written physical training syllabus to reduce the number of musculoskeletal injuries and new style rucksacks for female Officer Cadets.

A previous inspection of BRNC found some parts of the college grounds and buildings were unsafe with sections reported as dangerous by Ofsted.

But additional funding from Navy Command and charities has seen repairs to broken and rotten windows; improvements to neglected aspects of living accommodation and bathroom facilities and “well-executed improvements to the general estate, providing many improvements to areas of the college used by OCdts, for example the communal areas, the wardroom and gunrooms.”

The report did note while money had been well spent, more was needed to be done but senior officers had a good understanding of was required and plans were in place.

Captain Andrew Bray, commanding officer of Britannia Royal Naval College, said: “This investment has markedly improved the lived experiences of trainees, and I regularly receive positive feedback from cadets, and officers returning from the fleet, about the improvements to the college.

“Looking ahead, any area of infrastructure that requires improvement has a plan. Our positive Ofsted experience will feed directly into a project to scope how we can modernise initial naval training for officers.

“This improved report and feedback will mean personnel training at BRNC should feel reassured that they will be joining a positive working environment and a culture of continuous improvement.

“They will benefit from highly trained and dedicated staff. They can be confident in a robust, challenging commissioning course where they are supported professionally and pastorally to achieve their best and leave prepared for Phase 2 training in the fleet.”

This investment has markedly improved the lived experiences of trainees

Captain Andrew Bray, commanding officer of Britannia Royal Naval College

Since the previous 2023 report when concerns were raised, the college has:         

  • Built a permanent marquee, which provides a bar and recreation facility for trainees and staff, with a seating capacity of 160.
  • Continued an ongoing major project at Sandquay to improve our Maritime Training Capability on the River Dart.
  • Increased their use of data analysis about the progress of officer cadets which will analyse trends on important information across a cohort, and of a person’s journey from recruitment to the point of commissioning.
  • Adapted the weight bearing fitness training program to offer a progressive build up to field exercises. They provide females and those with smaller frames a better fitting bergen to reduce the risk of injury.

The Ofsted report also noted effect support provided by the Pellew Division – a course for OCdts who do not meet the required standards in assessments or have been injured.

It found: “OCdts are positive about their experience while in Pellew Division, particularly about the non-rehabilitation activities that contribute to their military skills and understanding, such as external speakers, external visits and opportunities.”

Capt Bray added: “We have improved the management of people who may have to repeat a phase of training. I have Division Staff permanently dedicated to re-training cadets in Pellew Division.

Ofsted noted that people who join Pellew Division undergo a well-planned, carefully structured programme, which includes progressive physical rehabilitation so that they can be reinserted successfully into training at the point they left it.

“I’m pleased to report that Pellew trainees are positive about their experience, and they thrive on re-entry to training.”

Recommendations from Ofsted included prioritising the renovation and refurbishment of OCdts’ accommodation; ensuring Divisional Training Officers have enough time to support cadets fully and identify any specific learning difficulties OCdts may have early in training so appropriate support can be given in a timely manner.

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