Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Committee initiated inquiry into MOD oversight and support of Reserve Forces’ Associations.
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Defence (the Department) and the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (the Council) on their oversight and support of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs).1
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating it is planning to introduce legislative measures in the next Armed Forces Bill to remove barriers to reserve service and increase Active Reserves. It also commits to planning the reinvigoration of the Strategic Reserve, including scoping engagement and a digitised management approach, and will provide updates on progress.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. the skills, scale and agility of both the Active and Strategic Reserve, in line with the 2025 Strategic Defence Review’s recommendations. The department is planning to introduce legislative measures in the next Armed Forces Bill, aimed at removing barriers preventing smooth transition from Regular to Reserve Service; and to ensure flexibility to move between employment types/categories. This, together with ongoing collaborative work in the Military Strategic Head Quarters to enhance, harmonise and simplify the terms under which our people serve, will help to increase the number of Active Reserves towards the 20% target, when the financial situation allows. The Military Strategic Head Quarters, is leading work to plan the reinvigoration of the Strategic Reserve. This includes scoping how to step up engagement through annual training opportunities and exploring a digitised approach to Reserves management. The department will provide updates on progress as requested by the Committee.