Guidance

Ministry of Defence policies to tackle unacceptable behaviour

Policies and measures to tackle unacceptable behaviour across Defence, including ways to respond and report it.

From:
Ministry of Defence
Published
19 July 2022
Last updated
13 November 2025 — See all updates

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is taking decisive steps to tackle unacceptable behaviour and ensure a safe, respectful environment for all who serve the nation.

Unacceptable behaviour has no place in Defence and will not be tolerated. These behaviours do not reflect the high values and standards upheld by the vast majority Defence personnel, whether in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, or Civil Service.

Defence is taking action

Defence’s commitment is underpinned by the Raising our Standards Programme (RoS), which was established to prevent and tackle unacceptable behaviour and cultural issues that undermine the values and standards across Defence.

Since 2021, Defence has introduced a series of measures to provide clear and robust guidance to civilian and military personnel on preventing and addressing incidents.

Prevention

Defence is committed to preventing unacceptable behaviour at the earliest opportunity through training, education, and robust policies. These measures aim to set clear expectations, prevent incidents, and build confidence that unacceptable behaviour will be addressed effectively.

  • Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): A programme is underway to deliver targeted actions to tackle VAWG in Defence, with lessons being used to inform wider action.
  • Zero Tolerance policies to Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour:  Three Zero Tolerance policies have been introduced to ensure these behaviours are rooted out: a Victim/Survivor Focused Approach Policy, a policy on Sexual Offences and Sexual Relationships Between Instructors and Trainees, and the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy (JSP 769).
  • Training and Education: All Defence personnel are required to complete a variety of training packages on standards of behaviour and how to identify and address unacceptable conduct.
  • Domestic Abuse Action Plan: Outlines Defence’s commitment to addressing domestic abuse, supporting affected personnel, and ensuring that appropriate action is taken against perpetrators.

Reporting

Everyone working in Defence is encouraged to call out or report behaviour that falls short of Defence’s high standards and ​values.

To support personnel reporting, Defence has established independent mechanisms to ensure complaints and serious criminal offences are handled appropriately.

  • The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC): Investigates allegations of serious criminal wrongdoing across the Armed Forces, and is outside the single Service chain of Command.
  • Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU): The VWCU, part of the DSCC, provides comprehensive care and support to victims and witnesses of serious crimes. It ensures that victims are aware of their options in line with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.
  • Tri-Service Complaints Team: Investigates the most non-criminal serious complaints, such as bullying, discrimination and harassment, outside the single Service chain of command.
  • Service Complaints App and Civilian My Complaints App: Faster, easier and simpler ways for Service Personnel to raise Service Complaints and for civilians to raise unacceptable behaviours complaints or more general grievances.
  • Confidential reporting channels are available 24/7 for military and civilian personnel:
    • Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Helpline: 0800 014 2381 (UK) or +44 330 008 5942 (Overseas).
    • Confidential Hotline for Whistleblowing: 0800 161 3665 (UK) or +44 1371 854 881 (Overseas) / confidential-hotline@mod.gov.uk.

If criminal behaviour has occurred, this should be brought to the attention of either:

In addition to the independent mechanisms above, a full list of ways to informally and formally respond and report instances can be found by searching ‘Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour’ in Defence internal communication channels.

Enforcement

The JSPs and Raising a Concern policy demonstrate that supporting victims/survivors is a Defence priority. They also provide personnel with greater confidence to raise complaints and believe action will be taken without fear of it impacting them or their career for doing so.

Every allegation is investigated, with appropriate, consistent, and robust consequences for people whose behaviour falls below the high standards of conduct the MOD demands. This can include administrative, disciplinary, criminal action, or termination of employment and/or discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence have also introduced mechanisms that ensure we are transparent in our actions, learn from feedback and continually improve.

  • Armed Forces Sexual Harassment and Sexualised Behaviours Survey: Conducted to gather experiences and perceptions of sexual harassment and sexualised behaviours among service personnel and will provide vital data to inform preventative programmes.
  • The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC): Investigates allegations of serious criminal wrongdoing across the Armed Forces, and is outside the singe Service chain of Command.
  • Defence Voices Panel: Providing a platform for Defence personnel to share their experiences and views, helping shape our policies and practices.
  • External Challenge Panel: Bringing in external experts to provide independent scrutiny and advice on Defence’s approach to tackling unacceptable behaviour.
  • A new Independent Armed Forces Commissioner: We are recruiting a direct point of contact for personnel and their families, who will ensure oversight and accountability in the handling of service complaints and other matters affecting personnel.
  • Service Police Complaints Commissioner: Providing independent oversight of complaints made against the Service Police, ensuring investigations are fair and impartial.

Support and Advice

Defence is committed to supporting those affected by unacceptable behaviour through a range of internal and external channels.

To find the full list of internal support and advice channels available, search ‘Call it out - Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour’ on internal systems. Some of the options like The Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Helpline and The Confidential hotline are listed above in the Reporting section.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU), part of the DSCC, also provides comprehensive care and support to victims and witnesses of serious crimes. It ensures that victims are aware of their options in line with the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.

External organisations include:

General support:

Support for those affected by sexual or domestic violence:

Support for those affected by or dealing with domestic abuse:

JSPs that help tackle and prevent unacceptable behaviour

Joint Service Publication (JSP) documents are produced by the MOD and some are publicly available. Defence personnel can find a full list of JSPs on internal systems by searching ‘JSPs’.

MOD Raising a Concern Policy

The MOD guidance for raising a concern and whistleblowing in Defence has been designed to ensure that individuals’ concerns are addressed and resolved at the right level and as quickly and effectively as possible, and to reassure individuals of protection from victimisation when raising concerns: MOD raising a concern policy (PDF, 754 KB, 25 pages).

Updates to this page

Published 19 July 2022
Last updated 13 November 2025 show all updates

  1. Webpage updated with most recent information.

  2. Added 'MOD raising a concern policy'.

  3. Amended the Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination Helpline phone numbers.

  4. First published.

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