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<p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is increasingly challenging itself to become a more
diverse and inclusive organisation. It recognises that recruitment and inclusion of
individuals with diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds will bring real strength
to the organisation. The Defence Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2018 to 2030: A
Force for Inclusion was issued by the Secretary of State for Defence in October 2018:
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy-2018-to-2030-a-force-for-inclusion"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy-2018-to-2030-a-force-for-inclusion</a>.
This renewed strategy is focused on the delivery of a set of strategic goals and objectives
that clearly set out what sort of organisation we want to be in the future: inclusive;
appropriately representative of UK society; and a force for inclusion in wider society.</p><p>
</p><p>Since the lifting of the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the military in the
year 2000, the MOD has welcomed and supported all personnel, irrespective of sexual
orientation, actively celebrating and supporting the diversity of all our personnel.
Support is available including through LGBT champions, senior LGBT role models, active
LGBT networks and over 150 personnel trained by Stonewall as LGBT allies. The single
Services (and MOD civilians) took part in the 2018 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index,
with all three Services being placed in the Top 100 Employers. In March 2018, for
the second year running, the MOD flew the transgender flag to mark Transgender Day
of Visibility. The MOD once again flew the rainbow flag from the top of our Main Building,
as LGBT Service personnel marched alongside their civilian colleagues at London Pride
2018.</p><p> </p><p>All three Services have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying of
all kinds, including homophobic bullying. All military personnel receive mandatory
diversity and inclusion training on entry into service and every two years which both
educates people on the reasons for positive behaviour, and the options for seeking
help when poor behaviours are displayed. The Services have a robust policy for dealing
with all bullying, Joint Service Publication 763, a copy of which can be found at
the following address: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-763-the-mod-bullying-and-harassment-complaints-procedures"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-763-the-mod-bullying-and-harassment-complaints-procedures</a>.
Equality and diversity advisors are also embedded within each unit, acting as the
first point of call for any personnel subjected to bullying or harassment.</p><p>
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