As previously shown in AEROIN, the United Kingdom Air Force (RAF – Royal Air Force) fired some members of the protest force Red arrows (red arrows), complaints and subsequent investigation into several employees who exhibited “a range of unacceptable behaviour”, including allegations of bullying, misogyny and sexual harassment within the stunt crew.
Now, following developments in the case and reports of investigations being released, the Chief of the United Kingdom’s Air Force, Sir Rich Knighton, has released a statement about the conduct of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
Check out the full report below:
“Today we are releasing two reports regarding historic allegations of unacceptable behavior within the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) – the Red Arrows. Revised versions of the statements were published on the RAF website at 4pm today (links below). The reports were written to guarantee the confidentiality of those who spoke to those responsible for the investigation and to comply with our legal obligations to protect personal data.
The inquiry was held in December 2021 at the request of Air Marshal Sir Mike Wixton after three women approached him directly with serious allegations about the culture and behavior of the Red Arrows. The inquiry, which considered evidence dating back to 2017, concluded last summer but led to a more formal inquiry into the command, leadership and management of the force. I would like to thank the investigators for their diligence and all the witnesses who supported the investigations.
Now that both investigations have concluded, the findings are being made public. I have accepted all the recommendations of the two inquiries.
To those who have been subjected to unacceptable behavior during their interactions with Red Arrows, particularly the three women who felt they had no choice, I am sorry and apologize to the three women who felt they had no choice but to come forward with your complaints directly. To my ancestors.
During the period studied, reports show that unacceptable behavior was widespread and “normalized” within the red arrows. These include sexual harassment, bullying, and an alcohol-centered culture. The situation is made worse by “bystander culture,” meaning people don’t challenge what’s going on.
The behaviors described by witnesses in the reports did not occur in the Royal Air Force – or anywhere else. The results of the investigation are clear. Action was taken against several persons including dismissal from service.
I was shocked when I read the results of the investigation. The behavior of a minority of individuals damaged the reputation of the force and the Royal Air Force. Like my predecessor, I intend to rebuild public confidence in one of our highest profile units. I know the current team is working hard to do that.
The leadership, flight and ground crews of the Red Arrows have undergone many changes since the period covered by the investigations, and few still serve in the force since then. I have confidence in the command and people of the present force.
More broadly, I want to make it very clear today that, when appropriate, I will not hesitate to use the most severe sanctions available to me to deal with those who harm others.
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable behavior in the workplace can raise their concerns up their chain of command. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, service staff and organizations have confidential helplines if you have experienced bullying or harassment at work.
We take any complaint seriously and will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the Ministry of Defense’s “zero tolerance” policy.“
In addition to the statement, the RAF concludes the disclosure by highlighting how difficult it can be to intervene and help or know what to do when witnessing or experiencing unwanted, harmful or illegal behaviour.
– emotional, physical or sexual;
– words or actions;
– Occurs at work, in cafeterias, in dormitories, or in social settings;
– In person, online or through technology, from a colleague, manager, friend or group.
Therefore, the RAF, in whatever form, declares that it has no place in the Ministry of Defence. It is important to stop, challenge, educate and, if necessary, report situations in which someone is behaving in an undesirable manner or causes someone to feel uncomfortable, humiliated, afraid or distressed.
“Every time you operate, you are doing your part to make our workforce better,” concludes the RAF.
Both reports mentioned in the above report can be accessed in English, In this connection This is In this connection.
