The Armed Forces Commissioner has launched a call for evidence focussing on welfare, behaviours and lived experience at Phase 1 Training Establishments.
The Commissioner wants to hear from current and former recruits, staff or family members supporting Service personnel through Phase 1 training over the last 5 years.
Evidence should be submitted by 1 Nov 2026.
Relevant family members who have supported, or are currently supporting, a Service person through Phase 1 training are also encouraged to share their experiences.
This is a very significant development, both in the subject matter, and in this being the first such "thematic review" launched by the Commissioner, Polly Miller-Perkins.
Ms Miller-Perkins told the BBC that she plans to visit ten Phase 1 Training Establishments in November and will speak to staff, recruits, and families. She aims to establish early findings in the new year.
The Commissioner would also particularly like to hear from people with experience of the ten identified Phase 1 establishments, which are:
- Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
- Britannia Royal Naval College,
- Army Foundation College (Harrogate)
- RAF Halton
- RAF Cranwell
- HMS Raleigh
- CTC Lympstone
- ATC Pirbright
- ATR Winchester
- ITC Catterick
The Commissioner's website explains what your evidence should cover, focussing on your own experience. Full details, guidance and a submission form are at this link:
Armed Forces Commissioner: Call for evidence: Phase 1 training experiences
The MOD has welcomed the independent scrutiny, saying that is the reason the Armed Forces Commissioner role was created.
BAFF also warmly welcomes the review, and encourages any of its members and everyone in the wider community to contribute written evidence if they have relevant information to offer - especially about problems, but also including relevant positive experience of best practice.