WOMEN who served in the Submarine Services suffered misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours, an investigation by the Royal Navy has found.
A report published on Friday followed a two-year investigation which dealt with allegations of unacceptable and abusive behaviors from 2014 to 2020 in the Submarine Service.
In 2022, Admiral Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, ordered an investigation into allegations made by former lieutenant Sophie Brook who described a “constant campaign of sexual bullying”.
The report found behaviours of misogyny and bullying “amongst all ranks and rates in the past”, while Key said he was “truly sorry” and that such conduct was “intolerable”.
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In a statement published on Friday Key said he accepted the recommendations from the investigation, which included the establishment of a new head of culture and changes to training in the Submarine Service.
The investigation has not led to any charges of sexual assault.
In the report, the Navy said it had conducted 28 separate investigations leading to the discharge of 18 individuals, four of whom were reduced in rank, and six are facing disciplinary or administrative action.
Some of the allegations were reported to the MOD’s serious crime unit, but the report stated there was insufficient evidence to bring prosecutions.
Key said he has unreservedly apologised to Brook and has praised her courage for coming forward which sparked the investigation back in October 2022.
He said: “The investigation has confirmed misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours did occur during the investigation period, and this is intolerable. During the investigation process, Ms Brook made several requests for redress.
“Those that are within my gift to offer – I have. When I met with Ms Brook this morning, I apologised to her personally and unreservedly, praising her courage in coming forward.
“As the head of the Royal Navy, today I also offer a public apology, both to Ms Brook and to any personnel – past or present – that have been subject to any form of unacceptable behaviour during their time in service. I am truly sorry.”
He added: “We must be better than this and do better than we have.”
The report stated that poor practices and procedures were normalised and that they should “never have been considered acceptable.”
It also outlined that several changes have already been implemented including welfare checks for submarine crews pre and post deployment and changes to the Submarine Command Course syllabus.
It added that following the investigation the MOD had instituted wider reform to tackle unacceptable behaviour across the Defence.
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