SEXUAL OFFENDING AND UNACCEPTABLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
1. Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour: With effect from 19 November 2022, the Army adopted a Zero Tolerance approach to Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour (USB) which means every allegation/complaint will be investigated promptly, thoroughly and efficiently. There is a presumption of discharge for anyone found to have behaved in a sexually unacceptable manner. The chain of command (CoC) are not permitted to investigate allegations about unacceptable sexual behaviour, unless the victim wishes to have their complaint dealt with through informal resolution; this is a specific process in AGAI 67 which results in minor rather than major admin action. Service Personnel wishing to raise an allegation/complaint of Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour have the following options:
a. Informal resolution: The CoC (min rank of Maj/OF3) must conduct a formal interview and where proven, award a Minor Admin Sanction of Formal Interview.
b. Report it to the CoC: The CoC will forward the allegation direct to the 2* Division, who will arrange for the incident to be investigated by an Independent Officer from another unit.
c. Report it through an independent body: SP who do not wish to raise an allegation through their CoC can email their complaint/allegation using the proforma at Annex F to AGAI 62 to the Unacceptable Behaviours Team (UB Team) multiuser account ArmySpeakOut@mod.gov.uk. The UB Team will forward the proforma to the respective 2* for independent investigation. The UB Team will not comment or advise on the allegation.
d. Service Complaint: If the victim believes seeks specific redress then they may use the existing Service Complaints procedure.
2. Sexual Offences: The Army has adopted a Zero Tolerance approach Sexual Offending, therefore Service Personnel who are convicted of a Sexual Offence in Civil or Military Court will be discharged from the Service.
a. Informal resolution: The CoC (min rank of Maj/OF3) must conduct a formal interview and where proven, award a Minor Admin Sanction of Formal Interview.
b. Report it to the CoC: The CoC will forward the allegation direct to the 2* Division, who will arrange for the incident to be investigated by an Independent Officer from another unit.
c. Report it through an independent body: SP who do not wish to raise an allegation through their CoC can email their complaint/allegation using the proforma at Annex F to AGAI 62 to the Unacceptable Behaviours Team (UB Team) multiuser account ArmySpeakOut@mod.gov.uk. The UB Team will forward the proforma to the respective 2* for independent investigation. The UB Team will not comment or advise on the allegation.
d. Service Complaint: If the victim believes seeks specific redress then they may use the existing Service Complaints procedure.
2. Sexual Offences: The Army has adopted a Zero Tolerance approach Sexual Offending, therefore Service Personnel who are convicted of a Sexual Offence in Civil or Military Court will be discharged from the Service.
