The National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 pledged to reform the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to make it “leaner and more efficient”. The Review said that the Government would outsource key functions of the MOD to the private sector whereby reducing the number of civilians employed.
Successive Governments have continued this policy with facilities management companies such as Serco, Sodexo and Capita now providing the MOD with support in areas such as Guard Services, Fire and Rescue Services and catering.
The Committee will inquire into the provision of these services by companies and explore whether outsourcing has damaged perceptions of a wider ‘defence family’ by unfairly treating contracted staff.