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Armed Forces: Recruitment

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 24 July 2026UIN 16613

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2026 to Question 11755, what circumstances have previously been regarded as constituting a justifiable business requirement for making reference to a candidate's protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 in employer input on suitability for military appointments or promotions; and, for each such circumstance, what protected characteristic was considered.

Answered by Mr Calvin Bailey

Military appointments and promotions are based on merit, and protected characteristics are not used as selection criteria. Consequently, there is no centrally held record linking appointment or promotion decisions to candidates' protected characteristics.

All appointment and promotion decisions are made in accordance with relevant legislation and departmental policy.

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