Explanatory Notes

Armed Forces Act 2006

2006 CHAPTER 52

8 November 2006

Second Group of Parts – Miscellaneous Matters

Part 14 – Enlistment, Terms of Service Etc

Redress of individual grievances

Section 335: Service complaints: role of Defence Council and service complaint panels

675.This section permits the Defence Council to delegate all or some of its responsibilities under section 334 to a panel, referred to in the Act as a “service complaint panel”. Members of a service complaint panel are appointed by the Defence Council (except independent members appointed by the Secretary of State where required by regulations under section 336(7).

676.Subsection (4) permits the Defence Council (in relation to all or any complaints) to delegate to a civil servant or officer

677.Subsections (6) and (7) enable the Defence Council to obtain assistance in other ways. Under subsection (6) the Defence Council may require a panel to assist them and (under subsection (7)) may appoint a person (including a panel or panel member) to investigate a complaint.