An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir January / February 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 18 | Introduction The Organisational Cultural Standing Committee (OCSC) was convened in December 2021 by the Chief of Staff and tasked with driving and coordinating the process of cultural change in the DF. The committee is chaired by myself and comprises of various SMEs and EOs from each of the Formations and Services. Similar committees have been cascaded down to Formation and Service level, with EOs acting as their chair. These structures facilitate 2-way communication on initiatives and messaging that support the process of cultural change. The OCSC met twelve times last year and the following provides a look back on the work undertaken. Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships (SERR) Workshop The OCSC's primary initiative to drive positive cultural change in the DF, was the development and rollout of the Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships workshop. The workshop was adapted from a model used by the New Zealand Defence Forces and reviewed and by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. The workshop modules include consent, military culture and environment, sexual ethics and respectful relationships and being an ethical bystander. The SERR workshop is mandatory for all members of the DF and is designed to give our people the opportunity to discuss, explore and learn about sexual ethics in the workplace, with a view to making the DF a safer place to work. The workshop is being delivered by Professor Louise Crowley from UCC, alongside a DF Military Champion. To date, Professor Crowley has delivered 24 workshops reaching an audience of over 1,500. Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationship Advisors (SERRA) In order to ensure SERR workshops are delivered throughout the DF as promptly as possible and to reinforce DF Personal Support Services (PSS) capability, a number of additional social workers are currently being hired. In total, 4½ (whole time equivalent) new social workers will be hired. The Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationship Advisors (SERRA) will ensure the long-term support to drive the enduring culture change in the DF. OP TEAMWORK In 2023, the OCSC reached out to the British Army's equivalent team who have been tasked with driving positive and enduring cultural change in their Organisation. The objective of the relationship was to provide both teams with a better understanding of the issues involved and lessons learned regarding initiatives and approaches employed. The DF hosted a one day workshop in McKee Bks in November 2023 with the OP TEAMWORK team. A similar workshop will be hosted by the British Army for the DF in Q2 '24. Training Muster Training Muster was conducted in December '23 by the OCSC and was mandatory for all staff based in training establishments and all available students undergoing training or education in the DF. This initiative built on the mandatory Response Team briefs conducted in late 2021 and provided a platform to remind the target audience that the DF is "a workplace, where our culture is underpinned by the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect and duty of care." The first Training Muster also reminded the target audience of our obligations to each other and importantly the supports and protections available to all. The programme commenced with an address by the Chief of Staff and concluded with the DF Sgt Maj. Other modules included, • DF Values and leadership. • The complaints procedure and barriers to reporting. • Military code of practice for instructors and students. • Resilience and mental health. • Discussion, Q&A. Over 700 instructional staff and students attended the Training Muster in ten (10) locations. Staff ranged from Cpl to Lt Col. The students ranged from recent inductees to recruits, apprentices, cadets, 2-3*; through to Young Officer's courses, Special Operations Forces Qualification course (SOF Q), Land Command & Staff and Joint Command & Staff students. Following an ongoing lessons learned process this package will be repeated in 2024. 18 | WHAT HAS THE OCSC DONE IN 2023 BY BRIG GEN ROSSA MULCAHY ACOS THE HEADLINES • Developed and rolled out mandatory Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships (SERR) Workshops. • Hiring 4½ (WTE) social workers to ensure SERR workshops are delivered promptly. • Developed a working relationship with our British Army equivalent group - OP TEAMWORK. • Developed and rolled out Training Muster package to all DF instructors and students. • Developing an Ethics, Values and Behaviour Card to be provided to all members of the DF. • Developing a series of videos representing the profiles of our female serving personnel. • Amplifying the 'It Stops Now' campaign. • Developed a proposal to name new IPVs after prominent female leaders. • Coordinated with D Ord to develop a DF Maternity wear stock policy to ensure availability. • Assisted in the roll out of Gender, Diversity & Unconscious Bias Training. • Amplified the message regarding the mechanism to reimburse female personnel for the purchase of sports bras. ACOS Brig Gen Rossa Mulcahy

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