The third annual Ofsted report on the effectiveness of welfare and duty of care for recruits and trainees in Armed Forces initial training was published in September 2011.

The report demonstrates that the training establishments visited during 2010/11 have been graded as 'satisfactory' or better. For the first time since inspections began, one establishment, HMS Sultan, was judged as outstanding for the overall effect of its care and welfare provision. Of the nine establishments previously inspected, four had improved their overall effectiveness of welfare and duty of care. None had declined in the 2010/11 inspection year.

Recruits and trainees reported that they felt safe, were motivated by training, and that their welfare needs were met effectively.

The Armed Forces welcome external inspection. Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Andrew Robathan, said:

"I am pleased that all the locations inspected by Ofsted have undergone an assessment of their effectiveness regarding the provision of welfare, care and support, and all have been graded as 'satisfactory' or better.

But there is clearly room for improvement. Resourcing and operational requirements continue to impact on the Armed Forces and the training environment is not exempt from these pressures.

It therefore remains essential for leaders and managers to continue to strive for excellence in delivering efficient and effective training that gets the right people with the right skills to wherever today's Armed Forces need them.”

Click here to read the full report, which contains detailed findings about the progress made by each establishment since its previous inspection.