Defence Reform

Alongside the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), the government also announced in summer 2010 that it would conduct a full organisational review of the Ministry of Defence. There would be two themes to this review: structural reform which would see the MOD reorganised into three pillars: Strategy and Policy, Armed Forces, and Procurement and Estates; and a cultural shift towards a leaner and less centralised organisation combined with devolved processes which carry greater accountability and transparency.

To oversee implementation, a Defence Reform Unit was established within the MOD to help plan and execute any structural/organisational changes. Lord Levene was appointed Chairman of the Steering Group, comprising internal and external experts, which would also be supported by a civil service implementation team. The Independent Report into the Structure and Management of the Ministry of Defence was subsequently published on 27 June 2011.

The report has identified 53 recommendations in total on the reorganisation of the MOD. Among its key recommendations are the restructuring of the Defence Board which should be responsible for the strategic direction of defence policy; the Service Chiefs should be empowered to run their individual Services more effectively, and as part of a much clearer framework of financial accountability and control; MOD Head Office should be smaller and more strategic in its role; a new 4-star led Joint Forces Command should be established to strengthen the focus on the development of joint enablers and joint warfare development; while all non-front line posts across defence, beginning at the senior and management levels, should be reviewed in order to move away from the current ‘top heavy’ structure within the MOD.