Defence needs to be more diverse and inclusive. If it isn't, it simply cannot succeed. Its equipment, no matter how advanced, is useless without our Armed Forces' most powerful asset - people.

Retaining talent is mission critical in a field where knowledge, skills and experience are developed over many years. The talent pipeline is 30 years long and options for lateral entry are limited. Unlike equipment, people can “go the extra mile”. Leadership that can inspire and harness this potential is crucial.

Organisations thrive when leaders demonstrate authentic leadership, engagement and communication. And this must start the day people join Defence. Navigating military jargon can be as confusing as ranks and grades. The Pecking Order (below), good in its day, is history. It’s something a lot of people refer to, but needs updating. It has drawings of mostly men and they all are shown with the hierarchy bearing down on them.

So, we’ve decided to update it and help set the tone of Defence culture from the get go.

Good cultures breed better behaviours and enable people to give their best. Improved outcomes offer opportunities to excel as well as enhance National Security.

Productivity and performance thrive through teamwork. A key lesson from the “Good Operation” was the risks of “groupthink”; reflecting insufficient challenge and a lack of diversity of thought. Page 62 of the handbook has a Reasonable Challenge guide which remains central to create innovative solutions.

To attract the best talent, Defence must embrace value-based leadership. Recent increasingly negative headlines emphasise how urgent this is.

At this time of Remembrance, we are also reminded to hold the torch high for future generations who will serve. Championing inclusivity is not just about good leadership. It is essential to ensure all who serve thrive and give Defence its competitive edge in order to protect our nation.

We’re on a mission at BFBS Creative to make Defence more diverse and inclusive. And we’re starting with this poster. There’s much more to come...

Blog written by Lindsay MacDuff (He/Him), Head of Inclusion at BFBS Creative

Header image: Crown Copyright