Outgoing RAF chief admits air force made mistakes in its diversity recruitment ... trends now

Outgoing RAF chief admits air force made mistakes in its diversity recruitment ... trends now
Outgoing RAF chief admits air force made mistakes in its diversity recruitment ... trends now

Outgoing RAF chief admits air force made mistakes in its diversity recruitment ... trends now

Outgoing RAF chief admits air force made mistakes in its diversity recruitment drive after service sparked backlash by 'discriminating against white men in favour of women and ethnic minorities' Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said diversity improvements were 'flat-lining'  Of the 1,500 pilots, just 40 were women and 20 were from ethnic minorities 

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An outgoing RAF chief has admitted the air force made mistakes in its diversity recruitment drive.

Of the 1,500 pilots in the force at the end of last year, just 40 were women and 10 were from ethnic minorities. 

But aims to improve these figures by 2030 ended up 'flat-lining', with staff finding the goals 'almost impossible to meet'.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, who is set to retire next month, also said that when he entered the role four years ago, he had hoped to tackle 'bullying, harassment and discrimination' going on within the force.

It comes after the Daily Mail read leaked documents where senior officers suggested RAF training places should be filled by ‘any remaining women and EMs [Ethnic Minorities] that are ready’ even if the candidates are not ‘first past the post’.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston (pictured), who is set to retire next month, also said that when he entered the role four years ago, he had hoped to tackle 'bullying, harassment and discrimination' going on within the force

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston (pictured), who is set to retire next month, also said that when he entered the role four years ago, he had hoped to tackle 'bullying, harassment and discrimination' going on within the force

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks with Chief of the Air Staff Sir Mike Wigston (left) and Station Commander of RAF Coningsby, Group Captain Billy Cooper (right) at number 11 (fighter) Squadron during a visit to RAF Coningsby

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks with Chief of the Air Staff Sir Mike Wigston (left) and Station Commander of RAF Coningsby, Group Captain Billy Cooper (right) at number 11 (fighter) Squadron during a visit to RAF Coningsby

In an interview with The Telegraph, Sir Mike said:

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