The Ministry of Defence (MOD) responded to my ground-breaking inquiry into women in the Armed Forces.
Their response was thorough, and I am pleased that the MOD have moved on a number of issues that my report raised, such as the role of the Chain of Command within the service complaints system.
This will make a significant difference to the lives of servicewomen and veterans and I am honoured my report was a catalyst for change.
However, I cannot deny there is work still to do. The MOD's response made little mention of veterans, so it is important to make sure female veterans receive the gender-specific support they need.
It is also vital the MOD now meets the targets that it has set itself in response to this inquiry.
Is also true that many of the issues our inquiry highlighted will also require cultural change within the military. However, on the cultural change required I am hopeful.
Only last week, I spoke with a young commanding officer that was intent on making changes to his leadership style following my report, which gives me hope that those in the front line of our Armed Forces have taken note and are willing to change.
As such, I am proud of what this inquiry has achieved.
The MOD has already moved on many areas, such as uniform, sanitary products and body armour in response to this inquiry which will improve the lives of servicewomen up and down the country.
I will continue to advocate for military women and will closely monitor the progress on the commitments the MOD has made.
I have also continued my work with the HMP Berwyn Employment Advisory Board.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice initiated a trial scheme across the UK focusing on the rehabilitation of offenders.
The scheme, which created the HMP Berwyn 'Employment Advisory Board', is part of a £500 million investment from the UK Government into reducing reoffending across the UK.
The board brings together prison leaders, local businesses and stakeholders with the aim of providing sustainable employment opportunities and support for those at HMP Berwyn.
Since its inception the Employment Board has gone from strength to strength.
Recently, a series of successful hospitality employment events were held at HMP Berwyn's new employment hub, with business across the hospitality sector present alongside the local DWP team, Careers Wales and work coaches.
The aim of the sessions, for men ready to be released on temporary licence, was to support attendees to identify training and certification they may require for employment aims.
This was also an opportunity for employers to have a frank conversation about the benefits of employing former offenders, particularly at a time when hospitality and construction are experiencing skills shortages.
As always if you are resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issue, please make contact with me by emailing [email protected].
