Misconduct Investigation Leads To Royal Navy Chief Being Dismissed

The head of the Royal Navy has been dismissed from his position just weeks before he was due to retire, after an investigation into allegations of misconduct.

In a landmark development for the military, former Adm Sir Ben Key had initially been removed from his position as First Sea Lord in May, when an investigation into alleged misconduct began, and this week he has been dismissed from the most senior position in the Royal Navy, becoming the first serving officer in the top position to face a misconduct probe in the Navy’s 500-year history. The dramatic outcome of the investigation comes at the end of a period where the military has faced a series of damaging claims relating to a culture of mistreatment, harassment and abuse.

Misconduct could be considered an abuse of power

Sir Ben Key faced the investigation after it was alleged that he was having an extra-marital affair with a female colleague, who held a senior position but was still ranked as a junior to the First Sea Lord. The military’s strict code of conduct, known as the “service test”, clearly states that such relationships are outlawed and any sexual relations between a commander and a subordinate could be considered an abuse of power.

Having served in the Royal Navy since 1984, and having held the most senior position since 2021, Sir Ben was immediately remorseful upon the misconduct being discovered, and offered to resign from his position. However, he was prevented from doing so in order to allow the investigation to run its course.

In response to being dismissed from his position following the investigation’s conclusion, Sir Ben stated:  “I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy.” He also added that he was “very grateful” for the support of his wife, family and friends during the aftermath of the misconduct charge and the subsequent investigation, which he described as “a very difficult time”.

Robust action

A Ministry of Defence statement concluded that Sir Ben’s behaviour had “fallen far short of the values and standards expected of service personnel”, while Chief of Defence Staff, Adm Sir Tony Radakin added: “We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our service personnel and our civil servants. We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority.”

This latest development is another test for the Armed Forces who in the last seven months have suffered from allegations of a culture of misogyny in the army, LGBT veterans being mistreated and dismissed and over 1000 women sharing stories of sexual abuse and harassment in the military.

At Ison Harrison, we have seen military claims increase in frequency in recent years. Our military claim support aims to help current and former military personnel seeking compensation for injuries sustained during service. This also includes claims for abuse and harassment, and follows other examples of Ison Harrison launching dedicated services to help and support underrepresented groups in society.

Setting an example

In response to the head of the Royal Navy being dismissed on a misconduct charge, our head of military claims Diane Askwith commented: “I am pleased to see action being taken to deal with inappropriate conduct whilst in service at a senior level.  I hope this sets an example to those serving in the military that any form of unwanted and inappropriate conduct is unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, although Sir Ben has been stripped of his military title, which is typically retained by senior officers long after they have retired, he has retained his knighthood and his pension. He will be succeeded as First Sea Lord by Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins of the Royal Marines.

If you are currently serving in the military or are a military veteran, and have suffered an injury in service or have suffered medical negligence, psychological trauma or examples of abuse, bullying or harassment, you can make a claim for compensation. Call our expert team today on 0113 224 7837 or email [email protected]