Sam des Forges CBE (She/ Her)
Director of Conduct & Justice,
Ministry of Defence
Sam leads cultural transformation across Defence, working closely with colleagues across the Whole Force to collectively raise our standards and ensure that equity, integrity and respect don’t just underpin operational excellence—they drive operational advantage in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world. She champions systemic change to make Defence a better place for all our people, strengthening national security through cultural reform.
Her portfolio includes transforming the Service Justice System and introducing greater independence, consistency and transparency to the Service Complaints System. Sam’s team drives Defence’s work on tackling gender-based violence in support of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, and delivers legislative change, shaping statutory frameworks that reinforce accountability and fairness.
In addition, her team leads Defence’s implementation of the recommendations from the Etherton Review into the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces—welcoming the impacted community back into the Defence family.
Sam’s team lead on legislation for Defence, including the recent Armed Forces Commissioner Act and the Armed Forces Bill.
Previously Director of Assurance, Sam oversaw risk, counter-fraud, anti-corruption, cost analysis and assurance, providing scrutiny and challenge on Defence’s most complex strategic decisions. Earlier roles include Head of Fraud Defence at MOD and Head of Business Integrity at Network Rail, following 15 years at Ernst & Young leading multi-jurisdictional investigations into ethics, fraud, bribery and corruption.
Beyond Defence, Sam is MOD Co-Chair of the Women in Defence Charter, an Independent Member of the Joint Audit Committee for the Metropolitan Police Service and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and serves on the External Oversight Body for the Irish Defence Forces. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and Wales (ICAEW) and an ICAEW Accredited Forensic Accountant.
A visible advocate for inclusion, Sam is Defence’s LGBT+ Champion, Senior LGBT+ Role Model and a former MOD Gender Champion. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to creating environments where people thrive and talent is recognised.