RESERVES CO-ORDINATION OFFICER

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Any) to serve as the Reserves Co-ordination Officer (RCO) (Scotland).  The post is based at RAF Lossiemouth on Additional Duties Commitment (ADC) (180) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 26 August 2024 (or earlier/later, depending upon candidate status).

The Reserves Coordination Officer (RCO) is a dedicated POC to support Stn communication and education about Reserves, responsible for delivering culture change within the Regular Force and identifying opportunities to integrate Part-time Volunteer Reserves (PTVR) from across the RAuxAF as part of the Whole Force.  The RCO is part of the Stn Reserves Team and Base Support Wing.  Although some element of remote working may be possible, applicants should be aware that the post is based at RAF Lossiemouth. 

The RCO will work within the Base Support Wing, responsible for:

• Leading the implementation of Stn PTVR integration strategy including coordination and advice on Stn Reserves integration plans
• Primary Stn POC for Reserve units, linking into sqn chains of command where appropriate
• Provision of education and guidance on types of Reserves and Reserve employment
• Specialist advisor on RAF Reserve engagements to the Stn Cdr (through OC BSW)
• Proactive coordination of Stn Reserve Support Requests, linking into Res HQs and BSGs for support across the full range of Professions
• Promotion of coordination with RAuxAF Sqns over weekend/ACT opportunities
• Coordination of support to IA Reservists whilst employed on Stn
• Acting as independent panel member for FTRS recruitment, when required
• SME on FTRS recruitment process and TCoS
• Liaison with B&TA and CMs on Reservist post creation and employment
• Providing Reservist options at the quarterly workforce requirements meeting
• Providing the interface between the Reserves Support Wings and the Stn as required.

• Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Any) or Flight Lieutenant (Any) eligible for promotion in accordance with AP 3393 Vol 1 and AP 7000. All Promotions will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board. If an applicant has been out of full-time military service and is applying for a post on promotion, they will also need to send their civilian appraisals or equivalent to evidence recent skills, knowledge, and experience to be considered by the Promotion Board
• Have commanded at OF2
• Familiarity with Stn output and functional areas
• Ability to influence all levels
• Confidence to provide Stn-wide briefings and education
• Hold a full UK driving licence and be prepared to travel.

• Have a detailed knowledge of Reserves
• Have commanded at OF3
• Have completed IOD4 or ICSC(A).

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Covesea Flight Executive Officer
Caroline.Derbyshire-Laing634@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports) should be sent to:

Officer Commanding Base Support Wing

Rachel.Sullivan146@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 26 April 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place shortly afterwards.  

Unless already commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be commissioned in the RAFR with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Additional Duties Commitment TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 3 years.

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to an executive waiver process on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates who have been out of Regular or Reserve service for more than 5 years may be considered for this appointment.  Prior approval must be sought from the relevant Professions Advisor to confirm current and experience prior to being invited to interview.

Applicants of an equivalent rank from sister Services may apply but will only be accepted into RAFR service if an appropriate Professions sponsor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  The Professions sponsor approval must be agreed before the interview.

Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Royal Air Force should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Branch/Trade and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391.

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS. 

Flexible Working Arrangements. In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserves personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1) and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT).  Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on ADC TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB. However, due to a severe shortage, it is unlikely that accommodation will be available at RAF Lossiemouth.  There is no entitlement to SFA.