Boarding Officer

A vacancy has arisen for a Flight Lieutenant (Any) to serve as an OASC Boarding Officer at RAFC Cranwell on Full Time Reserve Service (Home Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 28 July 2025 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status).

A boarding officer is responsible to SO1 Select for conducting interviews, facilitating the Exercise Phase, assessing candidates and completion of any and all relevant administration for both civilian and serving personnel applying for:

• Commissioned service (regular and reserves)
• SNCO service
• Bursaries
• Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme
• Executive Warrant Officer Commissioning Scheme
• In-Profession Commissioning Scheme

Additionally, you are responsible for:

• Debriefing Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) candidates
• Writing relevant, performance-based reports on candidates
• Acting as the OASC Duty Officer
• Any other duties tasked by SO1 Select

• (Officers) Must either have been, or currently be a Flight Lieutenant.
• For SO3 posts, RAF Warrant Officers & Master Aircrew who have already passed an OASC Commissioning Suitability Interview may be considered eligible in accordance with AP3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and Reserves Administrative Instruction 20.
• The Preferred Candidate will be required to achieve DBS Clearance

Required competencies:

• Have a broad knowledge of the RAF, professions, and specialisations.
• Have the ability to accept constructive criticism.

• Understand the OASC selection processes and policies.
• Enthusiastic individual with the ability to deal with young people.
• Possess a broad understanding of the RAF’s workforce requirement.
• Recruitment experience.
• Confidence addressing large audiences.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.

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:

Name: Flt Lt Holly Stead

Email: Holly.Stead100@mod.gov.uk   

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 3/4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

Flt Lt Holly Stead

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2025.

Interviews will take place week commencing 07 April 2025.

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

The appointment is on Full Time Reserve Service (Home Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of up to 31 March 2028.

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 must be attested before their 61st birthday. However, suitably qualified personnel may be considered but a waiver must be sought from SO1 Res Spt prior to interview.

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 past experience prior to being invited to 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, Profession 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 particular 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, Reserve 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 FTRS(LC) 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 Cranwell.