SO2 CTS Inspection Hold to Account and Support Team

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) from Any Profession to serve as SO2 RAF Apprenticeships Education Inspection Framework (EIF) Compliance Team on FTRS (LC) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS) with an initial proposed start date of 26 August 2024 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status).  

A new team has been created within RAF Apprenticeships. The team will provide a programme of RAF-wide preparatory inspections at locations which deliver RAF Apprenticeships. Inspections and follow-up support will ensure that all locations are at readiness for formal statutory inspections by Ofsted. The team will use the same EIF employed by Ofsted and the inspection programme will cover Ph2 training schools and apprentices’ workplaces across the RAF. The post allows for a considerable amount of Flexible Working as described in JSP750, however regular visits to RAF locations will be required. Pre and Post-Inspection work such as report writing or research will be completed in the office and / or whilst working from home.    

Liaising widely across all Phase 2 training schools and front-line Units where apprenticeships are delivered and supported, the SO2 will manage an established team of WO and FS Inspectors undertaking Inspection and post-inspection Support functions. The post will generate visit schedules and allocate staff to each inspection, allowing for the location and volume of apprentices present. As well as leading the team, the SO2 will manage the development and implementation of processes to deliver and support our outputs.

A key task will be the review, approval and monitoring of post-Inspection reports and presentation of findings in order ensure that Units develop robust and comprehensive action plans following an inspection. Extensive travel will be necessary to ensure all locations where apprentices are in the workplace are covered, and also to ensure the EIF Compliance Team are managed, supported and developed accordingly. Regular liaison and collegiate working with wider RAF Apprenticeships personnel, Ph2 trg schools and MOBs will be critical to the success of this role.

A structured programme of training will be provided to the successful candidate, covering broader assurance work to a nationally recognised standard followed by contextualised training for the role.

Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Any Profession) or a Flight Lieutenant (Any Profession) 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.

• Must be prepared to travel routinely across the UK and on occasion overseas.
• Must possess a full UK driving licence.
• The successful applicant will be required to undertake England and Wales Enhanced with Barred Check - Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Please note that no formal offer of commitment will be made until the successful candidate has achieved this.

• Have managed a team delivering a high priority programme of dispersed activity
• Have practical knowledge or experience of the Initial Training (Ph 1 and 2) environment
• Have practical knowledge or experience of assurance, or of managing a programme of assurance in the military context detailed within JSP822 and Ofsted 3rd Party Inspections.
• Experience of using MS Office products including Word and Excel.

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

Name:  WO Steve Perham

Email:  stephen.perham947@mod.gov.uk

Skype: 0300 166 2406 

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

Name: Sqn Ldr Alanna Gleave

Post title: OC RAF Apprenticeship Management Team

Email:  alanna.gleave855@mod.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 22 April 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will be scheduled for a mutually agreed date shortly afterwards.

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 FTRS (LC) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 4 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.

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.