SO1 Emp Pol

A vacancy has arisen for a Wg Cdr - Pers (Spt) - to serve as SO1 Employment Policy at HQ AIR Command, RAF High Wycombe on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of not before 06 April 2022.

This vacancy is for a Wg Cdr Pers FTRS(LC) appointment exercising Command and Control over 3 staff charged with developing and delivering RAF Employment Policy (for both RAF Regular and RAF Reserves personnel). In addition to policy development, the incumbent will be responsible for the management and staffing of any Employment Policy related casework, including FOI requests and PQs. 

• Responsible for regulations/policy as set out in:
• AP 3393 Volume 1 – Officers Commissioning & Terms of Service.
• AP 3376 Volume 1 – Ground Trade Personnel & Non-Commissioned Aircrew Terms and Conditions of Service.
• AP 3392 Vol 7 – Regulations for the Reserve Air Forces (Part 1, Terms of Service only).
• AP 3392 Vol 2 – Personnel Management (sponsor for various leaflets).
• Defence Council approved Recruiting Forms/Publications.
• QRs – Numerous, Emp Pol-related QRs.
• JSP 750 – Centrally Determined Terms of Service.
• JSP 760 – Tri Service Regulations for Leave and other types of Absence.
• Also responsible for providing RAF Terms of Service advice in support of people-focussed Astra programmes and Defence People transformation work (including, but not limited to, Unified Career Management).

• Experienced in developing and delivering RAF Personnel Policies.
• Previous experience as an OC BSW/OC Admin Wg.
• Have an understanding of UK Employment Law.

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:  Wg Cdr Paul Anderson

Tel: +44 3001518012

Please note that Wg Cdr Anderson will be Out of Office from 18 Sep to 3 Oct 21 (inclusive).

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

Gp Capt A J Vine, DACOS Pers Strat, Hurricane Building, HQ AIR Command, RAF High Wycombe Bucks, HP14 4UE.  Electronic Applications will also be accepted by email to: Anthony.Vine906@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 01 October 2021 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place week commencing 22 November 2021.

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 Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 Chapter 16 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 5 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.  However, prior approval must be sought from the relevant Branch & Trade Advisor to confirm current and past 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 branch/trade sponsor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  Branch/trade 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.

Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the QR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391 (Vol 3, Lft 207, Annex L, Para 1a).

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. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment on Commutation’.

Flexible Working Arrangements. In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserves personnel are able to 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/HC)/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 High Wycombe.