Reserves Coordination Officer

A vacancy will arise for a Squadron Leader to serve as the Reserves Coordination Officer at RAF Coningsby on an Additional Duties Commitment (180 Days) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date being 14 February 2022 (or earlier, depending upon candidate status).

The post holder will be responsible to OC Base Spt Wg to lead in promoting the utilisation and integration of RAF Reserves on station across all work areas and to act as SME on all reserve-related matters. The role will be primarily based at RAF Coningsby, with remote working considered and an infrequent requirement for travel and nights away from station.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provision of education and guidance on types of Reserves and Reserves employment. This will range from briefing individuals, Sqn Cdrs, Sqn WOs, Stn Management Boards or any other relevant forum and will include support of Service-leavers recruitment into the RAuxAF.
• Proactive coordination of Reserves Support Requests, linking into reserves HQ and RAuxAF Sqns to support across all Branch and Trade areas.
• Be the primary POC for GSS Sqns and other Reserve units whether on base, parented or affiliated, or in the wider region linking into chains of command where appropriate and promoting coordination over RSD/ACT opportunities.
• Working with Line Managers to identify how roles, skills and functions can be performed by reservists; full, part-time or remotely.
• Act as the SME on Reserves Typhoon aircrew policy and recruiting.
• Coordinate support to Reserve personnel whilst they are employed at each unit.
• SME advice and support to the recruitment of Reserve personnel and Act as an independent panel member for Reserve recruitment interviews.
• Maintain close liaison with the Lincs Base Support Group (BSG) activities in coordination with the regional structure.
• Leading the implementation of Reserve integration strategies across all units including coordination and advice on Reserves Integration Plans.
• Annual review of the RAF Coningsby Resilience and Business Continuity Plan (R&BCP).

Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Any Branch) or a Flight Lieutenant (Any Branch) who is eligible for promotion in accordance with AP3393 Vol 1 and AP7000. Promotion will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board.

• Possess a good working knowledge of RAF Reserves TCoS.
• Strong staff skills.
• Be able to work independently without support from subordinates and limited D&G from superiors.
• Possess good communication skills in order to undertake staff briefings to all ranks including senior military grades.

• Completed ICSC (Air) or equivalent

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:

Sqn Ldr Paul Ratnage
RCO
Coningsby
paul.ratnage364@mod.gov.uk

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

Wg Cdr Leanne Warner
OC Base Sp Wg
RAF Coningsby
Lincoln
LN4 4SY

Civ –| +44(0) 1526 347203
Mil – 95721 7203 

Email – Leanne.Warner410@mod.gov.uk 

The closing date for applications is 20 September 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 Additional Duties 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.  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 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 Coningsby.