SO2 CA Lead 4

A vacancy may arise for a Sqn Ldr Any profession to serve as SO2 CA Lead 4 at High Wycombe on Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 19 October 2026 or earlier or later depending on individual circumstances and establishment of position.

The Whole Force Air People Engagement Team seeks to improve levels of ‘Employee Engagement’ throughout the Whole Force with the expectation that this will lead to a more productive, motivated, and committed workforce.  We achieve this primarily by undertaking Engagement Visits to units, sharing and gathering information to support both unit and strategic- level planning and activity.

The role sits within the Climate Assessment element of the Team. Climate Assessments are a CO’s tool to understand the lived experience of personnel from across their unit. A Climate Assessment consists of both a survey and Insights sessions; this role is to support and lead the Insight sessions at units across the RAF.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Facilitation of Insight Sessions with individuals up to the rank of Air Cdre at RAF Units across the UK as part of the wider team.
• Act as Visit Lead and lead the development of the Visit Report.
• Undertake in briefs with the HoE/Director/CO to gain insight into issues on unit.
• Undertake out brief with HoE/Director/CO to provide feedback from the insight sessions.
• Supporting delivery of Climate Assessment insight sessions across other TLB’s on an ad-hoc basis.

Candidates should note that overnight travel will be required as part of this role. The team aim to stay in Military accommodation on site, however where this is not available, hotel accommodation is sought.

(Officers) Must either have been, or currently be, a Sqn Ldr.

• Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader.
• Completion of IOD 1-3 or IOD A
• Must be proficient at active listening
• Ability to see the bigger picture
• Experience of leading a Team
• Experience of facilitation
• Must be a team player with a palpable collaborative working style
• Be able to give constructive and detailed feedback to all ranks

• Practical experience within a welfare role
• D&I Practitioner/Adviser/Facilitator
• Pastoral Skills Cse
• Research experience with the ability to interpret and analyse demographic statistics.

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

Name: Kelly Shipley

Tel: 07817 653497

Applications.  Candidate applications should as a minimum, comprise of a maximum 2-page CV, and copies of last 4 appraisal reports. Where candidates have been out of military service and / or have additional civilian SQEP relevant for the role, they should include evidence including qualifications, references, civilian appraisals as deemed appropriate, for use by the Selection Board, and should be sent to:

Kelly Shipley

The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 31 August 2026.

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 Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve 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 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.

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.

Joint Medical Employment Standards. The post is non deployable, non-safety critical, does not involve operational support activity and is sedentary in nature. IBN 94/24 applies.

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 VeRR TCoS are not entitled to service accommodation.