Air Command Civil Servants Delivering and enabling excellence

Air Command Civil Servants Delivering and enabling excellence for the RAF

Candidate information pack This pack has been designed to give you some more information about what we do and what we could offer you if you choose to apply to work with us. It tells you about our business, our recruitment processes, our terms and conditions and what it’s like to work as a Civil Servant, specifically in the Ministry of Defence’s Air Command. Throughout the pack are links to further information if you would like to know more. If you have queries about the specific role you are considering, please contact the colleague whose details are given on the advert.

Contents • • • Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion “Join Air Command as a Civil Servant for a worthwhile, fascinating and challenging role” Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Thank you for your interest in joining the Ministry of Defence as a Civil Servant in Air Command. Civil Servants in Air Command work across a range of functions and are integral to delivering the Royal Air Force’s outputs. We are at the heart of the Royal Air Force’s preparation for delivery on operations. No matter what our job specialisation is, we are directly involved in delivering the Air Power that keeps our country safe and enables the UK’s forces to be deployed and supported worldwide. I hope you find this candidate information pack useful and we look forward to receiving your application. Air Command Director of Resources @DRes. RAF Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion “At RAF Brize Norton the Military, Civil Service and contractors work alongside each other to ‘Deliver, Together, Safely’” Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Thank you for your interest in joining the Ministry of Defence as a Civil Servant at RAF Brize Norton. The Civil Service forms an integral part of our ‘Whole Force’ team. There a wide range of Civil Service roles across the station. Some are embedded within operational Wings and Flying Squadrons whilst others are in areas that exist to support and resource the station and deployed operations. The roles that Civil Servants fulfil are vital to our operational success, providing the continuity and expert knowledge required to enable military personnel to deploy effectively. With nearly 300 Civil Service posts across the station, we offer a wide range of opportunities for personal development and career progression, as does the wider Civil Service department. If you would like to join our unique and exciting team we look forward to hearing from you. Group Captain T Jones; Station Commander @Stn. Cdr. BZN Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People MOD Background The role of the Ministry of Defence is to protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget. Underpinning all of this are our people – regular and reserve Armed Forces personnel working in the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army; MOD Civil Servants; contractors and other civilians. Together these different groups form the ‘whole force’ which delivers Defence outputs. Further information about the work of the department can be found at https: //www. gov. uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process RAF Background Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People The RAF Vision is to be an agile, adaptable and capable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none, and that makes a decisive air power contribution in support of the UK Defence Mission. We work together on our core task to produce battle-winning people and equipment. Our people lie at the heart of this capability and comprise: • 37, 000 service personnel • 4, 800 civilian staff We expect every one of our people, whether uniformed or civilian, to fulfill their personal responsibilities: • to foster a working environment where all personnel feel comfortable and are welcomed and valued for their unique contributions to operational effectiveness • to promote a working environment that values dignity, respect and fairness • to promote standards of best behaviour and comply with the law with regard to creating equality of opportunity Back to Contents and not discriminating against others

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Station Background RAF Brize Norton is the “Gateway to Operations” and its vision is to deliver excellence in rapid, global Air Mobility in support of deployed operations and exercises. RAF Brize Norton is the largest station in the Royal Air Force with approximately 7600 personnel – a combination of military, civilian and supporting contractors, together maintaining the highly operational output of both regular and reserve units. The Station is home to the RAF's Strategic and Tactical Air Transport (AT) and Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) forces, as well as host to many lodger units and personnel from all armed services. With its mixed fleet of aircraft, RAF Brize Norton provides rapid global mobility in support of UK overseas operations and exercises, as well as AAR support for fast jet aircraft both on operations and in support of UK Homeland Defence. Further information about RAF Brize Norton can be found at: http: //www. raf. mod. uk/rafbrizenorton/ Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, we are legally required to consider making reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged in our workplace If you require any adjustments during the recruitment and selection process please contact the advertising manager of the post. Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Recruitment Process The job advert will outline the recruitment and selection process and timelines for the role you are applying. The process will typically include a written application (made online), a sift, and then an interview. If there any additional tests or requirements these will be detailed in the job advert. Usually candidates are asked to provide competency-based evidence of their skills, knowledge and behaviours which are relevant for the role. You may also be asked to provide a supporting statement and/or a CV. • Applying for a job - hints and tips • Civil Service Competency Framework Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Terms, Conditions and Benefits Terms and Conditions • Some of MOD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed in 2014 for new recruits to MOD or existing staff appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. Further details can be found here: TACOS 2014 • Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates. Allowances • Some of our sites and roles may attract additional allowances and this will be detailed in the job advert. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on any allowances currently being advertised. Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Terms, Conditions and Benefits Security • Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security check required for the role you are applying for will be detailed in the job advert. Nationality statement • Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. • If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK. Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Terms, Conditions and Benefits Flexible working • Unless otherwise stated in the job advert, we will consider requests for flexible working, e. g. part time, job share, remote working, subject to business requirements • We also offer competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave to qualifying staff Leave allowance • New entrants to the Civil Service, and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions, will be entitled to 25 days paid annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service • You will also be entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day for the Queen’s Birthday • Leave allowances are pro rated for part time staff Learning and Development • All Civil Servants are entitled to a minimum 5 days learning and development each year. Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Terms, Conditions and Benefits Local station benefits - - Car parking- There is free on site parking across the station, allocated on a first come first serve basis with the vast majority of locations offering car parking outside your place of work. Local transport links- There is a bus stop situated 0. 2 miles away from the Main entrance to the station. There are frequent buses to Carterton from Witney and Oxford. Onsite catering/coffee shops- RAF Brize Norton has two on-site SPAR shops, a café that offers limited Costa Coffee produce, and other subsidised eating facilities such as the Spotlight and the Gateway Hotel. Onsite / subsidised fitness facilities- As a civil servant you will be eligible to utilise the on-site gym facilities at an annual rate of £ 70 P/A (rate correct at time of publishing) plus an additional refundable £ 10 deposit. The gym offers a range of classes between the hours of 0630 -1900, with access to the facilities 24/7. There is a Station swimming pool available from the hours of 0630 -2200. Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Terms, Conditions and Benefits Local station benefits - Onsite / nearby nursery- There a number of local nurseries and pre-schools within the vicinity of RAF Brize Norton: • Sunshine Day Nursery- RAF Brize Norton, OX 18 3 LX • Bright Start Pre-school- Browne's Lane, Alvescot Rd, OX 18 3 JH • St John’s Church Playgroup- Burford Rd, OX 18 3 AA • Petit Enfant Day Nursery- Weavers Court, OX 18 3 YJ • Carterton Fun Club- Lawton Avenue, OX 18 3 HP • Carterton Community College Play Unit, Upavon Way, OX 18 1 BU Other childcare establishments and local child minders can be found on the official Ofsted website, which can be found HERE Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People The Civil Service does the practical and administrative work of government. Today we are formed of nearly half a million employees working in locations all over the UK and overseas for around 20 government departments and 45 executive agencies. Broadly the Service can be divided into three functional areas: 1. Delivering public services More than half of all Civil Servants provide services direct to the public, for example at UK airports and seaports, in job centres and issuing driving licenses and passports. 2. Devising and managing policy This is the smallest group, helping Ministers to devise, design and communicate government policy. 3. Managing corporate services Civil servants in these roles enable to other two groups to function effectively, including managing public money, pay, pensions, human resources, computers and buildings. All Civil Servants are subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Code which details our values, standards of behaviours and rights and responsibilities. The next two slides give some further information about the roles being done by Civil Servants in Air Command today. Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Our People Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Becca Sharan is Head of the Air Scrutiny and Approvals Team at Air Command. She started her Civil Service career on the Fast Stream in October 2006; has worked on the Nuclear Warhead programme; at the Defence Equipment & Support as a project manager, and at the Home Office as a strategy adviser. When not at work, her ‘spare time’ is spent with her 2 young children who like to keep her very busy. Becca has recently joined the MOD internal talent programme and her first posting is in the Secretariat team at Air Command, High Wycombe. She has been working in the MOD since 2007 in a variety of roles including recruitment; Tornado jet propulsion team; Defence Equipment & Support military HR team; the Army Inspectorate; and two overseas postings to the Falklands and Cyprus. Geoff is the Air Domain Finance Manager at HQ Air Command where he is responsible for managing the financial positions for Air. He has worked for the MOD for 33 years. “I’ve never had a particular career plan, I simply applied for roles that I thought I would find interesting or challenging, or where the location suited me – I felt there was no point in spending my time doing something I didn’t enjoy. So I’ve always applied for jobs that I felt suited my skills, but which also had an element of challenge so that I could develop myself. ” Back to Contents

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Rob is currently a HR Business Partner in Air Command working with our Civil Servants and their military line managers. He is participating in a cross-Civil Service development scheme. “If you'd have told me when I joined the Civil Service 11 years ago about the variety and scope of the roles available to me I'd have never have believed you! I started in the Post Room, and since then I've done administrative, corporate support, secretariat, outer office and HR roles. Working in the Director of Resources’ office for 4 years has been a particular highlight! My current role is really enjoyable as I work for MOD Head Office, but am based in Air Command. I have interaction and involvement with the Department's strategic HR Centre working on things like the Departmental Allowances Review, whilst at the same time I have a high level of engagement with staff and managers at a variety of RAF Stations”. Rosie is the Business Manager at RAF Boulmer and has been working for the MOD for 36 years. She joined the department as a clerical officer, and has since worked at a number of RAF stations, including in Germany, in roles as diverse as Registry; Finance and accounts; Service children’s education; Estates; and Human Resources Back to Contents

Our People Sarah is the Business and Resource Manager at RAF Brize Norton. “I joined the MOD as an E 1/AO civil servant working at HQ Air Command in 2006. Since then, I have worked on operations at PJHQ Northwood, on a US Air Force Base in America for 2. 5 years, and Army HQ in Andover, prior to arriving at RAF Brize Norton 2 years ago. My career has progressed during this time and I am now a C 1/SEO on the largest RAF station. Working alongside the Military has offered life experiences I would never have gained in a purely civilian environment. I feel privileged to have benefited from the opportunities the department offers. In the future, I hope to undertake a six-month operational deployment as a civil servant. ” Leanne is a local to RAF Brize Norton. Her father served in the Air Force and was stationed at RAF Brize Norton for over twenty years. She applied to join the Civil Service not long after leaving sixth form, having worked in local shops and establishments. Leanne started as a part time E 2/AA Travel Cell clerk in April 2008, applying to go full time shortly after starting. She spent a total of seven years in the Travel Cell, being promoted to E 1/AO within the department. Leanne left the Travel Cell in June 2015, on promotion, to become RAF Brize Norton’s Civilian Manpower Focal Point, where she assists the Unit Manpower Planner in managing the Civil Servant workforce on station. “I have no set career path in mind, and love that I could have such a varied career in the MOD Civil Service and stay at Brize for all of it, if I wanted to. ”

Welcome Background Equality, Diversity & Inclusion “Thank you for your interest in joining the Ministry of Defence as a Civil Servant in Air Command” Recruitment Process Terms, Conditions and Benefits Our People Charlie has been in post as Director of Resources for the Royal Air Force since summer 2015. His role is to represent the MOD’s Permanent Under Secretary of State in Air Command. He is a full Member of the Air Force Board Standing Committee, the Top Level Budget Senior Finance Officer and Civilian Workforce Advisor, and the most senior civilian at Air Command. Prior to joining MOD, Charlie had an extensive background across central government. Following various roles in the Department for Social Security (now DWP), Charlie moved to HM Treasury where he worked on pensioner benefits; with local authorities; on Crossrail; as Head of Finance for the Government Olympic Executive; and latterly in the Home and Legal Spending Team. Air Command Director of Resources @DRes. RAF Back to Contents