People Specialist Job in Wallingford Recruiting by Royal Air Force

What will you do?

Your duties as a People Specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a People Operations team ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. In your role you will be:

Advising on and administering pay and allowances, movements, travel and accommodation, performance appraisals.

Preparing RAF personnel for deployment to operations and military exercises and supporting them throughout, often deploying with and working alongside them.

Minimum Education Requirements

As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics. Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and/or experience.

Minimum Education Requirements

As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics.

Requirements

18 years old at entry and can start application at age 17. Entry until 47 years old and must attest before 48th birthday

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status)

Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training

Meet the health and fitness criteria

Pass the

Pass a Fitness test - Details below

Requirements

Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth

Commit 27 days per year

Pass the

Pass a

Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon 607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside 614 Sqn, Cardiff Apprenticeships The People Ops Profession are currently re-designing their Apprenticeship scheme and are not currently able to offer an Apprenticeship to new entrants. However, it is expected that new entrants will be offered the opportunity to gain a Foundation Certificate in People Practice by undertaking a CIPD Level 3 qualification. CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 10 weeks RAF Halton You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training

This will help you to adjust to military life. Along with fitness and military training, you’ll learn about the RAF lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specialist training 8 weeks MOD Worthy Down The next step is an 8-week specialist training course at the Personnel Administration Training Wing, MOD Worthy Down in Hampshire. 8 weeks MOD Worthy Down Phase two training

This is delivered through a blended mix of residential and non-residential elements. During the course, you will learn about HR policy, processes and delivery in the RAF and UK Armed Forces. You will be offered to enrol on a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration.

In recognition of the level of HR delivery and continuous professional HR training and development that the RAF provides in People Operations, it has been awarded 'People Development Partnership Status.' In achieving this status it recognised that the People Operations Profession provides funded opportunity to gain accreditation and membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) based on your own career experience and knowledge.

03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned You will be assigned to one of the Human Resource Regional Centres. Ongoing As assigned First tour

You could be assigned to any of these bases: RAF Brize Norton, Cosford, Cranwell, Leeming, Lossiemouth, Marham or Northolt.

Assignment to a HR Regional Centre will facilitate completion of your HR Apprenticeship and will develop your specialist skills through a range of HR digital solutions. These skills will be invaluable in subsequent tours across the RAF and Joint Service environments, and in support of global RAF operations, training exercises and wider UK and overseas assignments and as you progress into the more specialist areas of the specialisation. 

04 Development opportunities Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned As your career progresses, there will be opportunities to undertake further specialist training. Ongoing As assigned Development opportunities

This includes management and leadership courses, the majority of which will lead to various forms of accreditation with external professional bodies. There are also opportunities to study at higher education and gain a degree and accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

05 Career progression Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned After completing one year’s total service, providing that you pass the Profession Workplace Assessments, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1). Ongoing As assigned Career progression

Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection and is based on a formal assessment of your performance and potential.

As you advance through the ranks, you will have an increased opportunity to lead, mentor and direct people and to manage RAF resources to optimise RAF delivery. In doing so, you will maintain and instil the highest standards expected within the RAF.

06 Transferrable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in civilian industry as they are in the RAF. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills

RAF People Specialists may, over the course of their career, attain skills that are transferable to the civilian sector in specialisations such as Human Resources, Finance and Accounts Management and Training and Recruitment. The qualifications you can earn and experience you gain are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF.

As you move up through the ranks you will gain a great deal of management and leadership experience which you will have the opportunity to develop into related civilian qualifications. We will give you the confidence to succeed in whatever you choose to do.

prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Basic Recruit Training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training

This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.

Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specific Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training

You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

03 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to us

This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.

04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.

05 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.

prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Aptitude test 2 Selection Interview 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness Test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information

Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae

Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks

Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work

Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts

Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Memory - Ability to remember information accurately

Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.

2 Selection Interview Stage 2 of 6

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life

Education

Work experience

Special interests and hobbies

Interest in the RAF

Training

The role you’ve applied for

The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3 Health Assessment Stage 3 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4 Fitness Test Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6 Training Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number

General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct

Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment

Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions

Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities

Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information day 2 Aptitude test 3 Selection interview 4 Health assessment 5 Fitness test 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 7

The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.

2 Aptitude test Stage 2 of 7

All Reserves take an aptitude test known as the ‘Defence Aptitude Test’ at the local squadron they have applied to, or a local AFCO in some cases. The test ensures we match the right candidate to the right role and consists of seven multiple choice sections focusing on different skills:

Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information

Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae

Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks

Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work

Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts

Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.

3 Selection interview Stage 3 of 7

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will cover the following topics:

Family life

Education

Employment

Interest and motivation for joining the RAF Reserves

Military awareness and Service Knowledge

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

4 Health assessment Stage 4 of 7

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

5 Fitness test Stage 5 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.

7 Training Stage 7 of 7

Basic Recruit Training

Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.

What’s next?

After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be 18 years old at entry and can start application at age 17. Entry until 47 years old and must attest before 48th birthday.

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

GCSE pre–⁠⁠2017 GCSE 2017 Onwards Scottish National 5 Mathematics CGrade 4C English Language CGrade 4C

.

Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and/or experience.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Specialisation. Non-British nationals applying for this Specialisation are required to certify that they have been advised of the employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalizing as a British citizen.

RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.

As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.