Deputy Chief of Staff

Task requirements

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader  (Any Profession) to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) 6 FTS HQ at RAFC Cranwell on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 03 March 2025.

DCOS 6 FTS HQ is responsible COS 6 FTS for the coordination and delivery of 6 FTS taskings including (project planning and delivery, ASTRA initiatives, performance and risk management (PARMIS), Force Generation, COMEC Conference, the compilation of 6 FTS annual reports, the coordination of assurance visits and the AFI programme, and any other RFIs from the 1* Pillar.

The primary role of 6 FTS is to attract talent to regular and reserve RAF service and to educate selected undergraduates on the role of air and space power.  It also has a specified task to deliver 30% of the initial entry cadre into Modular Initial Officer Training (MIOT). Whilst many applicants aspire to be aircrew, the remit is to recruit across all officer branches. Flying plays a vital part in attracting interest and is key to developing an understanding of the air environment, but the opportunities in Force Development and Adventurous Training activities are influential in enthusing students towards a career in the RAF and developing their personal qualities. 6 FTS is the UKs largest and most diverse military flying training school, comprising 16 sqns located throughout the UK. In addition to delivery of flying training to UAS cadets, it also delivers air experience flying as part of the continuum of influence to some 12,000 air cadets on behalf of the RAF Air Cadet organisation (RAFAC). The 6 FTS organisation comprises some 186 service and civilian personnel, 245 contractors, 1,000 students and circa. 300 Volunteer Reserve (Training) pilots who support the RAFAC flying task. 

DCOS 6 FTS HQ is responsible for:

• The efficient and timely staffing and coordination of HQ Air, 22 Gp and RAFC HQ taskings on behalf of HQ 6 FTS (examples being FGEN, FOI Requests or PQs).
• 6 FTS performance and risk reporting using HQ Air PARMIS recording system ensuring that all 6 FTS PARMIS users are appraised of PARMIS trg; best practice; and are providing the necessary reporting on time to a high standard.
• The collation of 6 FTS input into the quarterly Cranwell Mission Delivery Board, in line with the 1* Pillar reporting timelines/battle rhythm; (including Powerpoint input summary from across the Comdt’s AOR);  pre-brief to COS and to Comdt on the analysis of audit, performance and risks.
• The development and coordination of 6 FTS social media activity across all UAS 6 FTS units; to include establishing a network of Sqn Social Media Leads and the development of the 6 FTS Social Media Engagement Battle Rhythm.
• Be the 6 FTS focal point for Information Management (working in close liaison with SO2 Admin Support Team in developing digital communication and management information tools (including GDPR, management of 6 FTS Sharepoint/Defence Connect/MS Teams development, Cdrs Dashboard). 
• The 6 FTS focal point for all Business Continuity activities to include but not limited to Business Continuity Plans, Business Impact Assessments and the Communicable Disease Plan.
• Lead the planning and execution of the Triennial COMEC Conference for 6 FTS.
• Management of the following activities: Functional Safety Management Plan, Defence Organisational Learning Strategy and the UAS Annual Formal Dinner, HQ Unit Security. 
• Coordinate the AFI Programme (liaising with Comdt PA and 1* outer office staff).
• Ensuring all (civ/mil) HQ personnel are current with mandatory training.
• Any other reasonable duties as directed by Comdt or COS.
• Deputising for COS in their absence.

Normal working hours are 0800hrs until c.1700 hrs although these hours will vary to meet specific needs and may include weekend engagements at specific sites, and overnight stops away from RAFC Cranwell. Flexible and home working may be agreed as required. It is accepted that due to the volume of work, staff may sometimes need to work outside core hours to meet deadlines.

Essential competencies

Criteria. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Any) or a Flight Lieutenant (Any) eligible for promotion in accordance with AP 3393 Vol 1 and AP 7000. All Promotions will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board.
• Broad service administrative and planning experience including HQ experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and IT skills (Office 365).
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable competencies

Desirable       

• Knowledge/experience of risk and performance management (PARMIS trained).
• Knowledge/experience/training in the use of social media.
• Knowledge/experience of GDPR/Data Protection

Selection Process

Selection Process.  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: Wing Commander Mike Dewar

Address Mike.Dewar866@mod.gov.uk

Tel: 0300 1557511

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 military appraisal (OJAR) reports. RAF Appraisals can be requested via; Air-COSPers-Disclosures@mod.gov.uk) should be sent to: 

Name: Mr Jon Riddell on

Address Jon.Riddell104@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 29 September 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place week commencing  07 October 2024.

Additional information

Applicant Considerations. 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 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.

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.

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 FTRS(LC) 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 Cranwell.