GSS RESERVES CHIEF OF STAFF

Task requirements

Subject to formal establishment, a vacancy may arise for a Wing Commander (Any Profession) to serve as Chief of Staff (COS) 2 Group Reserves at HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of being not before 01 February 2025 (or later, subject to formal establishment and candidate status).

COS 2 Group Reserves is the principal staff officer and focal point for ACOS Reserves within a high tempo and challenging Group HQ. The role is required to deliver reserve SME advice within the Group and manage the staffing of reserve cadre change at a critical time for the employment of reserves within RAF operations.

The role is responsible for the provision of staff support and coherence for the function and innovation of the 23 x RAF Reserve sqns within 2 Group. The incumbent will provide the lead for the coordination, application and development of RAF Reserve outputs, establishments and structures within 2 Group.

Personal skills, knowledge and experience combined with a proven record of delivery within the reserve space will be key as the incumbent will be in a digital post and there are limited options for OJT in the current environment.  To that end, they will be responsible for the delivery of output in support of a PTVR 1* from day one.

Job specifications: 

• Cohere RAF Reserve staff functions across 2 Group Airbases and Global Enablement pillars.
• Ensure that RAF Reserves are reflected in 2 Group level plans and structures.
• In support to ACOS Reserves, provide the focal point for 2 Group Reserves innovation, integration and capability delivery.
• Coordinate the quarterly 2 Group Reserve Steering Group.
• Provision of Reserves guidance to support 2 Group inputs to RAF Command Plan, DSD, ABC and Strategic Workforce reviews.
• Provision of Reserve support to Station Commanders.
• Co-ordinate 2 Group Reserves inputs to quarterly management boards.
• Maintain and establish close liaison with both the 2 Group Reserve network and external stakeholders.
• Line Manager for 1 x Sqn Ldr and 1 x SNCO.

Essential competencies

Must either have been, or currently be, a Wing Commander - Any Profession.

• Command Experience within the RAF Reserves
• Proven Staff Experience within a Cmd or Jt HQ
• Completed ACSC or ACSC (Reserves)
• A solid understanding of the RAF Reserves

Desirable competencies

• Operational experience or period of mobilised service
• Experience working in an RAF Reserves Role / or served on a RAuxAF Squadron
• Experience of Reserve force generation

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 as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Wg Cdr Geordie Graham

Email: Paul.Graham456@mod.gov.uk

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

Air Commodore Gavin Hellard CBE VR, gavin.hellard859@mod.gov.uk 

The closing date for applications is 01 November 2024 and interviews will take place week commencing 11 November 2024.

Additional information

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 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 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.

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.

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/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 High Wycombe.