FS Reserves Careers Advisor

Task requirements

Subject to formal establishment, a vacancy may arise for a FS / Chf Tech (Any) to serve as FS Reserves Careers Advisor  at HQ Air, RAF High Wycombe on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 01 September 2025.

This is a new role providing dedicated Career Advice to RAF Reserves.  An exciting role in an ever-expanding reserves environment, this is an opportunity for the right person to have a positive influence in standing up and then delivering the Careers advisor service provided to RAF Reserves. Although based at RAF High Wycombe, with occasional attendance required in person and at meetings/conferences around the UK, this role can be largely delivered on a remote working or hybrid basis, according to Service need and the needs of the individual.

Roles and Responsibilities include:

• Manage the output and availability of the team of SNCO Reserves Career Advisors.
• Manage the overall delivery of CM advice for FTRS, ADC and PTVR enlisted aviators (EAs), including future developmental role/mobilisation opportunities, career courses and availability of positions.
• Manage the PTVR Career Pathway for the development of those talented PTVR EAs who elect to be part of this Pathway.
• Deliver guidance on SJAR completion and feedback.

Essential competencies

Must either have been, or currently be, a FS (Any) or Chf Tech (Any) or a Sgt (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. If an applicant has been out of full-time military service and is applying for a post on promotion, they will also need to send their civilian appraisals or equivalent to evidence recent skills, knowledge and experience to be considered by the Promotion Board.

Desirable competencies

• Experience of delivering Career Management.
• Experience of delivering Personnel Management.
• Experience of producing effective staff work.
• Experience as a Reserve, and/or of managing Reserves personnel.

Selection Process

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 3 (for aviators)/4 (for officers) appraisal reports as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name:  Sqn Ldr T. Spaughton

Thomas.Spaughton309@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 3/4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

Sqn Ldr T. Spaughton  (SO1 Reserves Careers Advisor DESIG)
Thomas.Spaughton309@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 05 June 2025.

Interviews will take place late June/early July following the June 25 Promotion Selection Board.

Additional information

Unless already enlisted in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be enlisted in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Additional Duties 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 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.

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 High Wycombe.