Details

Reference number

412204

Salary

£29,580

An annual MOD Recruitment & Retention Allowance of £3,000 (pro-rata for part-time) is available to members of the SIO Professional Group employed at No.1 Radio School, RAF Cosford. Eligibility for this allowance is subject to the successful completion of developmental activities mandated by line management. All such MOD Civil Service allowances are subject to regular review, which may result in their cessation.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Executive Officer

Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) - within the MOD SIO Professional Group (Education & Training)

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

MOD - Air - No.1 Radio School (RAF Cosford), Defence School of Communications & Information Systems, Defence College of Technical Training, Air Command.

Type of role

Education and Training
Information Technology

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

3

Contents

Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information

Location

RAF Cosford, WV7 3EX

About the job

Job summary

Number 1 Radio School (No.1 RS) is the home of training for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Cyberspace Profession and foremost provider of technical education to the Service’s Information & Communications Technology (ICT) specialists, in addition to selected Royal Navy, British Army, civilian and international military personnel.

Structured under the Defence School of Communications & Information Systems (DSCIS) within the Defence College of Technical Training (DCTT), No.1 RS is a historic and venerable military training institution whose origins in the field of communications education can be traced back in excess of 100 years.

As the school embarks-upon a second century of excellence, its ‘whole force’ military/Civil Service workforce blend are pivotal to the development of ICT training delivery to meet the significant demands of information-centric 5th-generation RAF platforms and capabilities. In doing so, their approach and commitment to public service remains fully commensurate with No.1 RS’ legendary motto: Thorough.

No.1 RS trains officers, aviators, soldiers, sailors and civilians in cyberspace capabilities at RAF Cosford and RAF Digby. Each year, the School typically develops 1300 Phase 3 (pre-employment/career) trainees, 300 Phase 2 (initial technical training) officer/aviator trainees and students undergoing a cyberspace engineering foundation degree pathway.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School at a crucial juncture in its evolution. There are currently vacancies for Specialist Instructional Officers (SIOs), who deliver ICT technical training to a breadth of trainees at No.1 RS.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

No.1 RS trainers are a 'whole-force' mix of Armed Services (predominantly RAF) and Civil Service instructors/lecturers, who deliver world-class technical training to a broad audience of trainees across a varied ICT curriculum.

SIOs deliver ICT technical training to trainees who are either beginning their Service careers or undertaking training for specific roles they are due to be assigned into.

Specific duties of a No.1 RS SIO include:

The delivery of ICT technical training in accordance with established governance frameworks and line management direction.
Monitoring student performance and engaging with Trainee Development Co-ordinators as required.
Reviewing and developing course content and learning material, including the creation or enhancement of Virtual Learning Environment content.
Participation in Learning Assessment & Support and continuous professional development activity, in support of school and college transformational priorities.

SIO roles are incredibly interesting and rewarding opportunities for dedicated and focused civil servants to shape and nurture the next generation of Service ICT specialists and enhance the skill sets of personnel returning to No.1 RS for additional learning.

Subjects taught by No.1 RS SIOs include:

Subjects requiring SIO security clearance at the ‘Baseline – BPSS’ level:

CISCO IT Essentials
CISCO Introduction to Networks
MS Server
MS Power Platform
Databases
Linux
Python programming
Data communications theory
Engineering principles
Radio and satellite communication principles
Scheduled and unscheduled system maintenance
Installation and manufacture fundamentals for both copper and fibre optic networks
Test and measurement equipment
Trade skills/tools.

Subjects requiring SIO security clearance at the ‘Security Check – SC’ level:

Cyber Security
Cryptography / Secure Communications
Airfield Support Teams

Experience in any of these ICT disciplines is highly desirable. The 3 roles advertised will be to deliver training on either MS Server and Power Platforms, Cisco introduction to Networks or Pre employment training on deployable IT systems.

Any additional relevant ICT sector experience held by applicants should be articulated within their CV and Statement of Suitability, for consideration by the selection panel.

Please note that SIOs are also responsible for supporting the creation, maintenance and updating of course documentation and functional training equipment.

Further ICT SIO vacancies may arise at No.1 RS over the coming year and a reserve list is intended to be compiled to support this eventuality.

Person specification

As per the MOD Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) Professional Group Management Practices Document (attached) the following skills and experience are required for entry into the cadre:

"The entry requirements to the SIO Group are that candidates should have served a recognised apprenticeship or a relevant alternative period of training and to have obtained a relevant National Qualification. Candidates for training subjects where specific formal qualifications do not exist will be considered provided that they have undergone appropriate training for that trade or subject. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years relevant practical experience in that trade or specialism."

"Selection for appointment must be through a formal interview, which will include a short presentation by the candidate on a subject relevant to the post."

Experience of training delivery and a teaching qualification (Cert Ed, DIT, and DTTT) is desirable, but not essential as formal training in Defence Trainer Techniques will be made available to the successful candidates.

Please note that:

Successful candidates for No.1 RS SIO positions are required to obtain Disclosure & Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) Standard Clearance.
The Ministry of Defence offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work-life balance for employees. Alternative Working Patterns, in accordance with policy, will be considered where it can be accommodated by the business, but there may be occasions when a presence onsite during standard working hours may be required. All working patterns and flexibilities are subject to agreement with the Line Manager.
External recruits who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Qualifications

As per the MOD Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) Professional Group Management Practices Document (attached) the following skills and experience are required for entry into the cadre:

The entry requirements to the SIO Group are that candidates should have served a recognised apprenticeship or a relevant alternative period of training and to have obtained a relevant National Qualification. Candidates for training subjects where specific formal qualifications do not exist will be considered provided that they have undergone appropriate training for that trade or subject. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years relevant practical experience in that trade or specialism.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Communicating and Influencing
Developing Self and Others
Changing and Improving
Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,569 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
In addition to 8 public holidays per year, MOD civil servants also receive a privilege day for HM The King’s Birthday
Maternity, paternity and adoption leave
Access to RAF Cosford sport and leisure facilities, subject to completion of the local registration/induction process and payment of an annual fee
Excellent / easily-accessible road and rail links
Free on-site car parking
On-site shop/café facilities

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

The selection process will be via sift, formal interview and short presentation.

Candidates will be required to provide the following:

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

A statement of suitability of no more than 500 words, capturing evidence against the knowledge, skills and experience outlined in the selection criteria.

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Behaviours:

Communicating and Influencing
Managing a Quality Service
Changing and Improving
Developing Self and Others

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

If a large quantity of applications are received the sift will be based on CV, Statement of Suitability and Behaviour 1 (Communicating & Influencing) only.

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Behaviours:

Communicating and Influencing
Changing and Improving
Developing Self and Others

Selection for appointment must be through a formal interview, which will include a short presentation by the candidate on a subject relevant to the post.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name : Mr Dave Elkes
Email : dave.elkes298@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

1 Jobs in Albrighton, ENG, United Kingdom (UK)

Specialist Instructional Officer (Information & Communication Technology), No.1 Radio School, RAF Cosford

Ministry of Defence