Overview
The Chief Inspector of Air Accidents (CIAA) is head of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and is responsible for ensuring that all civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents that occur within the UK are properly investigated. The CIAA reports directly to the Secretary of State for Transport on safety matters and works closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) Director of Aviation.
Key Objectives
* Improve air safety.
* Discharge the UK’s responsibility for independent safety investigations of air accidents.
* Ensure that accidents are investigated in an exemplary manner.
* Deliver the UK’s obligations under Annex 13, EU regulations and domestic legislation.
* Identify safety deficiencies promptly and promote improvements through regulatory change.
* Make investigation findings and recommendations publicly available within agreed targets.
* Support UK investigations of other states and contribute to international best practice.
* Develop contingency plans with national and international authorities.
* Participate in national and international forums such as ICAO, Eurocic, ISASI and relevant boards.
* Serve as a member of the UK Aviation State Safety Board, the Board of Accident Investigation Branches and the Accident Investigation Chiefs’ Council.
Leadership & Team Management
The CIAA will lead and motivate a high‑performing, diverse and inclusive team of approximately 52 staff, manage a £8.7 m/year budget and support staff development and performance management.
Application Requirements
Documents required:
* CV – two A4 pages, Arial 11, detailing career history, key responsibilities and achievements (gaps within the last two years must be explained).
* Statement of Suitability – no longer than 1 000 words, addressing the person specification criteria.
Failure to submit both documents will limit the panel’s ability to assess your suitability.
Assessment & Interview
* Staff Engagement Exercise – presentation and Q&A with a representative staff group.
* Panel interview – in‑person at Great Minster House, London.
* Verbal briefing exercise related to investigation.
* Success Profile Framework – assessing experience and the five behaviours: Communicating & Influencing, Seeing the Bigger Picture, Changing & Improving, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions.
Timeline
* Advert Closing Date: 16th November 2025
* Shortlist: 25th November 2025
* Assessments: 2nd/3rd December 2025
* Panel Interviews: 10th December 2025
Offer & Feedback
Successful shortlisted candidates will receive verbal feedback. Due to the volume of applications, feedback will not be provided to those not shortlisted or not invited to interview.
Assignment Duration & Conditions
The role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years, during which senior civil servants are expected to remain in post to deliver agreed outcomes. Personal circumstances and business needs will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Security
Applicants must undergo a criminal record check and meet DfT security requirements, including the ‘developed vetting’ level. Baseline personnel security standard checks are required.
Travel
Employees may be required to travel to Farnborough and other UK sites, and international travel is expected.
Remuneration & Benefits
* Annual salary: £115 000
* Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension – £33 315 employer contribution.
* Generous annual leave: 25 days (increasing to 30 days after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays and an additional day for King’s Birthday.
* Flexible working and support for maternity/paternity and childcare.
* Competitive contributory pension scheme and health benefits.
* Staff wellbeing programmes.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service values and supports all employees and has programmes to promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity. Reasonable adjustments are in place for those who need them.
All application and recruitment processes are conducted in a fair, inclusive and transparent manner.
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