The position will be based at Abbey Wood (MOD) North with a transition to this location currently underway for those who are based in Andover. You will be required to occasionally travel and undertake work at Andover, and potentially other Armed Forces recruiting locations as advised at the time.
Job Summary
Would you like to be involved in the start of an exciting new way to deliver recruitment of Armed Forces personnel, for the Royal Navy, British Army, and the Royal Air Force?
Headquarters Armed Forces Recruiting (HQ AFR) will deliver integrated tri-service recruitment for the Armed Forces to build and maintain force levels able to meet Defence outputs. The Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS) contract has recently been awarded to Team Serco and collaborative transition activity has now commenced.
A role in HQ AFR is a superb opportunity. You will be at the forefront of a significant change, shaping the future recruitment for all three Services into a tri-Service delivery from 2027 and into steady state. Senior staff across Defence are keeping a keen interest in AFRS, meaning it is a high profile, collaborative and engaging environment. You will be working within a diverse team, including military personnel, civilians, and external providers, which provides opportunities for learning and networking. The role offers a real chance to develop skills and demonstrate capabilities, which will provide clear tangible evidence to support you to potentially fulfil your career progression ambitions now and in the future.
You'd be contributing to the Armed Forces' ability to attract and retain the best talent, ultimately supporting national security. If you're looking for a challenging, rewarding, and transformative role, this could be a great fit for you.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
The post holder will sit within the HQ AFR Governance function, as part of the Communications and Secretariat team. The team carries out the Department of State duty within Armed Forces Recruiting and represents the Permanent Secretary’s policy advisory role. They are responsible for all AFR Parliamentary and Ministerial business and is the key bridge between the AFR, MOD Head Office and Ministers.
The nature and complexity of the Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS) means that it is often in the public eye with commensurate requirement to ensure that Ministers and Directorate of Defence communications are kept up to date on issues likely to attract Parliamentary or media attention.
The role will support the team to handle all AFR Parliamentary and Ministerial affairs. Given the substantial Ministerial, public, and media interest in the AFR, the post holder must ensure the Directorate of Defence communications and Ministers are informed on issues likely to attract attention. The role will support coordination and delivery of consistent and coherent internal communications, collaborating with the single Services (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force) and other stakeholders, including the AFR Supplier to provide core and tailored messaging. The role will forge relationships with all areas within recruiting to enable collaborative working.
* Support the Communications & Secretariat Lead to provide proactive and high-quality advice for both Seniors and Ministers on and including matters of policy, Parliamentary, and media interest, which can be relied on without question.
* Responsible for staffing of Parliamentary Questions (PQs), ministerial correspondence and briefings on recruitment, responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and processing all returns, inclusive of Cabinet Office (CO) activities and reporting into Parliament.
* Actively participate in the development of the secretariat function within the HQ AFR, through engagement with the leadership team and stakeholders, testing and suggesting alternatives ways of working, and amending ways of working where appropriate.
* Support with the coordination and delivery of internal communications, in line with the AFR Strategy and Communications Plan, providing core content and messaging that can be tailored or appropriately targeted to specific audiences.
* Support in the development and maintenance of a stakeholder engagement plan.
* Responsible for building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues in the Directorate for Defence Communications (DDC).
* Lead in the production of an Annual Communications Plan.
* Facilitate the planning and delivery of all associated communication activities in line with the communications forecast, ensuring all messaging supports the AFR vision and mission whilst being consistent and coherent.
* Responsible for drafting and editing meaningful content for a range of communications channels, including intranet articles, intranet content, core scripts, lines to take, bulletins, management briefs and engagement activities, blogs, GOV.UK content, flyers, magazine articles, case studies, and social media content.
* Provide support to Crisis Communications and manage the associated digital platforms that represent AFR as required.
The post holder will sit within the HQ AFR Governance function, as part of the Communications and Secretariat team. The team carries out the Department of State duty within Armed Forces Recruiting and represents the Permanent Secretary’s policy advisory role. They are responsible for all AFR Parliamentary and Ministerial business and is the key bridge between the AFR, MOD Head Office and Ministers.
The nature and complexity of the Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS) means that it is often in the public eye with commensurate requirement to ensure that Ministers and Directorate of Defence communications are kept up to date on issues likely to attract Parliamentary or media attention.
The role will support the team to handle all AFR Parliamentary and Ministerial affairs. Given the substantial Ministerial, public, and media interest in the AFR, the post holder must ensure the Directorate of Defence communications and Ministers are informed on issues likely to attract attention. The role will support coordination and delivery of consistent and coherent internal communications, collaborating with the single Services (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force) and other stakeholders, including the AFR Supplier to provide core and tailored messaging. The role will forge relationships with all areas within recruiting to enable collaborative working.
* Support the Communications & Secretariat Lead to provide proactive and high-quality advice for both Seniors and Ministers on and including matters of policy, Parliamentary, and media interest, which can be relied on without question.
* Responsible for staffing of Parliamentary Questions (PQs), ministerial correspondence and briefings on recruitment, responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and processing all returns, inclusive of Cabinet Office (CO) activities and reporting into Parliament.
* Actively participate in the development of the secretariat function within the HQ AFR, through engagement with the leadership team and stakeholders, testing and suggesting alternatives ways of working, and amending ways of working where appropriate.
* Support with the coordination and delivery of internal communications, in line with the AFR Strategy and Communications Plan, providing core content and messaging that can be tailored or appropriately targeted to specific audiences.
* Support in the development and maintenance of a stakeholder engagement plan.
* Responsible for building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues in the Directorate for Defence Communications (DDC).
* Lead in the production of an Annual Communications Plan.
* Facilitate the planning and delivery of all associated communication activities in line with the communications forecast, ensuring all messaging supports the AFR vision and mission whilst being consistent and coherent.
* Responsible for drafting and editing meaningful content for a range of communications channels, including intranet articles, intranet content, core scripts, lines to take, bulletins, management briefs and engagement activities, blogs, GOV.UK content, flyers, magazine articles, case studies, and social media content.
* Provide support to Crisis Communications and manage the associated digital platforms that represent AFR as required.
Person specification
If you are able to deliver high-class service in a fast-paced environment, you are the type of person we are looking for!
We seek a proficient individual who can showcase their expertise and abilities in line with the following essential criteria:
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Good IT skills and confident with Microsoft SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Although Not Crucial Experience In The Following Is Desirable
* Experience of demonstrating adaptability and flexibility to effectively work in a busy environment.
* Good organisational skills.
* Communications campaign planning.
* Experience in delivering Policy advice.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Delivering at Pace
* Seeing the Big Picture
Alongside your salary of £36,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
* Learning and development tailored to your role.
* Professional and personal development of skills, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area.
* An environment with flexible working options.
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
* 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service. In addition to 8 public holidays per year.
* Eligibility to be a member of the Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA) via Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC).
* On-site gymnasium (for a small monthly fee for membership of Civil Service Sports Club)
* Eligibility for use of Defence Discount Service.
* On-site Nursery (MOD Abbey Wood South, Bristol)
* The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
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.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Required
At application you will be asked to complete a CV template including your job history that includes key achievements tailored to demonstrate you have the experience required for the role. You will also be asked to provide a personal statement of no more than 750 words demonstrating your suitability for the role with particular reference to the essential criteria listed. You will also be assessed against the following Behaviours:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Delivering at Pace
Applications will be sifted using all elements listed above, but in the event of a high number of applications, a sift will be conducted on the lead Behaviour Communicating and Influencing.
At interview you will be assessed against the following Behaviours:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Delivering at Pace
Further Information
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign. Each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.
Please ensure that at the application and interview stages of the campaign you review the Success Profiles Framework link for information on format and style to assist you in the demonstration of your skills and experience. You have 250 words to answer each Behaviour (competency style).
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.
The deadline to submit applications is as per advert details.
A minimum of 3 full working days’ notice will be provided for interviews.
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.
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.
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
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) (opens in a new window)
* 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 (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) 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 : Chloe Tyson, HQ AFR Comms & Sec Deputy Head
* Email : chloe.tyson101@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. #J-18808-Ljbffr