RAF Recruitment | Diversity and Inclusion

DIVERSITY &

INCLUSION

RAF personnel in camouflage uniform, stood relaxed and smiling on sports pitch

Our Service ethos is founded on strong leadership, unwavering professional and personal standards, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of every individual. Inclusion is not, therefore, simply a goal - it is essential to our success.

A FORCE FOR

INCLUSION

When individuals feel included, they are more engaged, have higher morale and are more likely to continue their service for longer.

These benefits are key to enabling us to always be ready to fly and fight. By embracing and recognising the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within our workforce, we empower our teams and ensure our people bring their best self to work – whether in the air, on the ground, or in the support roles which underpin our operational capability.

This commitment applies to everyone, regardless of rank or grade or background

"I know from my own experience that the Royal Air Force truly offers a remarkable opportunity and an exciting career no matter what your background. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can discover – and reach – their full potential as a part of our team."

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards, Director of People, RAF

Diversity and Inclusion

We ensure everyone feels valued, defined by their achievements not cliches. Every role is open to everyone, from spare time to the front line.

Diversity and Inclusion

We live and operate in close-knit communities where we rely on each other for support. The RAF family is rich in diversity and culture, and it’s important that we value and respect everyone.

To make sure everyone feels safe and included, we provide a range of services and support, including staff networks which play a crucial role in promoting change, role modelling, mentoring circles and coaching. We also provide specific support to those that would benefit:

RAF recruit in camouflage uniform shaking hands with RAF Physical Training Instructor on sports pitch

Women

The RAF has the highest percentage of women compared to the other British Armed Forces and we are working hard to make sure that it is a place where everyone is treated equally.

LGBTQ+

It’s been over 20 years since the ban of LGBTQ people in the forces was lifted. Since that time members of the LGBTQ community have entered the RAF in countless roles and we ensure everyone is supported with LGBTQ networks on the majority of bases.

Disability

We have an established disability network and we offer a range of provisions dependent on individual needs.

Religion and Belief

As long as your religious beliefs are legal and don’t disrespect or compromise the safety of the team, you are free to practise any religion. RAF Commissioned and Civil Service Chaplains are authorised leaders from the major world religions and provide pastoral and spiritual care for all personnel, and their dependents, irrespective of religious belief or status. Network support is available for both religious and non-denominational beliefs.

Ethnicity

The UK is an eclectic mix of ethnicities and cultures, and we want the RAF to reflect the society which it serves. We understand that people’s history is important and we continue to review and adjust our uniform rules so that individuals can more easily express their cultural heritage within the forces.

We are constantly striving towards creating an environment that is welcoming and productive. Our open culture encourages serving members to speak out about what we are doing right and where we can improve. These conversations are an opportunity for the RAF to grow, change and become more inclusive.

READ OUR DIVERSITY &

INCLUSION POLICIES

Defence Diversity & Inclusion Strategy

RAF ethos, core values & standards

TAKE YOUR

NEXT STEP

There’s a place for you here, we have a role for you. Discover more about some of our featured roles below.

Logistics

Supply Chain Specialist

Transport & vehicles Analysis & maths Helping people

Engineering

Aircraft Technician (Mechanical)

Aircraft Building & fixing things Analysis & maths

Engineering

Aircraft Technician (Avionics)

Aircraft Building & fixing things Travelling the world

Engineering

Weapon Technician

Aircraft Building & fixing things Travelling the world

Ground Combat & Security

RAF Regiment Gunner

Sport & fitness Transport & vehicles Travelling the world

Medical Services

Registered Nurse (Adult)

Helping people Travelling the world Aircraft

View all roles

WHY JOIN

THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

bar chart depicting difference in benefits value and salary vs civilian recruiter

Rent from £75p/m

Free gym

Subsidised food

Health care

World travel

Training

View all benefits

FAQs

How do I find a role that’s right for me?

There are a number of ways to find a career path with the RAF. The Find Your Role section of the website will help guide you through roles that are right for your skills. Our recruitment centres (Armed Forces Careers Offices or AFCOs) are staffed with a friendly team who are ready to answer your questions and provide personal advice about which roles could suit you best, you can find your local centre here.

What training is available?

We offer training throughout your career with the RAF and this varies between roles. To find out more visit our Training and Development pages.

How often am I likely to be deployed abroad?

The likelihood of being deployed abroad depends on the career path you take. You can talk to our team to see what choice is right for you.

How is the RAF committed to diversity and inclusion?

In 2018 we set out a roadmap to become a force for inclusion, we treat everyone with respect and integrity. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion here and our ethos, core values and standards here.

Am I able to practice any religion in the RAF?

As long as your religious beliefs are legal and align with the RAF’s mission and don’t disrespect or compromise the safety of the team, you are free to practice any religion. RAF Commissioned Chaplains are authorised leaders from the major world religions and provide pastoral and spiritual care for all personnel and their dependants irrespective of religious belief or status.