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PEOPLE OPERATIONS
OFFICER
Currently recruiting
Helping people Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£33,100+
+ Benefits
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£50,500+
+ Benefits

People Operations is a diverse and rewarding profession providing specialist support to deliver the RAF’s purpose – Ready to Fly and Fight. As the People and Training Specialists for the RAF and wider Ministry of Defence, you could be employed in many roles. We are capable, digitally aware, emotionally intelligent and multi-skilled.

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here.

 

Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.

What will you do?
You will be at the core of the RAF, directly supporting our people and their families in the UK and overseas. You will be a vital enabler to the whole force, making you a key component in the delivery of Airpower.

In your role you could:
  • Lead HR support to our workforce around the globe
  • Lead welfare support to our people and their families.
  • Manage infrastructure projects across the RAF estate.
  • Manage media communications
  • Provide commanders with expert military training advice
  • Govern, manage and assure training, ensuring it directly supports operational requirements
  • Support Defence Parachute training for the UK’s Airborne Forces

You won’t be expected to undertake all of the employment fields within the Profession, but you will have opportunities throughout your career to gain experience in the ones that interest you.

Currently recruiting
Helping people Analysis & maths Gaming & computers
DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£83.31
Depends on role, rank and experience

As an RAF People Operations Officer you will work across a range of specialties: Infrastructure Management, HR, Development, Accounts Management and Media Operations, to name a few. People Operations Officer vary their roles and develop a broad set of transferable skills, making them widely employable in other, non-specialist areas.

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here.

 

Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.

What will you do?

You are at the core of the RAF, supporting our personnel and their families in order to achieve the RAF’s mission. In your role you will:

  • Provide HR, welfare and morale support to servicemen/ women and their dependents
  • Oversee construction and maintenance on RAF stations
  • Lead and manage essential support services on bases as well as operations around the world
  • Manage media operations, including liaising with journalists in the UK and overseas when on operations
Minimum Education Requirements
  • Will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade 4 (C) including English Language and Mathematics or Scottish National 5 (Grades A-C) in 5 subjects including English Language and Mathematics. The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills are also accepted.
  • In addition, you must have 2 A Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies), which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
  • Waivers can be considered for entry should you hold a degree at 2:2 or above but do not hold the required GCSEs or any experience or skills deemed desirable in the profession. The requirement for Waivers to be raised will depend on Service need at the time of application.
Minimum Education Requirements
  • You will need GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents) at Grade 4 (formerly C) in English and Mathematics or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics and at least three other subjects. The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills are also accepted.
  • In addition, you need at least 2 A Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points. Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
Requirements
  • Be aged 17.5 - 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
  • Commit to minimum 12 years service
  • Meet the fitness and health criteria
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

 

View all details in the Entry Requirements section below.

Requirements
  • Must have proven private sector experience in either project management, finance, infrastructure, HR, administration support, media and communications, or people support services including health and wellbeing
  • Ex-Regular People Operations officers and ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch will be considered 
  • Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday 
  • You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

 

View all details in the Entry Requirements section below.

Reserve role locations
Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active:
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff
CAREER, TRAINING
& EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Initial Officer Training
white stopwatch icon for duration 24 weeks
white map-pin icon for location RAF Cranwell
RAF officers begin their career by completing the Modular Initial Officer Training Course MIOT at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.
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02
Phase two training
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration 4 weeks
white map-pin icon for location MOD Worthy Down
Following completion of MIOT, you will be assigned to your first role prior to your next phase of employment training.
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03
First tour
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
During your first, and subsequent tours, you will have the opportunity to deploy to almost any location worldwide.
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04
Ongoing development
Further training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
After your first tour, additional training is available throughout your career to support your continued professional and personal development.
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05
Career prospects
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
You will join the RAF on an initial commission of 12 years and may be selected to serve on a pension earning commission of 20 years’ service or age 40, whichever is the latter.
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06
Transferable skills
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
The skills, experience, and qualifications you gain throughout your career could provide entry routes for several civilian roles.
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TRAINING AND
CAREER
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Commitment
Your commitment to us
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.
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02
Ongoing development
Ongoing training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.
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03
Transferrable skills
Ongoing training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.
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WHY JOIN AS
AN OFFICER?

When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.

WHY JOIN
THE RAF?

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

Benefits icon for Rent from £75p/m
Rent from £75p/m
Benefits icon for Free gym
Free gym
Benefits icon for Subsidised food
Subsidised food
Benefits icon for Health care
Health care
Benefits icon for World travel
World travel
Benefits icon for Training
Training
WHY JOIN
THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

 

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Benefits icon for Training
Training
Benefits icon for Free gym
Free gym
Benefits icon for Subsidised food
Subsidised food
Benefits icon for Paid pension
Paid pension
Benefits icon for Paid holiday
Paid holiday
COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

 

You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

RAF People Specialist consulting with RAF personnel in office
WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Filter Interview
2
Health Assessment
3
Fitness Test
4
OASC
5
Familiarisation Visit
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Filter Interview
Stage 1 of 7

Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.

The first of these interviews happens on-line and covers the following topics:

  • Family life
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Special interests or hobbies
  • Interest in the RAF
2
Health Assessment
Stage 2 of 7

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

 

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

3
Fitness Test
Stage 3 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym, and is a 2.4km run.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.

4
OASC
Stage 4 of 7

This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.

 

The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.

The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.

5
Familiarisation Visit
Stage 5 of 7

This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.

6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

7
Training
Stage 7 of 7

(M)IOT and officer staff training


The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.

 


Visit our Cranwell training page for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.

ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged between 17.5 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

 

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade 4 including English Language and Mathematics or Scottish National 5 (grades A-C) in 5 subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills are also accepted.

In addition, you must have 2 A Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies), which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.

Waivers can be considered for entry should you hold a degree at 2:2 or above but do not hold the required GCSEs or any experience or skills deemed desirable in the profession. The requirement for Waivers to be raised will depend on Service need at the time of application.

If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Specialisation. Non-British nationals applying for this Specialisation are required to certify that they have been advised of the employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalizing as a British citizen.


RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.


If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. 

This will be established during the selection process.

 

The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.

There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Security Check (SC). 

Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.  

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)

How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 13.52
17-29 13.20
30-34 13.49
35-39 14.14
40-44 14.46
45-49 15.17
50-54 15.53

 

WOMEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 16.22
17-29 15.48
30-34 16.14
35-39 16.44
40-44 17.22
45-49 17.57
50-54 18.34

See here for more information about a training plan

 

A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care. 

 

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document. 

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows: 

Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 30 32 32
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27

Calculate your BMI here 

 

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. 
 
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.  

 

During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information. 

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Achieve the minimum security clearance of Security Check (SC) for this role
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). 
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: 

Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). 

Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.

Applicants must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

 

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • You will need GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents) at Grade 4 (formerly C) in English and Mathematics or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics and at least three other subjects. The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A-C) or Level 2 Functional Skills are also accepted.
  • In addition, you need at least 2 A Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points. Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C.

If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered. If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.

Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK prior to application. 

 

The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.

There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Security Check (SC). 

Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.  

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)

How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 13.52
17-29 13.20
30-34 13.49
35-39 14.14
40-44 14.46
45-49 15.17
50-54 15.53

 

WOMEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 16.22
17-29 15.48
30-34 16.14
35-39 16.44
40-44 17.22
45-49 17.57
50-54 18.34

See here for more information about a training plan

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care. 

 

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document. 

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows: 

Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 30 32 32
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27

Calculate your BMI here 

 

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. 
 
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.  

 

During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information. 

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Achieve the minimum security clearance of Security Check (SC) for this role
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). 
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: 

Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). 

Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
RAF People Operations Officer in office
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
RAF People Operations Officer in office
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