A £5,250 Golden Hello is available for HR People Specialists, subject to the eligibility criteria outlined on the link below. This payment is only applicable to Regulars, it is not applicable to Reserves.
HR PEOPLE SPECIALIST
A £5,250 Golden Hello is available for HR People Specialists, subject to the eligibility criteria outlined here.
In your role as HR People Specialist in the RAF, you will enjoy a diverse, exciting and highly rewarding career. Wherever the RAF is based, there is an HR team ready to provide a professional service and welfare support to personnel of all specialisations, including those in the RAF Reserve.
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.
In your role as People Specialist in the RAF, you will enjoy a diverse, exciting and highly rewarding career. Wherever the RAF is based, there is a Personnel Support team ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations, including those in the RAF Reserve.
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.
HR People Specialists in Action
What will you do?
Your duties as an HR People Specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a team of HR People Specialists ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. In your role you could be:
- Advising on and administering pay and allowances, movements, travel and accommodation
- Preparing RAF personnel for deployment to operations and military exercises and supporting them throughout.
- Processing performance appraisals
- Providing welfare support to all personnel in the UK and overseas
- Administering Service Discipline procedures
What will you do?
Your duties as an HR People Specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a team of HR People Specialists ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. In your role you could be:
- Advising on and administering pay and allowances, movements, travel and accommodation
- Preparing RAF personnel for deployment to operations and military exercises and supporting them throughout.
- Processing performance appraisals
- Providing welfare support to all personnel in the UK and overseas
- Administering Service Discipline procedures
Requirements at a glance
- The desirable qualifications for this role are GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above or Scottish National 5 or above at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics. However, don’t rule yourself out if you don’t have these qualifications. Show us you have the potential to learn how to do the job by continuing with your application to be a part of the Royal Air Force. Please see full details below.
- 16 years old at entry and can start application at age 15 years and 9 months. Entry until 47 years old and 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 minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Requirements at a glance
- Normally, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or Scottish National 5 (Grade C) or above in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics or Functional skills Level 2 in Mathematics and English or a combination of the above.
- Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and/or experience.
- 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
- 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
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a General Fitness Test
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be aged between 16 and 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday). Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
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
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.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
| Age | BMI minimum | BMI maximum | Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment) | Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment) |
| 18 or over | 18 | 30 | 32 (waist circumference less than 94cm) | 32 (waist circumference less than 80cm) |
| 16 to 17 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
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.
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.
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 (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth.
Residency
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.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
| Age | BMI minimum | BMI maximum | Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment) | Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment) |
| 18 or over | 18 | 30 | 32 (waist circumference less than 94cm) | 32 (waist circumference less than 80cm) |
| 16 to 17 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
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.
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.
Reserve role locations
"HR People Specialist allows opportunities for qualifications, competencies and travel that someone doesn’t necessarily acquire in civilian HR."
Gary (HR People Specialist)
CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION
TRAINING AND CAREER
WHY JOIN THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
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.
"Prior to becoming an HR People Specialist in the RAF, I was an admin assistant at a construction company and a retained firefighter. I wanted to be an HR People Specialist due to the many locations in the UK and overseas you can work in."
Ailsa (HR People Specialist)
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.