PEOPLE OPERATIONS People Operations CURRENTLY RECRUITING

In your role as People Operations 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.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,800+ + Benefits

Pay Until Completion Of Phase Two Training £21,400+ + Benefits

DAY RATE STARTS AT: £42.29 + Benefits

Earn up to £15,446.64 per year.

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grade A–C) in English Language and Maths. (Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and experience)
  • 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
  • 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

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Analysis and maths
  • Travelling the world

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grade A–C) in English Language and Maths. (Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and experience)
  • 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
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Analysis and maths

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland (Ex-Regular only)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon (No current vacancies)
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire (No current vacancies)
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside (No current vacancies)
614 Sqn, Cardiff,
2503 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire (Ex-Regular only)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Advising on and administering; pay and allowances; movements, travel and accommodation; performance appraisals.
  • Preparing RAF personnel for deployment to operations and military exercises and supporting them throughout, often deploying with and working alongside them.

Everyone in the RAF has an essential role to play in the timely and effective delivery of Air Power in defence of the UK and its interests on military operations worldwide and in support of the civilian population, in areas such as disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Your duties as a People Operations specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a Personnel team ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. You can expect to move assignments every few years and to work up close to flying operations on RAF bases and at other military locations in the UK and overseas, including alongside your counterparts in the other UK Armed Forces. You will have opportunities to volunteer for assignments in places such as the USA, Cyprus and with NATO forces in Europe.

Throughout your RAF career you will deploy for periods from a few days and up to six months to use your skills in an operational environment, in a Joint Headquarters, or as part of an Expeditionary Air Wing committed to operations in locations such as the Middle East and the Falkland Islands. You will find yourself delivering HR and personal support services on RAF Stations and squadrons operating the latest aircraft such as Voyager, Chinook, Typhoon and F35
Lightning II or, as a member of the Personnel and HR display support team with the Red Arrows. Furthermore, as you gain knowledge and experience, you will be ready to apply your specialist and broader military leadership and management skills to compete with your peers for promotion to higher ranks and employment opportunities which will bring greater responsibility and control of your own team.

You will be encouraged and supported continually to challenge yourself in a variety of roles such as RAF Instructor, where you will provide professional training to the next generation of Personnel specialists or as an RAF Career Manager where you will be responsible for advising on and managing the career progression of RAF personnel across the RAF.

You will also have the opportunity to work within the most senior environments of the RAF, Defence, NATO and in the Ministry of Defence (London) and in major RAF and Joint Headquarters in the UK and Europe.

Your duties as a People Operations specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a Personnel team ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. You can expect to move assignments every few years and to work up close to flying operations on RAF bases and at other military locations in the UK and overseas, including alongside your counterparts in the other UK Armed Forces. You will have opportunities to volunteer for assignments in places such as the USA, Cyprus and with NATO forces in Europe.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

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

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

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.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is an 8-week specialist training course at the Personnel Administration Training Wing, MOD Worthy Down in Hampshire, which is delivered through a blended mix of residential and non-residential elements. During the course, you will learn about Personnel and HR administration in the RAF and UK Armed Forces. You will be enrolled on a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration.

In recognition of the level of HR delivery and continuous professional HR training and development that the RAF provides in People Operations, it has been awarded 'People Development Partnership Status.' In achieving this status it recognised that the People Operations Profession provides funded opportunity to gain membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) based on your own career experience and knowledge.

More Details +

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, there will be opportunities to undertake further specialist training, including management and leadership courses, the majority of which will lead to various forms of
accreditation with external professional bodies. There are also opportunities to study at higher education and gain a degree and accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

For your first tour you can expect to be assigned within the new Human Resources Operating Model (HROM) which operates from RAF Brize Norton, Cosford, Cranwell, Leeming, Lossiemouth, Marham, Northolt and Waddington. Assignment to the HROM will facilitate completion of your HR Apprenticeship and will develop your specialist skills through a range of HR digital solutions. These skills will be invaluable in subsequent tours across the RAF and Joint Service environments, and in support of global RAF operations, training exercises and wider UK and overseas assignments.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

After completing one year’s total service, providing that you pass the Trade Ability Tests, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman/woman. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection and is based on a formal assessment of your performance and potential. As you advance through the ranks, you will have an increased opportunity to lead,
mentor and direct people and to manage RAF resources to optimise RAF delivery. In doing so, you will maintain and instil the highest standards expected within the RAF.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

RAF People Operations specialists may, over the course of their career, attain skills that are transferable to the civilian sector in specialisations such as Human Resources, Finance and Accounts Management and Training and Recruitment. The qualifications you can earn and experience you gain are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF. As you move up through the ranks you will gain a great deal of management and leadership experience which you will have the opportunity to develop into related civilian qualifications. We will give you the confidence to succeed in whatever you choose to do.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

 

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

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).

Be aged between 16 and 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday). Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months.

ALL APPLICANTS 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).

Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and/or experience.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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).

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 will be considered.

Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests 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 the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton on day one of your initial training. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

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
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

find a list of the approved subjects here

Waivers may be considered for professional qualifications and/or experience.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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).

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.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests 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 the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

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
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

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

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve