Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

PEOPLE OPERATIONS People Operations Officer CURRENTLY RECRUITING

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

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During Initial Officer Training + Six Months £28,860+ + Benefits

Pay Six Months Post IOT £34,690+ + Benefits

Apply as a Regular


DAY RATE STARTS AT: £72.46 Depends on role, rank and experience

Starts at £26,466.84 per year

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 17.5 - 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language & Maths and three other subjects
  • At least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) 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 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C/4-5 or Mathematics and English Language SCE Standard Grades of 2 or SNE Grade 5 (Grades A-C).
  • 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 to minimum 12 years service
  • Meet the fitness and health criteria
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Analysis and maths
  • Gaming & Computers

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
  • Be qualified ex-military personnel
  • Have 2 A-levels or 3 Highers or equivalent, plus 5 GCSE/SCEs at Grade C/2 minimum or equivalent, including English language and maths.
  • 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
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Analysis and maths

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim (No current vacancies)
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside (No current vacancies)
614 Sqn, Cardiff, (No current vacancies)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide HR and welfare support to servicemen/women and their dependents
  • Oversee construction and maintenance on RAF stations
  • Manage media operations, including liaison with journalists in the UK and on overseas operations

The People Operations Officers are at the core of RAF capability, supporting our personnel and their families in order to achieve the RAF’s mission. The extensive range of capabilities delivered by this highly professional specialisation offers a rich and varied career. People Operations Officers have one of the most diverse portfolios of any branch in the Royal Air Force.

To ensure the Service operates at the cutting edge, there is a continuing need to provide the very best HR, welfare and morale support to our personnel. Our People Operations Officers are at the forefront of this work and continuously demonstrate a level of expertise which is both hugely impressive and greatly valued by the Service senior leadership.

People Operations Officers are engaged in a wide variety of roles in direct support of operations, both overseas and from the home base. That means you will find People Operations Officers leading and managing essential support services on permanent Royal Air Force bases, known as stations, and on operations around the world. Within your first few years you can expect to be detached overseas, for anything from a few days to several months.

To provide a fresh challenge and enable you to develop your skills you will normally change jobs, known as posts or appointments, every 3-5 years. People Operations Officers have worked in all the recent operational theatres, offering an essential service on combat operations and in support of the humanitarian effort by international organisations.

Typical roles include: Human Resource Management, Facilities and Estate Management, Accounting and Finance, Media and Communication, Welfare and Community Support to RAF Families and Recruiting and Selection.

The People Operations Officers are at the core of RAF capability, supporting our personnel and their families in order to achieve the RAF’s mission. The extensive range of capabilities delivered by this highly professional specialisation offers a rich and varied career. People Operations Officers have one of the most diverse portfolios of any branch in the Royal Air Force.

To ensure the Service operates at the cutting edge, there is a continuing need to provide the very best HR, welfare and morale support to our personnel. Our People Operations Officers are at the forefront of this work and continuously demonstrate a level of expertise which is both hugely impressive and greatly valued by the Service senior leadership.

People Operations Officers are engaged in a wide variety of roles in direct support of operations, both overseas and from the home base. That means you will find People Operations Officers leading and managing essential support services on permanent Royal Air Force bases, known as stations, and on operations around the world. Within your first few years you can expect to be detached overseas, for anything from a few days to several months.

To provide a fresh challenge and enable you to develop your skills you will normally change jobs, known as posts or appointments, every 3-5 years. People Operations Officers have worked in all the recent operational theatres, offering an essential service on combat operations and in support of the humanitarian effort by international organisations.

Typical roles include: Human Resource Management, Facilities and Estate Management, Accounting and Finance, Media and Communication, Welfare and Community Support to RAF Families and Recruiting and Selection.

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

INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING

RAF officers begin their career by completing Modular Initial Officer Training Course (M)IOT at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You will complete a challenging modular 24-week course, split into 4 distinct terms designed to develop your robustness, fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Following completion of (M)IOT you will be given your first assignment or holding assignment prior to your specialist professional training.

The People Operations Foundation Course for Officers’ (POFCO) is delivered using a blended approach, utilising Microsoft Teams to deliver remotely followed by a residential phase. The training is delivered by Officer and Technical Squadron (Air) at the Defence School of Personnel Administration, Worthy Down, near Winchester. The course is 3 weeks long and is followed by a number of additional role related modules. These subsequent professional training modules prepare personnel to deliver in specific roles within the People Operations profession.

POFCO is designed to provide induction training for officers of the People Operations profession. The training is scenario-based and covers the HR officer’s role on a RAF station and on operations, developing their knowledge and skills to support them in in their initial roles. On completion of the course, officers will have developed an understanding of all mainstream People Operations roles within the RAF and have the required initial skill set to undertake their first tour.

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 +

FOUNDATION TOUR

Your first tour will likely be as a Station Adjutant on a RAF station providing direct support to the Station Commander with the day-to-day running of the base, or as a Visits and Protocol Officer responsible for the organisation and management of Station visits, and high-profile public relation activities. In some cases, and depending on previous experience, you could be appointed to other military HR roles. During this and subsequent tours you could have the opportunity to deploy to almost any location worldwide as the officer with responsibility for personnel and financial matters supporting an operational or Exercise task.

YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS

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 later, during this time. Promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis after 3½ years from completing IOT. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

As part of the Personnel Branch, and subject to meeting current in-Service medical standards, and where appropriate suitability vetting requirements, military HR officers have extensive opportunities for further professional development throughout your career. You will be able to choose to develop your qualifications which recognise your transferable skills through accreditation of your training and experience against a range of Higher Education qualifications from Foundation Degree level to Masters. Furthermore, the RAF will encourage you to develop your leadership and management skills through a series of residential and distance-learning courses that are common to all officer branches. Much of the training you will receive is accredited or recognised by a wide range of professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The skills and experience you gain throughout your career could provide entry routes for a number of civilian jobs, including: consultant, project manager, change manager, university administrator, bursar, human resource manager, school business manager, facilities manager, marketing and media consultant and roles within the financial sector.

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:

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 17.5 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

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
Three other subjects C Grade 4 Grade 5

You must also have:

At least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) 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 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C/4-5 or Mathematics and English Language SCE Standard Grades of 2 or SNE Grade 5 (Grades A-C).

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

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 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 Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. 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/PRTC 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 Familiarisation Visit Fitness Test here:

RAF Fam Visit 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

You must have 2 A-levels or 3 Highers or equivalent, plus 5 GCSE/SCEs at Grade C/2 minimum or equivalent, including English language and maths.

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

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 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

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