Job Description

Currently recruiting


Helping people Travelling the world


INITIAL ANNUAL PAY

26,300+

+ BENEFITS

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.




Add to favourites


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?


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

Meet RAF HR People Specialist Masi

Follow Masi as she shows you what a day in the life of an RAF HR People Specialist looks like and what her job as a full-time Regular involves.
Education


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. If you join without the desired qualifications, then we will provide a course in Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths in Phase 1 Training. This will need to be completed to proceed to Phase 2 Training.


Requirements


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 View all details in the Entry Requirements section below.


Apprenticeships


The People Specialisation is currently re-designing its Apprenticeship scheme and is not currently able to offer an Apprenticeship to new entrants. However, it is expected that new entrants will be offered the opportunity to gain a Foundation Certificate in People Practice by undertaking a CIPD Level 3 qualification.
"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

& EDUCATIONAt 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
Basic Recruit Training


10 weeks
RAF Halton
You'll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
02


Phase two training
Specialist training


8 weeks
Worthy Down
The next step is an 8-week specialist training course at the Personnel Administration Training Wing, at the Defence School of Logistics and Administration (DSLA) Worthy Down in Hampshire.
Read more
03


First tour
Specialist training


Ongoing
As assigned
You will be assigned to one of the Human Resource Regional Centres.
Read more
04


Development opportunities
Ongoing training


Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, there will be opportunities to undertake further specialist training.
Read more
05


Career progression
Ongoing development


Ongoing
As assigned
After completing one year's total service, providing that you pass the Profession Workplace Assessments, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1).
Read more
06


Transferable skills
Ongoing development


Ongoing
As assigned
The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in civilian industry as they are in the RAF.
Read more

WHY JOIN

THE RAF?Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from 75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
Training
View all benefits


"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)

WHAT HAPPENS

AFTER APPLYINGJoining 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


Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6


The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you're a good fit for the role you're applying for. You'll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
2


Selection Interview
Stage 2 of 6


Here's where we get to know you a little better. You'll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we'll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life Education Work experience Special interests and hobbies Interest in the RAF Training The role you've applied for The RAF

You'll be asked a series of standard questions, and you'll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you'll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you'll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3


Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 6


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.
4


Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 6


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.
5


Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6


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.
6


Training
Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
Arrival - You'll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number General Service training - You'll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities Graduation - Learn about what's required in your first post and display your new skills




What next?

Now you're a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

ENTRY

REQUIREMENTSApplicants 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.
EDUCATION
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.

If you join without the desired qualifications, then we will provide a course in Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths in Phase 1 Training. This will need to be completed to proceed to Phase 2 Training.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don't have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

APPLY

NOWGot what it takes? Start your application here.