601 Sqn XO

Subject to formal establishment a vacancy will arise for a Wg Cdr (Any Profession) to serve as XO 601 Sqn serving as part of the RAF UK Engagement Team within the Air Staff at MOD Whitehall on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS) with a start date of being not before 3rd January 2026.

The role is to work closely and collegiately with OC 601 Sqn (AVM Malcolm Brecht) the Sqn Command Team and Sqn Members as well as the Air Staff UK Engagement Team to develop the support that the Sqn provides to the RAF. As the only fulltime member of the Sqn the incumbent is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of the Sqn including but not limited to recruiting training A1 matters engagement and tasking. The Sqn comprises 72 members with a core of 32 Honorary Group Captains (mainly at CEO level) 11 VeRRs 7 of whom are at 1 and 2* and a growing cohort of nonuniformed Affiliates and an Alumni. The Sqn preforms a consultancy type role for the RAF by providing Advice Access and Advocacy at a strategic level for the RAF and wider Defence. 601 works largely as a virtual Sqn with a weekly and monthly battle rhythm of meetings which the ExO is responsible for organising. The post is also responsible for helping to facilitate RAF Affiliations with the City of London Livery Companies and helping to improve RAF links with the City by leveraging the networks of 601 members. The role requires someone with good organisational skills as well as a high level of tact and diplomacy to be able to work closely with senior captains of industry senior VeRRs and liaise with external bodies. The incumbent will be able to work from home if preferred but will be expected to spend at least 1 day a week in London at either MOD or attending London meetings. The Sqn also has a permanent office at RAF Northolt which is available and can accommodate meetings and training in small groups. Many Sqn events take place in London and as such the role will require someone within a reasonable commute to central London. HTD is payable for the post and the successful individual will be provided with a MOD laptop and iphone and an MOD Main Building Pass in order to facilitate flexible working.

Responsible for:

Day to day running of the Sqn including tasking and making connections for the HGCs.

The running of the 601 Sqn Partnering Scheme.

All aspects of recruiting.

Working collegiately with the Sqn Command Group (led by a parttime 2* OC with a parttime SO1 Engagement SO2 Support and WO Chief Clerk) to develop the support that the Sqn provides to the RAF.

Delegating for the OC as required.

Support to the Air Staff UK Engagement Team as required.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Experience of working with the RAF Reserves.
• Experience of working with CEOs and Industry/Commerce.
• An understanding of the City of London and its Livery Institutions.
• Have completed ICSC(Air)/IOD or ICSC(AR) and ACSC(R).

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post based principally on an applicants last 4 appraisal reports as required. Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Wg Cdr John Chappell

Tel:

Applications. Candidate applications with a maximum 2page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

Wg Cdr J I Chappell at

The closing date for applications is 13 April 2025 and interviews will be scheduled for late June or early Jul 25.

Pension Issues. Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www/guidance/pensionsandcompensationforveterans and MMP116 Reemployment. Of particular note is reference to the Effect of Reemployment on Commutation and for those leaving on a preserved pension the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS. Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements such as leave resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS.

Flexible Working Arrangements. In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager. Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1 and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT). Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave. Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces. Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS(LC) are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available at entitled rates if serving within the Air Command TLB. However due to a severe shortage it is unlikely that accommodation will be available at RAF Northolt.