Regional Air Officer England South West

A vacancy has arisen for an Air Commodore (Any Profession) to serve as Regional Air Officer South West (RAO SW) parented by RAF St Mawgan on Volunteer ex-Regular Reserve Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS) (90 days) with an initial proposed start date of 01 October 2026 (or earlier/later subject to candidate status).

RAO SW is the senior representative of the RAF within the South West region of England. Working from home or mobile at various RAF units within your appointed area as required. Your command and line management is to the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) through Assistant Chief of Air Staff (ACAS) Head Strategic Engagement (Hd SE) and supporting the Air Force Board Executive within your geographical region.

Position Responsibilities

• Establishing and maintaining close liaison with local government county councils local authorities community councils and civic officials including Lord Lieutenants and their deputies.
• Supporting Strategic Engagement Campaign Plans and delivery as required under direction from ACAS and Hd SE.
• Develop and execute a 4-year regional engagement strategy and annual campaign plan to cohere Air and Space-related activity within the region.
• Enhancing the public image of the RAF in-line with the Defence Mission and the RAF UK Engagement Strategy by ensuring appropriate governance of all major public and ceremonial events involving the RAF in the Region.
• Provide support where required to the RAF Recruitment & Selection University Air Squadrons and the RAF Air Cadets organisations with engagement activity to aid recruitment to both organisations via access to gatekeepers and specific regional access.
• Support the prosperity agenda by engagement with national and regional employers particularly within the Aerospace and Space industries.
• Act as the senior RAF representation at key events representing CAS and the RAF ELT as required.
• Establish and maintain close liaison with the regional RN Army and Reserve Forces and Cadet Association / Defence Relationship Management senior representatives.