Health, Safety & Environment Adviser - South West Region RAF Air Cadets

About the Role

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), a volunteer military youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Air Force, is seeking a dedicated professional to assume the role of Health, Safety & Environment Adviser for the South West Region. This role involves offering expert advice, assurance, auditing, and training to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental management are maintained throughout the region.

The South West Region includes units in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands. The successful candidate will support regional headquarters, Wings, and Squadrons in enforcing MOD and RAFAC safety policies, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering continuous safety culture improvements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver professional health, safety, and environmental guidance to Regional Headquarters, Wings, and Squadrons.
• Assist Regional Commandant and Chief of Staff with implementation and oversight of level 3 risks using PARMIS and manage the Regional Risk Register.
• Serve as the chief adviser on health, safety, fire, and environmental issues to ensure adherence to RAFAC, RAF, and MOD policies.
• Design, coordinate, and execute the region’s assurance program including inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Support the Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) maintenance and implementation within RAFAC.
• Manage accident and incident investigations, reporting, and monitoring, including RIDDOR-reportable events.
• Analyze assurance outcomes and incident data to detect trends and suggest safety performance enhancements.
• Advise and support both permanent staff and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) in health and safety matters.
• Lead workplace and office health and safety initiatives across the region.
• Oversee building-related safety compliance, including fire safety protocols, risk assessments, inspections, and statutory requirements.
• Collaborate with RFCA, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, station authorities, landlords, and other partners to ensure safe training environments.
• Support Wings in recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteer Health & Safety Officers.
• Act as regional lead for Fire Safety and Radiation Safety.
• Deliver training and awareness programs on health, safety, and environmental protection for volunteers and staff.
• Assist in planning and assurance of major regional events, activities, and camps.
• Chair or support safety committees and working groups, preparing reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Represent South West Region at RAFAC and MOD meetings, workshops, and assurance activities.
• Monitor and disseminate updates on legislation, policies, and best practices relevant to the region.

Working Arrangements

This role is based primarily at MOD Boscombe Down with flexible working opportunities, but requires regular travel throughout the South West Region and attendance at Regional Headquarters at Le Marchant Barracks, Devizes, Wiltshire.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Organizational and planning proficiency.
• Experience in health and safety management, assurance, compliance, or auditing.
• Capability to interpret legislation, policy, and guidelines to provide practical advice.
• Experience preparing reports and presenting findings to senior stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general IT use.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple tasks.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally.

Desirable:

• Experience within MOD, Armed Forces, Cadet Forces, or the public sector.
• Background in environmental management.
• Training delivery experience.
• Familiarity with safety management systems and assurance frameworks.

Additional Requirements: Full UK driving licence is mandatory due to travel requirements. Flexible hybrid working may be considered, but 60% office presence is expected.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of 30,740 GBP plus Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension contribution of £8,905 (employer contribution 28.97%).
• Tailored learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working environment promoting inclusion and diversity.
• Free on-site parking.
• Reward and recognition schemes.
• Starting with 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years.
• 9 public and privilege holidays annually.
• At least 15 days of special leave annually for Reserve service commitments.
• Special paid leave for other volunteer duties.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Access to salary advance schemes for travel or cycle to work after 6 months’ service.

Additional Information

A six-month probation period applies for new Civil Service entrants. Relocation expenses are not provided. Travel expenses for interviews will not be reimbursed. Childcare vouchers are not available moving into MOD roles but eligibility for other government schemes can be explored. The MOD strictly enforces a smoke-free working environment policy.